Cusco In May

Is It Worth Visiting Cusco In May?

Quick Answer: Being the first month of the dry season, May is a great time for tourists to head on hikes with clearer skies and little rain.

This means you’ll also have much better views of sites like Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain, which can otherwise get covered with fog and snow during the wetter months.

Overall we think it’s one of the best months to visit, since you’ll have little rain and that the temperatures haven’t yet fallen to their most cold (which is around July). Whilst certainly busier than say February, the crowds are also not too bad in this month either.

Things to Know:

• The crowds are lower at the beginning of the month, however will start increasing in the last two weeks.
• The price also is lower at the beginning of the month and increases at the of the month.

Pros:

• When trekking in May you will experience lush green landscapes after the rainy season.
• The flora will be richer and more diverse after the wet season.
• When traveling in a rural region, you will see butterflies and hummingbirds all around you.
• You can also see more orchids and other flowers bloom along the path.

Cons:

• You will notice a little price increase around the city of Cusco.
• There may be mire crowds in the Inca historical areas.
• The Inca trail permit will sell out really quickly.
• Many tourists will fill certain low-cost accommodations. If you are also looking for low-cost accommodations, then it’s wise to book in advance.
• As the tourist season begins, you may notice that plane tickets can get expensive if booking late.
• The weather will be colder than months such as March and April.

Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Cusco In May

Below we’ll now explore what May in Cusco is like. This includes what the weather will be like, as well as the other main advantages and disadvantages of visiting during this month.

The Weather Of Cusco In May 

May is often regarded as one of the best months of the year to visit Cusco.

The first month to fall completely within the dry season, here we can expect as little as 0.2 inches of rainfall falling throughout the entire month – making it amongst the driest months of the year. This makes it a perfect month to go hiking in and around the Sacred Valley, whereas earlier months like January in Cusco can have lots of showers.

Temperatures are still similar to those in the summer season, and are ideal given the cooler winter temperatures have not yet arrived (which are coldest between June and August). Daily averages are around 50°F, with highs of 65°F and evening lows of 36°F.

What Time Is The Sunrise And Sunset In May?

Sunrise begins at 05:56 with sunset at 17:33 on the first day of the month. On the final day of May, sunrise is at 06:04 whilst sunset is at 17:27.

How About The UV Index?

The average daily maximum UV index in Cusco in May is 11. a UV index of 11 or above signifies a serious health risk from unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV radiation for the average individual – so be sure to wear lots of sunscreen here!

How Cloudy Is Cusco In May?

Cusco is cloudy 71% of the time in May.

What To Do In Cusco In May

Now that we are entering into the dry season, you’ll find that everything is much easier with less rain. Firstly the city will feel more festive with both tourists and locals alike, where we can also experience some authentic regional festivities (such as Qoyllur Rit’i which we will explore later in this guide). 

Certain attractions such as Christ the Redeemer and Saqsayhuamán can get very busy, so it’s best to go early in the morning before the crowds arrive. However everything will be open in Cusco in May, and it will still feel more peaceful when compared with peak months such as August and September.

May is an ideal time to visit key sites throughout the Sacred Valley, given temperatures are still comfortable and now that rains won’t interrupt your plans. These include visiting Pisac Ruins, the ancient village of Chinchero as well as the walking route around the 7 lakes of Ausangate. Overall hiking is great during this month, and later we’ll cover what you can expect on major treks such as the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek. 

What Should You Bring To Cusco In May?

Here we will now list everything that you’ll need for a trip to Cusco in May. Below we’ve mentioned the essentials, however it’s important to keep some space in your bag free in case you pick up any extras or souvenirs on your trip here.

