Last updated: August 27, 2025
December in Cusco, Peru is marked by a cool and damp climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F). The average temperature hovers around 10°C (50°F), creating a crisp atmosphere as the rainy season takes hold. With 214 mm (8.4 in) of precipitation spread across 27 days, the city experiences a high humidity level of 93%, making the air feel even cooler. This combination of weather elements offers a unique charm to Cusco, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and vibrant culture amidst the lush, green landscapes.
In December, Cusco, Peru, experiences a mild transition into the summer months, with temperatures showcasing a pleasant range. The minimum lows sit around 2°C (36°F), while the average temperature climbs to a comfortable 10°C (50°F). Daytime highs can reach up to 19°C (67°F), making it a cozy time for exploration. Notably, December marks the end of the dry season, with temperatures steadily rising from the cooler months that precede it. This gentle warmth not only invites visitors to enjoy the vibrant local culture but also warms the breathtaking landscapes that frame this ancient city. Overall, December's climate is perfect for outdoor adventures, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the rich history and stunning vistas that Cusco has to offer.
In December, Cusco experiences a significant uptick in precipitation, measuring 214 mm (8.4 in) over approximately 27 days. This marks a shift from the drier months leading up to it, particularly May and June, when rainfall dips to a mere 30 mm and 15 mm, respectively. The wettest months are primarily January through February, but December stands out as a transitional period, bridging the end of the rainy season with its robust rainfall figures. As the year closes, the frequent showers transform the landscape, breathing life into the lush surroundings and adding to Cusco's enchanting charm during this wet yet vibrant time.
In December, Cusco, Peru experiences a significant spike in humidity, reaching 93% as the city transitions into the wet season. This increase follows a downward trend from the driest months of July and August, when humidity levels plummet to 55% and 44%, respectively. As the year draws to a close, the humidity begins to rise steadily, mirroring the lushness that characterizes the region during the summer months. This pattern of fluctuating humidity not only influences the climate but also enhances the vibrant natural beauty of Cusco, making it a captivating destination during the festive month of December. The return to high humidity levels, reminiscent of the lush, green landscapes in the preceding rainy months, offers a refreshing atmosphere for both locals and visitors alike.
In December, Cusco, Peru, reaches a striking UV Index of 22, categorizing it as extreme and maintaining a consistent burn time of just 10 minutes. This marks an upward trend from previous months, with the UV Index steadily increasing from 11 in June to this peak at year-end. Notably, December’s UV level follows a pattern of elevated indices from January to November, consistently falling within the extreme exposure category throughout the year. For those planning outdoor activities, it’s crucial to prioritize sun protection during this time; even brief exposure can lead to sunburn. To learn more about these levels and stay safe in the sun, visit Cusco UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As December arrives in Cusco, the city begins to transition from the sun-drenched days of summer, yet still enjoys a respectable 273 hours of sunshine. This month notably reflects a gradual decline from the peak sunlight of August with its impressive 340 hours, a time when the sun reigns supreme over the historical architecture and stunning landscapes. Following the vibrant hues of November's 276 hours, December's sunlight offers a softer glow that enhances the festive atmosphere of the holiday season. Although the daylight hours are fewer, Cusco's charm remains undiminished, inviting visitors to explore its rich culture and breathtaking surroundings under the warm yet dwindling rays of late-year sunshine.
As December rolls into Cusco, the chances of experiencing sunny weather remain modest, with only a 7% likelihood of sunshine. This low percentage reflects a trend seen throughout the latter part of the year, where the sun shines most consistently from May to July, boasting probabilities as high as 72% in July. While December doesn't offer much warmth in terms of sunshine, it does mark the transition towards the sunnier months ahead, following the brief dip in November with just a 5% chance. Thus, visitors should be prepared for the possibility of clouds while hoping for that elusive sun to peek through during their December adventures in this vibrant city.
In Cusco, Peru, December enjoys a generous 12 hours of daylight, mirroring the consistent daylight experienced from January through November. This trend highlights a unique aspect of Cusco's climate, where, despite the proximity to the southern hemisphere's summer, daylight remains relatively stable throughout the year. From April to August, daylight dips to 11 hours, creating a subtle shift that marks the dry season. However, as September rolls in, the daylight duration gradually returns to its baseline, offering plenty of time for exploration and adventure under the Andean sun.
December in Cusco, Peru, sees a gentle breeze with an average wind speed of 1.1 m/s (2 mph), mirroring the calmness typical in the preceding months. The wind patterns throughout the year exhibit a subtle consistency, fluctuating only slightly between 1.0 and 1.3 m/s. Notably, the breeziest months tend to be in July and August, when averages peak at 1.3 m/s (3 mph), enhancing the crispness of the winter air. As the year winds down in December, the refreshing gusts offer a soothing backdrop to the vibrant festivities of the season, reminding visitors and locals alike of the serene charm that defines this historic city.
Weather in Cusco varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Cusco, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In December, the weather is slightly milder with average temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 19°C (67°F). However, it also sees higher precipitation, totaling 214 mm (8.4 in) over 27 days, contributing to a humidity level of 93%. In contrast, January experiences a marginally cooler average temperature of 9°C (49°F), with a similar maximum of 19°C (66°F). Precipitation decreases to 170 mm (6.7 in) across 23 days, while humidity remains high at 94%. For more details on January's weather, you can check Cusco weather in January.
