Rainbow Mountain Weather

What’s the Best Month to Go to Rainbow Mountain?

The best times to come to Rainbow Mountain throughout the year are April and May or September and October. There aren’t so many tourists during these months and the climate is usually very nice with little to no rain.

You might prefer to plan your trip about other events happening in the city of Cusco. In this case, June is the busiest month as it’s the anniversary of Cusco. There’s something happening daily and you’ll see lots of traditional dances and other festivities. There are more tourists, though.

Below, we take a closer look at the weather month-by-month in Rainbow Mountain and see when to expect the most rain and when the coldest time of year is to help you plan your trip.

Rainbow Mountain Rainy Season: What to Expect

Throughout the rainy period, the weather is a bit hit and miss and quite unpredictable. Showers are always to be expected, so it’s a great idea to take a rain poncho or jacket with you wherever you go, just in case. However, you’ll also find there are various days when it doesn’t rain and the skies are bright and sunny.

January and February are the wettest months, which means they’re also the quietest for tourism. The advantage of traveling at this time of year is that you can find many deals in the city for hotels, restaurants, and trips.

You’ll need to consider that if you do come during the wet season, the trail will be a little muddy and slippery. You need to bring some hiking boots with great grip. Now, let’s take a closer look at each month during the rainy season.

• November

  November is the first month of the rainy season, which means the landscapes are looking dry and not very green. At the start of the month, it might still be pretty dry, but as we near the end, the rain will have set in. The temperatures are still fairly pleasant, though.

• December

  This month is the start of summer, and it’s the time of year when most nationals begin to go on vacation. The temp is still relatively warm, but heavy rainfall is also on its way. This is a nice time of year to travel if you have the right waterproof gear.

• January

  The sun tends to hide behind the clouds quite a bit this month and the wet season is well and truly upon us. You’ll likely see a shower most days, but they don’t last too long. Once the sun shows its face, things dry up pretty quickly. The temperature is generally mild.

• February

  In February, the showers are getting heavier as the notoriously rainy month is here. Some routes don’t even open, like the Inca Trail. But Rainbow Mountain is operating. You just need to prepare yourself to get wet and use good footwear. Despite the heavy rainfall, the temperature is still pleasant.

• March

  The downpours continue in March, but you’ll also get to enjoy more breaks in the clouds and some sunshine. You’re still likely to get wet on your trip to Rainbow Mountain this month and it will be slippery underfoot.

• April

  The rain is finally starting to fade away this month as precipitation drops dramatically. We still consider this month the rainy season as you can experience the odd shower, but you’ll also enjoy lots of sun and nice temperatures.

Rainbow Mountain Dry Season: What to Expect

When the dry season arrives, most days at Rainbow Mountain will be sunny and you can expect some outstanding views of the landscape. However, this also means the start of the busy season and a lot more tourists visit. They come to take advantage of the climate.

If you come during these months, you should plan your trip in advance and book hotels and trips before you come, including Rainbow Mountain. Now, let’s take a more detailed look at each month during the dry season.

• May

  May is the official start of the dry season. You might experience a shower or two, but there isn’t much rain at all. The temperatures are nice and rainfall continues to drop. This is a great time of year to trek to Rainbow Mountain before large crowds arrive.

• June

  Throughout the year, June is the driest month and there’s very little rainfall. In fact, you might not see any at all when you visit this month. Tourist season is truly here now, though, so expect big crowds. No rain means a dry climate, which makes it very cold at night. This can cause the occasional snowfall, which sometimes covers the top of Rainbow Mountain.

• July

  This is the coldest month of the year, so there’s the risk of snow again on the mountain. However, you still get to enjoy pretty views, and sometimes there’s a wonderful sight of snow on one side of the mountain and the beautiful colors on the other. The sun is high in the sky and very strong this time of year, so protect yourself well. It’s another busy month with patriotic celebrations across Peru.

• August

  Winter in Peru is coming to a close this month, but the nights are still cold. The days are warming up again, though, and you should feel warm on the trek. Rainfall is low and you can look forward to some excellent views.

• September

  The temps are getting warmer and this is a lovely time to visit. Tourism is dying down a little and there’s still not a lot of rainfall. The days are warm, clear, and sunny and you only see the occasional shower here and there.

• October

  October is the warmest month of the year at Rainbow Mountain, although the temp doesn’t fluctuate a great deal all year. It’s a great time of year to beat large crowds and enjoy the weather and spectacular views. You might start to see a shower here and there.

What Is the Average Temperature of Rainbow Mountain?

Throughout the year, the temperature at Rainbow Mountain doesn’t change a huge amount. It ranges between 26.6°F to 62°F. The warmest months are October to December. Do keep in mind that right at the top of Vinicunca, once you’re standing still for a while, it will start to feel cold. You’re at a very high altitude.

What Is the Coldest Month in Rainbow Mountain?

The coldest month at Rainbow Mountain is July. The climate is very dry and this makes it get very cold at night. In the day, the temperature is much more pleasant, but you’ll feel the chill at the top of Rainbow Mountain as we visit in the morning.

Does the Weather in Rainbow Mountain Affect Flights?

There are no direct flights to Rainbow Mountain. You need to travel to Cusco. On the odd occasion, there is very heavy rainfall and your flight might get delayed or canceled. Don’t worry, though, as the airline will always find another flight for you to get to Cusco.

What to Pack When Visiting Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain is just a day trip from Cusco, so you don’t need to pack a lot. We recommend taking a 20L backpack with a few essentials. You’ll need to wear warm clothes in thin layers that you can take off or put on as you warm up or cool down.

Don’t forget to pack a rain jacket or lightweight poncho depending on the season to keep you dry. Make sure you wear worn-in hiking boots for comfort that have a good grip.

Pack the following in your backpack:

• Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen SPF 50+
• Warm hat and gloves
• Toilet paper
• Camera
• Passport
• Water bottle

Plan Your Trip Now

There you have it. Our ultimate guide to the weather at Rainbow Mountain. Armed with this info, you should find it easier to plan your trip and choose when to visit. You can see how the climate changes throughout the year and when to expect rain.

Between May and October, the weather is generally dry and you should get some great views of Vinicunca. June is the busiest month of the year, so keep that in mind. If you don’t like big crowds, you might want to come during the wet season. Make sure you bring waterproofs and decent hiking boots to avoid slips.

Whenever you choose to come, we’re sure you’ll have a wonderful time and be blown away by the wonderful views at Rainbow Mountain. The journey of a lifetime awaits you!