Cusco in December: weather, rain, things to do and what to pack

The short answer: December is part of Cusco's rainy season. That does not mean all-day rain, and no seasonal average can predict the weather on your travel dates. Bring a rain layer, shoes with grip and an indoor backup plan. If you are in town on December 24, look out for the traditional Santuranticuy fair.

What the weather is like in December

Peru’s SENAMHI weather service places the region's wetter months between November and March, with January and February generally the rainiest. Conditions also vary with altitude: the city, a high mountain trail and the Sacred Valley may have different weather on the same day. Perú Travel likewise describes a rainy season in the Andes.

Expect the possibility of showers, mud and cloud, but do not read a climate pattern as a daily forecast. Check updated weather and access conditions a day or two before each outing. Leave room to move activities if conditions change.

Things to do in Cusco in December

Start in the historic center: the main square, nearby streets, Qorikancha and museums. Perú Travel highlights these cultural visits. Group nearby stops so you can step indoors if rain arrives. A slower route often works better than a day packed with long transfers.

San Pedro Market is a useful stop for local food and everyday city life. Perú Travel describes it as a central market near the main square. Our Cusco markets guide offers more ideas.

Christmas and Santuranticuy

The traditional Santurantikuy fair takes place in Cusco's main square on December 24. According to Perú Travel, artisans display nativity scenes, religious figures and other handmade pieces. Read our Santurantikuy visitor guide for more on the tradition.

The recurring date alone does not confirm 2026 opening hours, access or special events. Check the organizers' and municipality's latest notices close to your visit. Also confirm holiday hours with museums, restaurants and tour operators.

Planning day trips around rain

Keep your Sacred Valley, Maras and Moray or mountain hiking days adjustable. Ask your operator what happens if weather affects the route and check access before departure. Rain does not automatically cancel every tour, but a trail may be different from its dry-season condition.

Leave a buffer between trips, train rides and flights. If local advice points away from a hike, switch to a city culture day with museums, markets and nearby stops.

What to wear and pack

• Light rain jacket or poncho for walks and sudden showers.
• Closed shoes with grip for wet stone streets and paths.
• Layers you can add or remove as conditions change.
• Waterproof pouch for your phone, documents and camera.
• Sun protection and water for time outdoors at altitude, even under cloud.
• Dry spare clothes if you are taking day trips.

Pack for your actual route. A city visit does not require the same gear as a high-altitude trek; ask your operator whether poles, thermal layers or other equipment are needed.

A flexible three-day plan

Day 1: historic center, Qorikancha and an indoor visit. Day 2: Sacred Valley or Maras and Moray if weather and access allow. Day 3: market, museum and spare time; use it as a backup if yesterday's trip moves. This is a planning example, not a guaranteed tour schedule.

If you are still choosing dates, read our guide to Cusco in rainy season. If December is fixed, favor flexible bookings and confirm changing details near departure.

Sources and photographs

Reviewed November 4, 2026 using SENAMHI, Perú Travel: climate, Perú Travel: Cusco, Perú Travel: San Pedro Market and Perú Travel: Santuranticuy. The real archive photographs are already used on this site. The cover shows travelers at a cloudy Cusco viewpoint; none of the photos claims to show conditions in December 2026.