Quito or Cusco in August?
On climate data, Quito comes out ahead overall in August. See the per-criterion details below.
QuitoPhoto: David Adam Kess · CC BY-SA 4.0
CuscoPhoto: Laslovarga · CC BY-SA 4.0Key figures in August
| Criterion | Quito | Cusco |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 25 °C | 16 °C |
| Average daily low | 12 °C | 3 °C |
| Rainy days | 7 rainy days (est.) | 2 rainy days (est.) ★ |
| Sun | 5 h/day | 6 h/day ★ |
| Humidity | 75 % | 72 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Quito is about 9 °C warmer by day.
- Cusco is drier, with about 6 fewer rainy days.
Quito or Cusco in August: the short answer
In August, Quito comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Quito 86/100 vs Cusco 74/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on August as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Quito averages a climate score of 65/100, Cusco 58/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in August, side by side
The average daily high is about 25 °C in Quito and 16 °C in Cusco — warmer in Quito. Average daily lows are around 12 °C versus 3 °C.
On rain, Quito sees about 7 rainy days in August and Cusco about 2 — drier in Cusco. Cusco gets more sunshine (5 vs 6 hours a day).
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Quito records roughly 226 rainy days and Cusco about 121 — the drier of the two overall is Cusco. At their sunniest, Quito reaches about 5 hours of sun a day (April) and Cusco about 7 (November). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Quito is at its best in June, July, August and September, while Cusco peaks in June, July, August and September. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the August scores for each travel style:
City breaks: Quito scores higher in August (Quito 91 vs Cusco 84).
Active & hiking: Cusco scores higher in August (Quito 76 vs Cusco 87).
Family: Quito scores higher in August (Quito 91 vs Cusco 56).
Verdict: which should you pick?
There is no single winner — it depends on your month and your priority. For August specifically, use the head-to-head above; over the year, Quito carries the slightly higher overall climate score. Choose Quito if its strong months and profile match your plan, Cusco if its do. The month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.