Maybe we got lucky, but on our trip to Cusco Peru, weather in November wasn’t bad at all!
When we planned to visit Cusco, Peru for three weeks (itinerary here) in November 2025, we weren’t sure we made the right choice. Rainy season in the Andes hits HARD, and we were worried we’d be trekking through pouring rain.
It’s not like we had much choice. The only two feasible times of year for us to request that much time off work are November and February, but we knew February was probably the wettest month to visit all year. Besides, we weren’t at all interested in visiting during peak season.
Regardless, we managed to go white water rafting in Ollantaytambo, complete the Salkantay Trek, and spend a week in the Amazon— none of which were ruined by the weather.
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How much did it actually rain in Cusco in November 2025?
Although most days in Cusco showed rain in the forecast, I’d say it rained every other day or so, but it was usually scattered showers and thunderstorms.
At 11,000 feet in Cusco Peru, weather deteriorates quickly but often passes just as quickly. We were usually able to work around it pretty easily and it really didn’t affect our trip that much. Only once did we have to wait out an hour-long hail storm!
That being said, we definitely got caught in the rain a few times and were very thankful for our waterproof rain shells, rain pants, and waterproof hiking boots. Without them, the rain would have been a nightmare.
Instead, I think back fondly to the three hours of rain dripping down my face as we motored upriver in Manu National Park (the swollen river actually made the trip quicker!) and the relaxing pitter patter of raindrops on the elephant ear leaves as we trekked through the mud to Llactapata overlooking Machu Picchu on the Salkantay Trek.
Though sometimes inconvenient, rain gave us memorable moments we would not have had otherwise. I doubt the peak season travelers got the chance to take their pants off and wade through a waist-deep stream at 3am in the Amazon, but it’s definitely something I’ll never forget.
What to Pack for Cusco Peru Weather in November
A few items we now deem essential after three somewhat rainy weeks in Cusco include:
- Waterproof rain jacket or shell (sometimes it’s pretty warm)
- Waterproof rain pants
- Waterproof hiking boots (Goretex or similar)
- Travel towel
- Rain shell for each backpack
- A few spare kitchen trash bags for clothes (bringing them to a laundromat, etc.) or for keeping sleeping bags dry in transit
Like I said before, these items turned a potential disaster into a minor inconvenience. In Cusco Peru, water in November can be unpredictable, but being prepared makes all the difference.
Would I visit Cusco in November again?
Absolutely!
Nothing on this past trip made me reconsider traveling to Cusco in November. We completed everything as planned, albeit with a few extra surprises thrown in.
Would we have had nicer weather in July or August? Yes for sure, but we would have been surrounded by even bigger crowds everywhere too, which would ruin our experience way more than rain ever could.
Obviously, this is all my personal experience and every year is different, but I wouldn’t let weather in Cusco Peru dissuade you from planning an epic trip in November!
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