Cusco, Peru: vitamin D, best months and travel guide
Former Inca capital, high in the Andes. Best for: history fans, trekkers.
Cusco gives little vitamin D from the sun in any month for skin type III at age 30. Too cool all year.
Cusco month by month
| Month | Rating | Sun window | Peak UV | Full dose, age 30 | Afternoon high | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Too cold | 7.6 h | 9.3 | 6 min | 18°C | 22/30 |
| February | Too cold | 7.5 h | 9.1 | 6 min | 17°C | 25/30 |
| March | Too cold | 6.9 h | 8.6 | 6 min | 18°C | 20/30 |
| April | Too cold | 7.3 h | 8.7 | 6 min | 18°C | 13/30 |
| May | Too cold | 7.1 h | 7.9 | 7 min | 19°C | 7/30 |
| June | Too cold | 7.0 h | 7.0 | 8 min | 19°C | 1/30 |
| July | Too cold | 7.7 h | 7.8 | 7 min | 19°C | 0/30 |
| August | Too cold | 8.0 h | 8.8 | 6 min | 20°C | 1/30 |
| September | Too cold | 8.3 h | 9.3 | 6 min | 20°C | 4/30 |
| October | Too cold | 8.5 h | 10.1 | 5 min | 19°C | 15/30 |
| November | Too cold | 7.9 h | 9.2 | 6 min | 18°C | 27/30 |
| December | Too cold | 8.2 h | 9.3 | 6 min | 18°C | 24/30 |
Sun window is the number of hours a day with UV Index 2.5 or higher. Full dose is the minutes at midday for about 1,000 IU of vitamin D with a quarter of the body bare, for skin type III. Rainy days are days with at least 1 mm out of 30.
What to expect in Cusco
Former Inca capital, high in the Andes. The north coast is warm and sunny from December to April. Lima is mostly grey and cool from May to November. The Andes are cold at night and at altitude.
In Cusco afternoon highs average from 17°C in February to 20°C in September. The wettest month is November (about 27 rainy days out of 30) and the driest is July (0). Midday UV peaks at 10.1 in October, which is very strong, so protect your skin.
This place is inland, so it does not count towards the country rating.
More about Peru · Peru in September · Best places in September
Questions about Cusco
When is the best time to visit Cusco for vitamin D?
Cusco gives little vitamin D from the sun in any month for skin type III at age 30.
What is the weather like in Cusco?
Afternoon highs average from 17°C in February to 20°C in September. The wettest month is November, with about 27 rainy days out of 30.
Which months should I avoid in Cusco?
For a beach stay, avoid the months when it is too cool all year.