The Salkantay Route or Salkantay Trek does not maintain a constant altitude. The trek traverses various elevations, meaning the weather can vary significantly along the way. To help you better plan your trip, I’ll outline the altitudes of both the high and low zones you’ll pass through. Additionally, I’ll explain the weather conditions on the Salkantay Trek during the rainy and dry seasons.
Keep in mind that the temperatures listed are approximations, not exact figures. In the Cusco region, there can sometimes be a significant variation in climate from one day to the next.
Salkantay Trek Weather in Rainy Season
Salkantay Trek in December
In the high zones of the Salkantay Trek route, the weather in December is cold and humid, with maximum temperatures ranging from 46°F to 55°F (8°C to 13°C) and lows that can drop to 23°F to 32°F (-5°C to 0°C). Precipitation is moderate to heavy, mainly occurring in the afternoon as rain. The general conditions are cold, windy, and humid, with the possibility of snow at higher elevations.
In the low zones, temperatures remain warm and humid, with highs reaching 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) and lows around 46°F to 55°F (8°C to 13°C). Precipitation is also moderate to heavy, mainly occurring in the afternoon as rain. The overall conditions are warm and humid during the day and cool at night.
Give the rainy season a chance, but don’t forget to prepare properly.
Salkantay Trek in January
Temperatures in the high zones during January see a slight increase, with maximums ranging from 50°F to 59°F (10°C to 15°C) and lows between 27°F to 36°F (-3°C to 2°C). Precipitation is moderate, mainly occurring in the afternoon as rain. The general conditions are cold, windy, and humid, with the possibility of snow at higher elevations.
In the low zones, temperatures remain warm and humid, with highs reaching 71°F to 80°F (22°C to 27°C) and lows around 53°F to 62°F (12°C to 17°C). Precipitation is light to moderate, mainly occurring in the afternoon as rain. The overall conditions are warm and humid during the day and cool at night.
There are various trekking routes; take your time choosing the best one.
Salkantay Trek in February
Temperatures in the high zones during February see a slight increase, with maximums ranging from 53°F to 62°F (12°C to 17°C) and lows between 27°F to 36°F (-3°C to 2°C). Precipitation is light to moderate, mainly occurring in the afternoon as rain. The general conditions are cold, windy, and dry, with the possibility of snow at higher elevations.
In the low zones, temperatures remain warm and dry, with highs reaching 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C) and lows around 59°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C). Precipitation is light, mainly occurring towards the end of the month as rain. The overall conditions are warm and dry during the day and cool at night.
Salkantay Trek in March
Temperatures in the high zones during March slightly increase, with maximums ranging from 59°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C) and lows between 32°F to 41°F (0°C to 5°C). Precipitation is light, mainly occurring towards the end of the month as rain. The general conditions are cold in the morning, warm and dry during the day, with the possibility of snow at higher elevations.
In the low zones, temperatures remain warm and dry, with highs reaching 80°F to 89°F (27°C to 32°C) and lows around 62°F to 71°F (17°C to 22°C). Precipitation is light, mainly occurring towards the end of the month as rain. The overall conditions are warm and dry during the day and cool at night.
Note: During the rainy season, it’s crucial to be well-equipped with extra clothing and gear to make your trek along the Salkantay route more manageable. A rain poncho is essential, as are thermal garments, which will undoubtedly be necessary.
Salkantay Trek Weather in Dry Season
Salkantay Trek in May
In the high zones of the Salkantay Trek route, the weather in May is cold and dry, with maximum temperatures ranging from 59°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C) and lows that can drop to 32°F to 41°F (0°C to 5°C). Precipitation is scarce but can occur in the form of light to moderate showers, especially in the afternoon. The general conditions are cold in the morning, warm during the day, and dry.
In the low zones, the weather is warm and dry, with highs reaching 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C) and lows around 59°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C). Precipitation is also scarce, mainly occurring towards the end of the month. The overall conditions are warm and dry during the day and cool at night.
Whatever trekking route you choose, make sure to wear the right footwear.
Salkantay Trek in June
Temperatures in the high zones during June slightly increase, with maximums ranging from 62°F to 71°F (17°C to 22°C) and lows between 36°F to 45°F (2°C to 7°C). Precipitation remains scarce, mainly occurring in the form of light showers towards the end of the month. The general conditions are cold in the morning, warm during the day, and dry.
In the low zones, temperatures remain warm and dry, with highs reaching 80°F to 89°F (27°C to 32°C) and lows around 62°F to 71°F (17°C to 22°C). Precipitation remains scarce, mainly occurring towards the end of the month. The overall conditions are warm and dry during the day and cool at night.
