diff --git a/.travis.yml b/.travis.yml
index eb98a657b27064..fed0052b54a6e0 100644
--- a/.travis.yml
+++ b/.travis.yml
@@ -23,6 +23,9 @@ matrix:
       # compiler here and the other to run the coverage build. Clang is preferred
       # in this instance for its better error messages.
       env: TESTING=cpython
+      before_install:
+        # work around https://github.com/travis-ci/travis-ci/issues/8363
+        - pyenv global system 3.5
     - os: osx
       language: c
       compiler: clang