The Rainbow Mountain is open to visitors every day of the year. Any day is a good opportunity to appreciate this special landscape of mountain slopes of various colors. This is the second most visited tourist attraction in Cusco, after Machu Picchu. However, not every day is the same. The Andean geography of Cusco has two seasons a year: the dry season (from April to October) and the rainy season (from November to March). As its name suggests, the latter is characterized by rains that can occur at any time of the day. Learn more about the rainy season in Cusco and the Rainbow Mountain!
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The walking route to the Mountain of 7 Colors
The rainy season in Cusco
There are two seasons in the Cusco region and throughout the Andes Mountains: the dry season (from April to October) and the rainy season (from November to March).
The rainy season is characterized by the presence of rain and humidity, especially in the months of January, February and March. During these days, the rainfall is 40 mm per day on average. Rain can occur at any time of the day.
The opposite of the rainy season is the dry season. During these months of the year, the sky is clearer. Although rain can occur at any time of the day, it usually rains very little during the day, which makes outdoor excursions easier.
Rainfall in the Cusco region varies depending on the altitude where it is located. For example, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, in the city of Cusco, in Machu Picchu or in the Mountain of 7 Colors.
The rainy season in Vinicunca
Vinicunca is located at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level. At this altitude the climate is extreme, with low temperatures, especially at night, and strong winds coming from the Ausangate snow-capped mountain, the highest in Cusco (at 6,384 meters above sea level).
The rainy season on Rainbow Mountain runs from November 1st to March 31st of each year. During these days, the weather is characterized by the highest chance of rain, especially in the months of January, February and March. During the rainy season, the maximum temperature reaches 14ºC. The average daytime temperature is 12ºC. On the other hand, the minimum temperatures drop to 2ºC. Nighttime temperatures average 4ºC.
The tourist visit takes place in the mornings, between 6 am and 1 pm. At that time the weather in Vinicunca is characterized by strong winds (approximately 40 kilometers per hour) and moderate cold (between 4ºC and 14ºC). Due to the rains, the mountain can be covered in snow at dawn, which prevents the visualization of its color tones.
In any case, it is recommended to bring gloves, a hat, thermal pants, a windbreaker and an additional jacket to protect yourself from the intense climate of Vinicunca.
Rainy season in Vinicunca: this is how it is month by month
Learn more details about the rainy season at Vinicunca month by month:
| Rainy season | November | December | January | February | March |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperature | 10ºC. | 10ºC. | 9ºC. | 8ºC. | 9ºC. |
| Maximum temperature | 14ºC. | 13ºC. | 13ºC. | 12ºC. | 13ºC. |
| Minimum temperature | 6ºC. | 6ºC. | 3ºC. | 3ºC. | 4ºC. |
| Rains | 60 mm | 70 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm | 110 mm |
| Snow | 1 cm | 2 cm | 3 cm | 3 cm | 2 cm |
| Winds | 15 km/h | 12 km/h | 10 km/h | 8 km/h | 8 km/h |
When is the best time to visit Rainbow Mountain?
Questions and answers: rainy season in Vinicunca
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1) What are the rainy season months at Rainbow Mountain?
From November 1 to March 31, rain is more constant throughout the Cusco region and the Mountain of 7 Colors, which is why it is considered the rainy season.
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2) What are the characteristics of the rainy season in Cusco?
The rainy season in Cusco is characterized by more constant rainfall, especially in the months of January, February and March. These can occur almost daily intermittently, with rainfall of up to 130 mm.
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3) Is there snow on Rainbow Mountain during the rainy season?
Yes, snow can occur on the highest mountains in Cusco, such as on Vinicunca (at 5,200 meters above sea level). This snow can cover the colors of this famous mountain.
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4) What clothes to wear when visiting the Rainbow Mountain during the rainy season?
If you visit Vinicunca during the rainy 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 4 degrees Celsius). Of course, you should not forget a rain poncho, as well as trekking shoes, suitable for negotiating the muddy paths.
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5) Is it dangerous to visit the Rainbow Mountain during the rainy season?
The rainy season is characterized by rains, which are not a danger except for the muddy roads in some sections of the route. However, this adventure is not recommended for older adults in poor physical condition, especially those with heart problems.
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6) What to bring to protect yourself from the rain on the Rainbow Mountain?
It is recommended to bring a rain poncho. Strong winds prevent the carrying of an umbrella. Trekking shoes and thick socks are also necessary.
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7) What are the winds like during the rainy season in Vinicunca?
The Rainbow Mountain is characterized by strong winds. During the rainy season, these can reach 15 kilometers per hour.
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8) What is the best time of year to visit the Rainbow Mountain?
Any day of the year is a good day to visit the Rainbow Mountain. According to experts, the best months to visit are May, June, July, August, September and October.
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9) What is the minimum temperature on rainy season days at Vinicunca?
During the rainy season, the minimum temperature is 3 degrees Celsius at night and early morning.
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10) Can thunder and lightning occur during the rainy season at Rainbow Mountain?
Yes, lightning and thunder are more frequent, mainly in the months of January, February and March.