Ausangate Weather

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.

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.

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.

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

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!