Machu Picchu in May
Visiting Machu Picchu in May: dry, sunny weather, green landscapes, crowds, Inca Trail permits, festivals, what to pack and travel tips.
By J. José Rodríguez, Founder / CEO
May is one of the best months of the year for Machu Picchu. The dry season has arrived, skies are mostly clear, the mountains are still green and the crowds of June to August have not peaked yet. It is an excellent month for the Inca Trail and for every high-altitude hike around Cusco.
May at a glance
| Machu Picchu | Open every day |
| Inca Trail | Open, in great condition |
| Rainfall at Machu Picchu | About 75 mm, mostly dry |
| Temperature at Machu Picchu | Average high 22 °C, low 11 °C |
| Temperature in Cusco | Average high 21 °C, low 4 °C |
| Crowds | Medium to high, rising toward June |
| Book Machu Picchu tickets | 3–6 weeks ahead |
| Book Huayna Picchu or the Mountain | 1–2 months ahead |
| Book Inca Trail permits | 4–6 months ahead |
1991–2020 averages: Machu Picchu from Peru’s weather service (SENAMHI) climate normals; Cusco from the airport station (WMO normals, NOAA). Any single month can be much drier or wetter.
Our verdict: If you can choose any month, May is a strong candidate. Book a little earlier than in April, because availability tightens toward the end of the month.
Weather at Machu Picchu in May
Expect sunny days and cold, clear nights, especially in Cusco and on the treks, where temperatures can drop close to freezing. Machu Picchu stays mild. Morning mist is less common than in the wet season, and rain is rare.
Machu Picchu (2,430 m) is warmer and more humid than Cusco (3,400 m), so pack for both. See the rain and temperatures for every month in our guide to the best time to visit Machu Picchu.
Crowds and availability in May
May is busier than April but quieter than June to August. Tickets for the most popular routes and Huayna Picchu can sell out a few weeks ahead, especially in the second half of the month.
Pros and cons of visiting in May
Pros:
- Dry, sunny weather with green landscapes
- Excellent conditions for the Inca Trail and treks
- Fewer people than in June to August
- Clear views for photos
Cons:
- Cold nights in Cusco and on treks
- Availability tightens late in the month
- Inca Trail permits sell out months ahead
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, date varies): a huge Andean pilgrimage at the foot of Ausangate.
- Corpus Christi (late May or June): some years falls at the end of May, with processions in Cusco.
Best trips for May
- Inca Trail: one of the best months. Book permits 4–6 months ahead. See the Classic Inca Trail.
- Salkantay Trek: dry trails and clear views of the snow peaks. See the Salkantay Trek.
- Day hikes: Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake are at their best.
What to pack for May
Warm layers for cold mornings and nights (a fleece and a down or insulated jacket for Cusco), a sun hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, lip balm and comfortable walking shoes. A light rain jacket is still worth carrying. See our full packing list.
Tips for visiting in May
- Book Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain 1–2 months ahead.
- Pack a warm jacket for Cusco evenings and treks.
- Choose the first entry slots for the softest light.
- Use sunscreen even on cool days: the sun at altitude is strong.
Which Machu Picchu ticket to book in May
Circuit 2 (route 2A, the classic route) is the best first visit. In the dry season, mornings are usually clear, so the first entry slots give soft light and fewer people. Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain sell out first, often 2–4 months ahead.
There are no high-season dates in May, so the seasonal routes (1C Sun Gate, 1D Inca Bridge, 3C Great Cavern and 3D Huchuy Picchu) are not sold.
From January 1, 2027, mountain routes have new times: citadel entry at 6:00 or 8:00, the mountain started by 10:00, and shorter maximum visits. See Machu Picchu tickets and Machu Picchu circuits.
Best time of day in May
Mornings are usually clear and cold, with the soft light photographers look for in the first hours. Late morning is the busiest time, when day trips from Cusco arrive; early afternoon is quieter again.
Getting there in May
Trains and roads are reliable, but the most convenient trains sell out first, so book them as soon as you have your Machu Picchu ticket. The route via Hidroeléctrica is at its best in the dry months. Compare every route in how to get to Machu Picchu.
A 2-day plan for May
Day 1: train from Ollantaytambo, a guided classic route (2A) in the afternoon, night in Aguas Calientes. Day 2: the first bus up for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, then the afternoon train back to Cusco. Our Machu Picchu 2-Day Tour follows this rhythm.
Cusco in May
Most trips start in Cusco, at 3,400 m, where May feels colder at night and very sunny. Read Cusco in May for the weather, festivals and day trips there.
Other months
Comparing dates? Read Machu Picchu in April and Machu Picchu in June, or see every month side by side in our best time to visit Machu Picchu guide.
Tours
Plan this with a local team
Inca Trail · permit required
Classic Inca Trail
Hike the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a local Cusco operator. Permit, Machu Picchu ticket, porters, meals and Vistadome return included.
Andean trek
Salkantay Trek
Cross the 4,630 m Salkantay Pass, turquoise Humantay Lake and cloud forest to Machu Picchu. Camps, meals, train and Machu Picchu ticket included.
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 Machu Picchu?
Yes, it is one of the best months: dry and sunny, still green, and less crowded than June to August.
Is it cold at Machu Picchu in May?
Machu Picchu is mild, with average highs of about 22 °C. Cusco is much colder at night, about 4 °C on average, and the treks drop below freezing.
Is May good for the Inca Trail?
Yes. It is dry and in great condition, but permits sell out, so book 4–6 months ahead.
Does it rain in May?
Rarely. May averages about 75 mm of rain.