December and February in Cusco exhibit quite similar temperature ranges, with both months seeing averages around 10°C (50°F) and maximums reaching up to 19°C (67°F). However, December's minimum temperature slightly dips to 2°C (36°F), while February experiences a marginally higher low of 3°C (37°F). Precipitation is higher in February, with 230 mm (9.1 in) compared to December's 214 mm (8.4 in), although both months share the same number of rainy days at 27. Humidity remains quite high in both months, with December at 93% and February just slightly lower at 92%. For more detailed weather conditions, check out Cusco weather in February.
In December, weather in Cusco is characterized by a slightly warmer average temperature range, with highs reaching up to 19°C (67°F) and a minimum of 2°C (36°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 214 mm (8.4 in) over 27 days, paired with high humidity at 93%. In contrast, March presents similar high temperatures but a slightly cooler average of 9°C (49°F) and a minimum of 3°C (38°F). Rainfall is also lower in March, with a total of 180 mm (7.1 in) across the same number of rainy days, while humidity remains at a comparable level of 92%. For more details on Cusco's weather during this month, you can visit Cusco weather in March.
In December, temperatures in Cusco range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F), with an average temperature of 10°C (50°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 214 mm (8.4 in) over 27 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 93%. In contrast, April sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 1°C (35°F) and a maximum of 18°C (64°F), averaging around 9°C (49°F). Precipitation drops to 90 mm (3.5 in) over 20 days, and humidity remains relatively high at 90%. For more detailed information on weather conditions in April, you can visit Cusco weather in April.
December and May offer contrasting weather conditions, highlighting the shift from late autumn to early summer. In December, temperatures in Cusco range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F), with an average of 10°C (50°F). This month is characterized by substantial rainfall, with 214 mm (8.4 in) falling over 27 days, leading to high humidity levels around 93%. In contrast, May sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 17°C (63°F), averaging 9°C (48°F). Precipitation drops significantly to just 30 mm (1.2 in) over 10 days, and humidity decreases to 88%. For those interested in more details about the weather in May, here is a comprehensive link: Cusco weather in May.
December and June showcase contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F), with an average of 10°C (50°F). The month is marked by significant precipitation, with 214 mm (8.4 in) spread over 27 days, paired with high humidity at 93%. In contrast, June experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and a maximum of 18°C (65°F), averaging 9°C (48°F). Additionally, June is much drier, with only 15 mm (0.6 in) of rainfall over just 3 days and a lower humidity level of 77%. For more details, you can check Cusco weather in June.
In December, Cusco experiences a mild climate with temperatures averaging around 10°C (50°F) and ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F). This month is characterized by high humidity at 93% and significant precipitation, receiving about 214 mm (8.4 in) over approximately 27 days. In contrast, July sees cooler temperatures with a lower average of 8°C (47°F), and a minimum of -2°C (29°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F). July is much drier, with only 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain falling over just 4 days, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 55%. For more details, check out Cusco weather in July.
The weather in December and August shows significant differences in temperature and precipitation. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F), with an average of 10°C (50°F). This month is marked by high humidity at 93% and considerable precipitation, totaling 214 mm (8.4 in) over 27 days, indicating a wet season. In contrast, August experiences lower temperatures, with a minimum of -3°C (28°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F), averaging around 9°C (48°F). The month is much drier, receiving only 21 mm (0.8 in) of rainfall over 7 days, accompanied by a moderate humidity level of 44%. For more detailed weather insights, you can explore Cusco weather in August.
In comparing the weather between December and September, December presents milder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F), with a higher average of 10°C (50°F). In contrast, September sees cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F) and a maximum of 21°C (70°F), while maintaining a similar average of 10°C (49°F). Notably, December experiences significantly more precipitation, with 214 mm (8.4 in) over 27 days, compared to September's lighter rainfall of only 34 mm (1.3 in) across 11 days. Additionally, humidity in December is quite high at 93%, compared to a more comfortable 51% in September. For more details on the weather during this month, you can check Cusco weather in September.
The weather in December tends to be milder compared to October, with average temperatures remaining the same at around 10°C (50°F), but December experiences a slightly higher maximum temperature of 19°C (67°F) compared to October's maximum of 21°C (69°F). However, December is significantly wetter, with 214 mm (8.4 in) of precipitation over 27 days, in contrast to October's 86 mm (3.4 in) over 18 days. Additionally, December boasts much higher humidity levels at 93%, compared to October's 64%. For a detailed look at the weather specifics, you can visit Cusco weather in October.
In December, temperatures slightly decrease compared to November, with minimums around 2°C (36°F) and maximums reaching 19°C (67°F), while November sees a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and a higher maximum of 21°C (70°F). Precipitation significantly increases in December, totaling 214 mm (8.4 in) spread over 27 days, compared to November's 128 mm (5.0 in) over 24 days. Additionally, December has higher humidity levels at 93%, compared to November's 84%. For a deeper insight into November weather, you can visit Cusco weather in November.
As December rolls into Cusco, the weather takes on a unique character compared to earlier months. With the maximum temperatures hovering around 19°C and chilly nights dipping to 2°C, visitors can expect a blend of warm afternoons and brisk evenings. The month is notably marked by its high humidity levels and frequent rain, with nearly 27 days of precipitation contributing to a total of 214 mm. This wetter climate differentiates December from the typically drier months, inviting visitors to enjoy the lush, green landscapes that flourish during this season. For a more comprehensive understanding of what to expect year-round, check out the detailed Cusco Climate.