Salkantay Trek in July
Temperatures in the high zones during July increase slightly again, with maximums ranging from 64°F to 73°F (18°C to 23°C) and lows between 37°F to 46°F (3°C to 8°C). Precipitation remains scarce, mainly occurring in the form of light showers towards the end of the month. The general conditions are cold in the morning, warm during the day, and dry.
In the low zones, temperatures remain warm and dry, with highs reaching 82°F to 91°F (28°C to 33°C) and lows around 64°F to 73°F (18°C to 23°C). Precipitation remains scarce, mainly occurring towards the end of the month. The overall conditions are warm and dry during the day and cool at night.
The dry season is one of the best times to travel. So, don’t miss it!
Salkantay Trek in August
Temperatures in the high zones during August slightly increase, with maximums ranging from 66°F to 75°F (19°C to 24°C) and lows between 39°F to 48°F (4°C to 9°C). Precipitation remains scarce, mainly occurring in the form of light showers towards the end of the month. The general conditions are cold in the morning, warm during the day, and dry.
In the low zones, temperatures remain warm and dry, with highs reaching 84°F to 93°F (29°C to 34°C) and lows around 66°F to 75°F (19°C to 24°C). Precipitation remains scarce, mainly occurring towards the end of the month. The overall conditions are warm and dry during the day and cool at night.
Salkantay Trek in September
Temperatures in the high zones during September slightly decrease, with maximums ranging from 62°F to 71°F (17°C to 22°C) and lows between 36°F to 45°F (2°C to 7°C). Precipitation remains scarce, mainly occurring in the form of light showers towards the end of the month. The general conditions are cold in the morning, warm during the day, and dry.
In the low zones, temperatures remain warm and dry, with highs reaching 80°F to 89°F (27°C to 32°C) and lows around 62°F to 71°F (17°C to 22°C). Precipitation remains scarce, mainly occurring towards the end of the month.
Salkantay Trek in October
Temperatures in the high zones during October are similar to those in September, with maximums ranging from 64°F to 73°F (18°C to 23°C) and lows between 37°F to 46°F (3°C to 8°C). Precipitation begins to slightly increase, with occasional afternoon showers. The general conditions are cold in the morning, warm during the day, and moderately dry.
In the low zones, temperatures remain warm, with highs reaching 82°F to 91°F (28°C to 33°C) and lows around 64°F to 73°F (18°C to 23°C). Precipitation is moderate, with the possibility of light showers in the afternoon. The overall conditions are warm during the day and cool at night.
Note: Considering the need to wear thermal clothing during this time, it’s also important to bring sun protection gear. Additionally, I recommend taking advantage of the season to participate in relevant Cusco events before or after completing the Salkantay Trek route.
Transition Season on the Salkantay Trek
Salkantay Trek in April
April marks the beginning of the dry season. Rain becomes less frequent (average precipitation of 50 mm), and the days are sunnier. Temperatures are pleasant during the day, 64°F to 73°F (18°C to 23°C), and cold at night, 37°F to 46°F (3°C to 8°C). This is a good month to do the Salkantay Trek as the weather is more favorable.
Salkantay Trek in November
November is still a good month to do the Salkantay Trek. The days are sunny with little chance of rain (average precipitation of 25 mm), and the nights are cold, 37°F to 46°F (3°C to 8°C). It’s an ideal month to enjoy the trek with fewer crowds.
When is the Best Time to Do the Salkantay Trek?
The general consensus is that the best time to do the Salkantay Trek is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During these months, the weather in the high zones is generally cold and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from 59°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C) and nighttime lows that can drop to 32°F to 48°F (0°C to 9°C). Rainfall is scarce, meaning there’s less risk of rain, providing better conditions for enjoying panoramic views and stunning landscapes without the discomfort of slippery trails or flooding.
The month of August is particularly favorable, as temperatures are slightly warmer yet still cool (August is the windy month in Cusco) compared to the other dry season months, making the trek more comfortable. Additionally, visibility is excellent, allowing you to fully enjoy the mountainous landscapes and the surrounding flora and fauna.
Although it’s not the most popular season, doing the Salkantay Trek during the rainy season, from December to March, offers a unique and rewarding experience. The vegetation is at its peak, and there are fewer tourists, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature. It’s crucial to be well-prepared: bring waterproof and thermal clothing, and consider doing the trek with a reputable agency for added safety. With the right gear, you can enjoy an unforgettable trek in a vibrant, lush landscape.
On the other hand, if you prefer to avoid crowds and still enjoy relatively dry weather, April and November, the transition months, are also good options. These months mark the transition season, where rain is sporadic, and daytime temperatures are pleasant. However, it’s important to be prepared for occasional showers.
Note: During these months, sporadic rains occur. One marks the end of the rainy season, while the other marks the end of the dry season. If you plan to travel during these months, don’t worry about the rain as it will be minimal or nearly nonexistent.
Written by: AdminGustavo
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