The dry season in Cusco and Machu Picchu occurs roughly from April 1st to October 31st. As the name suggests, during these days there is less chance of rain. Even in May, June, July and August, it hardly rains at all, which makes hiking and sightseeing outdoors easier. At the Mountain of 7 Colors, located on a high peak at 5,200 meters above sea level, the climate is dry, with cold winds, but with clean mountains, without snow that prevents you from getting great photos of Vinicunca. Learn more!
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Geographic location of the Mountain of 7 Colors
The dry season in Cusco
In Cusco there are only two seasons a year: the rainy season and the dry season. The first occurs from November to March, when the rains are more intense. The second, from April to October, when the rains are less frequent.
The dry season, as its name suggests, is characterized by a lack of rain and humidity. During these days, rainfall is only 1.4 millimeters per day. The days are sunny with temperatures averaging between 23ºC and 19ºC. At night, the minimum temperature is between 0ºC and 5ºC on average.
These temperatures are on average in the city of Cusco, located at 3,399 meters above sea level. In other higher regions (such as Vinicunca) the temperature is more extreme. In other lower regions, such as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the temperatures are warmer.
The Mountain of 7 Colors in the dry season
The Mountain of 7 Colors, Vinicunca, is located at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level. Because of this, it has a cold climate, with strong winds and even light snow at certain times of the year.
The dry season at Vinicunca runs from April 1st to October 30th. During these days, the weather during the visit to the Mountain of 7 Colors is with little rain per day, in the months of June, July and August, it hardly rains. The maximum temperatures are 12ºC. and 9ºC. on average. The minimum temperatures are -5ºC. and 2ºC. on average.
In addition to the temperatures, due to the high geography of Vinicunca, the climate is one of strong icy winds, which requires protection against hands and face. Also, due to the little rain, the slopes of the mountain clearly show their colors, which does not happen on some days of the rainy season.
Dry season in Vinicunca: month by month
Learn more details about the dry season at Vinicunca month by month:
| Dry season | April | May | June | July | August | September | October |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperature | 9ºC. | 8ºC. | 4ºC. | 4ºC. | 5ºC. | 8ºC. | 9ºC. |
| Maximum temperature | 12ºC. | 11ºC. | 6ºC. | 6ºC. | 7ºC. | 11ºC. | 12ºC. |
| Minimum temperature | 4ºC. | 3ºC. | 0ºC. | 0ºC. | 1ºC. | 3ºC. | 4ºC. |
| Rains | 4 mm | 2 mm | 1 mm | 1 mm | 2 mm | 4 mm | 5 mm |
| Snow | 1 cm | 0 cm | 0 cm | 0 cm | 0 cm | 0 cm | 1 cm |
| Winds | 35 km/h | 40 km/h | 45 km/h | 45 km/h | 50 km/h | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
What to bring on a visit to Rainbow Mountain?
Questions and answers: Vinicunca and the Mountain of 7 Colors
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1) When is the dry season at Rainbow Mountain?
The dry season at Rainbow Mountain runs from April 1 to October 31 each year.
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2) What is the dry season like at the Rainbow Mountain?
The dry season, as its name suggests, is characterized by a lack of rain and humidity. During these days, rainfall amounts to only 1.4 millimeters per day.
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3) Is there snow on Rainbow Mountain during the dry season?
During the dry season on Rainbow Mountain, snow almost never falls, allowing you to appreciate the colorful slopes of the mountain.
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4) What clothes to wear when visiting the Rainbow Mountain during the dry season?
It is recommended to wear light clothing with a windbreaker and a thicker jacket or sweater to withstand the cold temperatures at the top of Vinicunca (temperatures of up to 0 degrees Celsius). During the hike to the mountain, the heat of the route allows you to take off your jacket, but once on the mountain, the wind is cold, which also requires gloves, a hat and whatever else you consider necessary.
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5) Is it dangerous to visit the Rainbow Mountain during the dry season?
No, visiting Vinicunca during the dry season is safe. The route is recommended for visitors of all ages except for older adults with heart problems (the altitude of more than 5,000 meters above sea level can cause agitation).
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6) What is the rain like during the dry season of the Mountain of 7 Colors?
During the dry season in Vinicunca, rainfall is very low, approximately 1.4 millimeters per day. This helps with outdoor excursions.
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7) What are the winds like during the dry season on Rainbow Mountain?
During the dry season in Vinicunca the winds are strong and cold so it is recommended to protect yourself with hats and gloves.
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8) What is the maximum temperature in the dry season at the Mountain of 7 Colors?
During the dry season, the maximum temperatures in Vinicunca are 12 degrees Celsius. It is recommended to protect yourself from the cold winds.
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9) What is the minimum temperature during the dry season at the Rainbow Mountain?
During the dry season, temperatures in Vinicunca are at least zero degrees Celsius.
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10) Can thunder occur during the dry season on Rainbow Mountain?
The chances of rain and thunder are very low during the dry season months in Vinicunca. However, it is recommended to wear a poncho in case of rain.