diff --git a/setup.py b/setup.py
index d25896ffb..d34569a64 100755
--- a/setup.py
+++ b/setup.py
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 from io import open
 from zappa import __version__
 
-with open('README.md') as readme_file:
+with open('README.md', encoding="UTF-8") as readme_file:
     long_description = readme_file.read()
 
 with open(os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), 'requirements.in')) as f: