Visiting Peru’s Rainbow Mountain, known locally as Vinicunca is one of the most incredible experiences you can have in Cusco. With its surreal streaks of red, gold, turquoise and lavender colors stretching across the mountainside like a painting, it’s obvious why this destination has become a must-see for most travelers from all over the world.
In this article, we will give you an overview of the weather at Rainbow Mountain and help you choose the best time to visit depending on the season, keep reading for more info.
Weather at Peru’s Rainbow Mountain:
Understanding the weather month by month before traveling to Rainbow Mountain in Peru can help you plan the perfect trip. Here’s what each part of the year is usually like at over 5,000 meters (16,500 ft) above sea level:
May – Beginning of the dry season
May marks the transition from the rainy season to the dry season. You can expect mild daytime temperatures and cool mornings and nights, but the skies are usually clear which offers stunning views for incredible photos.
Advantages: Lush green landscapes after the rains, fewer tourists.
Disadvantages: It is quite cold during this season, it is advisable to bring gloves, a warm hat and a scarf to protect you from the cold.
June to August – Dry Season
This is the most popular time to visit Rainbow Mountain. Skies are blue for most of the day, rain is scarce and the colors of the mountain are vibrant and crisp.
Advantages: Best visibility, ideal for photography, coincides with some festivals such as Inti Raymi in Cusco.
Cons: It is high season, so expect many poeple, it is recommended to start early to beat the crowds. Also, nights can be chilly.
September – End of the dry season
The month of September still continues to offer good weather, but with fewer tourists. The days are warmer and the mountain colors are still vivid.
Pros: No many people during the visit, good light for photography.
Cons: Occasional showers may start to fall, (Not too bad).
October – Low Season
October is a transitional month. Although there are still clear mornings, showers are more frequent, especially in the afternoons.
Pros: Less people and moderate temperatures.
Cons: Muddy sections of the route and increased chance of rain.
November to March – Rainy season
This is the rainiest time of the year in Cusco. Rain, fog and even snow can affect visibility during your visit. Trails might be muddy and slippery due to the rains.
Pros: Fewer tourists and beautiful green scenery.
Cons: High risk of cloudy views, (no great pictures)
Travel tip: For the best weather and views, try to visit Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) between May and September. If you prefer less crowds and don’t mind a little rain, October may also be a good option to go to Rainbow Mountain. Avoid January and February if possible, as these are the rainiest months of the year.
Best Time to Visit:
Best time to visit June-July: Beautiful views and vivid colors, but lots of people
Balanced experience: May, September and October: good weather and fewer people.
Adventurers: Rainy season but visits can work just bring raincoats and expect some gray days; perfect if you prefer solitude.
Temperature Range & Weather Tips
Rainbow Mountain Temperatures by Seasons
Rainbow Mountain is more than 5,000 meters (16,500 feet) above sea level, which means that temperatures are cold the whole year round, especially in the early morning. Even during the sunny dry season, the air is thin and the sun can be intense.
Daytime highs: 5 °C-15 °C (41 °F-59 °F) in the dry season
Nighttime/Morning: -5 °C to 5 °C to 5 °C (23 °F-41 °F), cooler during June-July.
Precipitation:
- Almost nil during June-July.
- Occasional light showers in the summer months
- Frequent showers and possible snowfall in November-March
Best time of day
- 6 – 9 AM: Maximum visibility, soft light, minimum humidity.
- After noon: Clouds usually appear, reducing contrast and views.
Conclusions:
Rainbow Mountain is really impressive, but only if the weather is good. Since the mountain is over 5,000 meters, conditions can change rapidly during the dai, so it is important to know when is the best time to go. If you are looking for the most cloudless skies and brightest colors, the best time to visit is the dry season, from May to September; June and July offer the most reliable weather. If it is less crowded and conditions are still good, May and September are the best months. You can also visit in the rainy season, November to March, but expect some rain, poor visibility and the risk of missing your experience due to the bas weather during the day. Regardless of the season, it is essential to dress in several layers of clothing, start the hike early in the morning and spend a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to acclimatize. Planning for the weather can make the difference between a foggy disappointment and an unforgettable experience.
