Visiting Cusco in May is one of the smartest choices a traveler can make. May marks the true beginning of the dry season in the Peruvian Andes, bringing clear blue skies, warm sunny days, fresh green mountains, and perfect conditions for hiking, exploring archaeological sites, and visiting Machu Picchu. It is also the month before peak tourist season begins, which means you’ll enjoy incredible weather without the massive crowds of June, July, or August.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about weather, crowds, Machu Picchu tickets, trekking conditions, what to pack, best tours, tips, and more. If you're planning your trip for 2025 or 2026, May should be at the top of your list.
Let’s dive into the definitive travel guide for Cusco in May.
Cusco in May is characterized by:
May is also one of the most stable months in terms of weather. Rainfall is extremely low, winds are mild, and the atmosphere feels crisp and clean after the rainy season. Travelers consistently rank May as one of the top months of the year to visit Cusco.
If you want reliable weather without extreme tourist saturation, May is your month.
Weather is one of the main reasons May is so popular. Let’s break it down.
Days are warm and sunny, making it ideal for tours and hikes. Nights are cold but dry — typical Andean weather.
May is part of the dry season, and rainfall is rare.
You’ll enjoy stable weather nearly every day.
May is known for crystal-clear visibility, making it excellent for photography.
Yes — May is one of the best months of the entire year to visit Cusco.
Here is why:
Best Weather of the Year
May offers the most predictable and comfortable weather conditions — dry, sunny, and visually stunning.
Beautiful Green Landscapes
Thanks to the rains of March and April, the Sacred Valley and Andes are still bright green.
Perfect Trekking Conditions
Trail conditions stabilize, and temperatures are ideal for long-distance hikes.
Machu Picchu Looks Incredible
Machu Picchu’s terraces are green, skies are clear, and crowds remain manageable.
Moderate Crowds
Tourism starts rising but hasn’t yet reached peak season levels.
If you want the perfect mix of weather, scenery, and manageable crowds, May is unbeatable.
Because May has ideal weather, almost every tour, trek, and outdoor experience is at its best.
Below are the top activities you should consider.
May is considered one of the top three months to visit Machu Picchu.
If you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime visit, May is ideal.
The Sacred Valley is spectacular in May: fresh, green, and dry.
Guided Sacred Valley tours operate smoothly thanks to consistent weather.
After months of rain, May brings perfect conditions for Rainbow Mountain.
The Humantay Lake hike looks stunning in May. With sunshine and clear air, the lake’s turquoise color is at its brightest.
Great option for active travelers.
The Salkantay Trek is one of the most popular treks to Machu Picchu, and May is arguably the best month to do it.
Perfect for adventure travelers.
The classic Inca Trail is fully booked months in advance for May — and for good reason.
If you want to hike the 4-day Inca Trail or Short 2-Day Trail, book as early as possible.
High-altitude treks are challenging in rainy months, but in May:
Top options:
Walking the city is comfortable thanks to pleasant temperatures.
If your main goal is Machu Picchu, May offers a near-perfect experience.
Ideal conditions for exploring comfortably.
From Cusco or Ollantaytambo:
Availability is good, but book ahead for premium times.
Packing smart will make your trip much more comfortable.
May has very little rain, but weather in the Andes is always unpredictable.
While June is Cusco’s most festive month, May is the warm-up. Locals begin preparing for:
You may also find:
These events offer a cultural immersion without overwhelming crowds.
Yes — May is arguably the best trekking month of the year.
If hiking is your priority, May is unbeatable.
No. Rain is minimal, making it part of the dry season.
Days are warm, but nights can be cold (3–6°C).
Yes — May is one of the best months of the year.
Yes. All treks operate with excellent conditions.
Moderate. More people arrive, but it’s still manageable.
Layers, sun protection, warm clothes for nights, and hiking gear.
Many travelers say yes — similar weather with fewer crowds.
