Cusco in May
Visiting Cusco in May: weather, festivals, what to do in the city, which treks and day hikes are open, crowds and what to pack.
By J. José Rodríguez, Founder / CEO
May brings dry, sunny days and clear, cold nights. May is one of the best months for Cusco and every hike around it: dry, sunny and not yet at peak crowds. Pack for cold nights. This guide, from our team in Cusco, covers the weather, what is on, what to do, which treks are open and how to plan your trip in May.
Cusco in May at a glance
| Season | Dry season |
| Temperature | Average high 21 °C, low 4 °C |
| Rain | 7 mm on average, on about 2 days |
| Crowds | Medium to high |
| Machu Picchu high-season capacity dates | None this month |
| Inca Trail | Open |
1991–2020 averages for the Cusco airport weather station (WMO climate normals, NOAA). High hikes such as Rainbow Mountain and Humantay are much colder.
Weather in Cusco in May
May brings dry, sunny days and clear, cold nights. In the city, nights drop close to freezing by the end of the month, and on the high hikes it is colder still. Rain is rare.
Cusco sits at 3,400 m, so the sun is strong even on cool days and nights are always colder than you expect. Machu Picchu, about 1,000 m lower, is warmer and more humid. See Machu Picchu in May for the weather there.
Is May a good time to visit Cusco?
May is one of the best months for Cusco and every hike around it: dry, sunny and not yet at peak crowds. Pack for cold nights.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dry, sunny weather | Cold nights, close to freezing |
| Excellent conditions for treks | Availability tightens late in the month |
| Fewer people than June to August | Inca Trail permits sell out months ahead |
| Big Andean festivals |
Festivals and events in May
- Cruz Velakuy (around May 3): the festival of the crosses, with crosses dressed and carried in Cusco and Andean villages.
- Qoyllur Rit’i (late May or June): a huge Andean pilgrimage at the foot of Ausangate, held the week before Corpus Christi. In 2027 it falls in late May.
- Corpus Christi (May 27, 2027): in 2027 it falls in May, with saints from Cusco’s parishes carried to the cathedral.
Things to do in Cusco in May
- Hike Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake under clear skies.
- Do the Inca Trail, Salkantay or Ausangate in great conditions.
- Watch the Cruz Velakuy celebrations at the start of the month.
- Visit the Sacred Valley and the South Valley sites, such as Tipón and Pikillaqta.
For more ideas, see our Cusco tours and the Cusco city tour.
Treks and day hikes in May
| Trek or hike | Conditions in May |
|---|---|
| Classic Inca Trail | Open; permits sell out early |
| Salkantay Trek | Open |
| Lares Trek | Open |
| Rainbow Mountain | Good |
| Humantay Lake | Good |
| Ausangate | Good |
Compare the multi-day routes in best treks to Machu Picchu and Inca Trail vs Salkantay.
Crowds, prices and booking in May
Medium to high. Book Machu Picchu tickets 3–6 weeks ahead and Inca Trail permits 4–6 months ahead.
On the Ministry of Culture’s high-season dates, Machu Picchu admits up to 5,600 visitors a day instead of 4,500. There are no high-season dates in May.
Tips for Cusco in May
- Pack a warm jacket, hat and gloves.
- Book Inca Trail permits 4–6 months ahead.
- Use high-factor sunscreen: the sun at altitude is strong.
- Take it easy on your first day: Cusco is at 3,400 m. Read our altitude guide.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read Cusco in April and Cusco in June, or see the whole year in our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide.
Tours
Plan this with a local team
Cusco day tour
Cusco City Tour
Half-day guided tour of Cusco: Qoricancha, the Cathedral, Sacsayhuamán and three nearby Inca sites. All entrance tickets included.
Cusco day tour
Sacred Valley Tour
Full-day tour of the Sacred Valley of the Incas with buffet lunch and every entrance fee included. Classic or Maras & Moray route.
Machu Picchu journey
Machu Picchu 2 Days
Spend a night in Aguas Calientes and enter Machu Picchu early. Train, hotel, subject to availability ticket and guide included. Huayna Picchu add-on available.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Cusco?
Yes, it is one of the best months: dry and sunny, with fewer crowds than June to August.
How cold is Cusco in May?
Days reach about 21 °C, but nights average about 4 °C, and close to freezing late in the month.
When is Corpus Christi in 2027?
On May 27, 2027. In Cusco the celebrations run over several days around that date.
What should I pack for Cusco in May?
Warm layers, a down jacket, hat and gloves for the cold nights, plus sunglasses, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen.