Ausangate Weather

What Is the Best Month to Go to Ausangate?

There’s no one month that’s better than all the rest, but certain times of year trump the others. June and July are usually the most popular months for tours in Cusco due to the fact that it’s the middle of the dry season. There are also many festivities in the city this time of year.

However, the nights are also the coldest this time of year, so you might want to reconsider. May, September, and October are the best three months to avoid the freezing nights and also (hopefully) avoid the rain.

Below, we take a closer look at how the climate and weather change each month during the wet and dry seasons.

Ausangate Rainy Season: What to Expect

The rainy season is wet—as you would expect. The showers aren’t usually too heavy, though, and it very rarely rains all day.

If there’s one good bit of advice we could give you, it’s: always be prepared! The weather in this region is very unpredictable, so you never know when it’ll rain. It could be sunny one minute and then start pouring it down or even hailing the next.

For every trek you go on, you need to make sure you have a rain jacket or lightweight poncho.

The months when you’re most likely to experience showers are between December and February. These also happen to be the quietest months in Cusco, so this might be your idea of heaven if you prefer to avoid crowds. However, the Ausangate Trek is never really busy as such, so this doesn’t make much difference here.

Let’s delve into the month-by-month description during the wet season.

• November

  At the beginning of November, the landscape looks pretty dry because it hasn’t been raining for quite a few months. During this month, the showers will begin, although they’ll be a little sporadic and won’t happen every day. The temperature is relatively warm in the day with quite cold nights.

• December

  In the Cusco region, this is the start of summer. But remember, at Ausangate, you’re at a very high altitude and among the glaciers, so don’t expect it to get too hot. If the day is dry, you’ll feel warm in the sun. However, this is when the real downpours start, too. You’ll still be able to travel, though. Just take waterproofs, and you’ll be fine.

• January

  You might not see the sun so much this month as dark clouds are frequent in the skies. The amount of rainfall is increasing, but there’ll still be breaks in the cloud for the sun to shine through, which warms the area quickly. Heavier rainfall will make things a little colder overall this month.

• February

  Rainfall is still getting heavier in February, and during this month, a lot of the other trekking routes are closed, including the Inca Trail. This is because trails can get slippery, and they also carry out maintenance. If you decide to trek this month, you’ll find the climate rather cold due to showers and the sky quite cloudy. Make sure you’re prepared with plenty of rain gear and boots with a good grip.

• March

  This month is usually when it rains most during the entire year, so pack accordingly. The climate gets a little warmer in March. Be warned that the trail might still be slippery from all the showers.

• April

  Luckily, we’re coming to the end of the wet season now, and there’s a dramatic decrease in the amount of rainfall. However, the odd shower will still occur, which is why this month is included in the rainy season. Skies will be clearer to enjoy spectacular views, and during the day, you’ll be warm.

Ausangate Dry Season: What to Expect

The dry season brings with it plenty of sun and clear skies. You’re guaranteed some incredible views of the glistening snowy landscapes and crystalline lagoons. This does, however, draw more crowds to Cusco. But, as we’ve mentioned already, this trek is never overrun. To secure your spot, it’s always a good idea to book a bit in advance during this time of year.

• May

  At last, May marks the official beginning of the dry season in the Cusco region. Don’t be surprised if you still see a shower or two, but precipitation drops much lower than in previous months. Nights will still be cold, as they always are high up in the snowy mountains, but during the day, you should feel the warmth of the sun. We recommend this month to visit Cusco, as the big crowds don’t arrive quite yet.

• June

  This is the driest month of the year, and you’ll likely not see any rain. It’s also when tourist season really picks up, but you can avoid crowds on this off-the-beaten-path route. The nights are getting much colder, and you’ll need a high-quality sleeping bag to stay warm until morning. In the day, the sun will be strong.

• July

  Brrrr. This is the coldest time of the whole year, and the nights go well below 0°C. This doesn’t mean you’ll be chilly all day. The sun warms things up for the afternoon and is very strong—make sure you stay well-protected. July is usually very dry, but don’t be surprised by the occasional hailstorm.

• August

  Winter is coming to a close, but nights are still very cold. The days are getting warmer, and this month is known for being very windy. Rainfall is low, and you should experience some outstanding views of the Andean landscapes.

• September

  The nights aren’t quite as cold now, and you can expect the days to be beautiful with clear, sunny skies and warm temperatures. You might experience the odd shower here and there, but nothing major.

• October

  This is the warmest month of the year, and the weather is often clear and very pleasant. However, with the rainy season approaching, you’re a little more likely to get wet. This is the last month of the year to get the best views of the mountains.

What Is the Coldest Month in Ausangate

The coldest months of the year are June and July. These two are bang in the middle of the dry season, but the nights get extremely cold. If you venture out to trek in Ausangate during this time of year, you’ll need a warm sleeping bag and plenty of clothes for the evenings. However, you can still expect the days to be bright and warm when in the sun.

Does Weather Affect Flights?

You can’t fly directly to Ausangate. Instead, you have to fly into the city of Cusco. Flights generally run on time and don’t face any issues. However, during the rainy season, it occasionally rains very heavily, which can cause delays or canceled flights. Keep this in mind when traveling at this time of year.

What to Pack When Visiting Ausangate

As you can see, the climate can get pretty cold at this altitude, and you’ll need to ensure you stay warm at all times. You’ll also need to protect yourself from the sun as you’re much closer to the UV rays. We recommend the following when trekking to Ausangate:

• Many thin layers of clothing to take on and off as you warm up/cool down.
• Thick jacket.
• Gloves and a warm hat.
• Sunhat and sunglasses.
• SPF 50 or higher sunblock.
• Raincoat or lightweight waterproof poncho.
• Worn in hiking boots or shoes.
• Water bottle
• Backpack

Plan Your Trip Now

Now you understand the different seasons, and when to avoid the rain, it’s time to start planning your trip. Don’t forget to consider the rain and when it’s colder.

Also, please make use of our in-depth packing list to ensure you have every last essential needed for the trek to this incredible glacier in Cusco.

Enjoy your time in Ausangate!