Cusco Weather in February

Rain shapes the day

February brings 156 mm of rain across 20 days, with 85% cloud cover and about two hours of sun daily. Highs reach 17°C and lows 7°C, the same high as January and March, but February is wetter than both. Keep Cusco's stone lanes, the Cathedral and the Museo Inka for spells of rain; save an outdoor visit to Sacsayhuamán for a clearer part of the day, when views over the city are more likely. Wet, muddy paths make long hikes and exposed mountain routes a poor bet, and afternoon showers can disrupt plans.

Carnival in the city

Carnaval brings local celebrations to Cusco in February, with music, dancing and water games in streets and plazas. It is a lively change from the quieter feel of the rainy-season low season, but expect splashing around central spots such as the Plaza de Armas. February is generally less crowded and often better value than the dry-season months from April to October; rain, rather than visitor numbers, is the main constraint. Carnaval can make the centre busier on celebration days.

A useful route check

The Inca Trail is closed in February for annual maintenance, so don't build a trek on that route into your Cusco plans. Machu Picchu can still be reached by train, but rain can make viewpoints and paths slippery. For a practical wet-weather alternative, try caldo de gallina or another warming soup in San Pedro Market, then visit the market's covered aisles while showers pass.