• Be sure to bring plenty of thick layers, given temperatures can be colder during these times of the year (especially at night in the mountains).
• Also bring thin layers on your hikes, since it can get quite hot when exposed in direct sunlight.
• A raincoat or waterproof poncho.
• A thick jacket and sweater for the evening.
• A hand towel.
• Sturdy hiking boots or other shoes that you are comfortable walking long distances in.
• You should also bring pyjamas that will keep you warm at night.
• A hat to avoid burning your head (the sun in Cusco can get quite intense – you can also pick-up a chullo which is also very useful).
• Sunglasses in order to protect your eyes from harsh sun and glare.
• High SPF sunscreen.
• A thick hat, scarf, and gloves which will keep you warm at night.
• Repellent for insects.
• A water bottle that can be reused.
• A day pack to hold everything you need during your longer hikes and trips.
• A quality camera or mobile phone.
• Medication for personal use.
• A book/map guide for Cusco and the Sacred Valley (and some copies just in case they get damaged or lost)
• Padlocks which you can use for your bags when on longer treks or on public transport (when hiking with us we will keep your belongings in a secured storage point).
• Charging adaptors and power banks (if required).
• Extra batteries for your camera.

Hiking Around Cusco In May 

As we’ve already seen, the weather conditions are pretty much perfect in May for hiking. Minimal rain means that the paths will be easy to follow, and that also the nights won’t be as cold as they can get later in the year.

The Inca Trail In May

We can think of May as a shoulder season for the Inca Trail – and one of the best in the year for this trek. Although the weather is great, the major tourist crowds haven’t arrived yet which means the trail won’t be operating at maximum capacity.

The Salkantay Trek In May

It’s a similar case here too, where the weather is much more pleasant on the Salkantay Trek in May. This makes hiking at these higher altitudes easier, with very little showers. It also won’t be overrun with tourists.

Inca Jungle Trek In May 

Months around this time of year (such as May) are ideal for heading on the Inca Jungle Trek. Less rainfall means it’s safer to carry out adventure activities such as whitewater rafting and mountain hiking, and you’ll also have some superb views of Machu Picchu.

Choquequirao Trek In May

Whilst becoming more popular, you’ll still find May an ideal month to head on the Choquequirao Trek before the crowds arrive in the next month. Rainfall is minimal, and if there is an odd shower then it will pass quickly.

Ausangate Trek In May 

Given we will be up at altitude here (which is the same case with the Salkantay route), you’ll want to bring lots of warm clothing as the temperatures will be colder in May compared with earlier months. Still be sure to bring sunscreen and glasses, given the intensity of the sun as well as the glare off of the surrounding snow. 

Lares Trek In May 

We’ll find that May is also an ideal month to head on the Lares Trek. Rainfall is very low, so you won’t need to worry about getting overly wet (which can make you colder than usual). You’ll also find the trail will be less busy in May compared with months like June, July and August.

Huchuy Qosqo Trek In May

Any month in the dry season is ideal to hike Huchuy Qosqo, although you’ll also avoid the crowds by going in May. The reason you’ll want to head in these months is because the decline can be slippery – making it otherwise difficult to access the ruins here in the wetter months.

The Main Advantages Of Visiting Cusco In May (Great Weather, Ideal Hiking Time)

The weather in May is one of the best months in the year for Cusco. There is minimal rainfall, and also pleasant temperatures that haven’t yet dipped into their cooler lows. This makes it great for walking around Cusco and exploring local markets and nearby archaeological sites. Please bear in mind that you’ll still want to wear sunscreen when here, given the sun is intense due to being up at a high altitude.

As we’ve covered before, hiking is great on pretty much all trails around the Sacred Valley in May. Whilst hiking conditions will be good, we’ll also find this month to be slightly less busy than it will get from June onwards. This also makes it a perfect opportunity for tourists to join the native Qoyllur Rit’i festival, which is a 5 mile pilgrimage from the town of Mahuayani to the Señor de Qoyllur Rit’i Sanctuary which is found within the Sankara Valley.

This incredible cultural adventure will take three days to explore from Cusco. Starting in Mahuayani, you’ll then begin the three-hour hike to the Señor de Qoyllur Rit’i sanctuary to join the enormous array of tents and people. After setting up camp, you may spend the remainder of the day and evening watching regional dance performances and celebrations until late at night.

The Main Disadvantages Of Visiting Cusco In May (There Are Very Little!)

It’s quite hard to think of any real disadvantages when visiting Cusco in May. As we already know, this month is the beginning of the dry season so we’ll have much less rain here than the preceding months of March and April (and especially less than the wild month of February). Temperatures also remain warm, and we won’t have to jostle with crowds -both of which get worse as we head into the summer months of June, July and August.

The only disadvantage that we can really think of is if you are planning a longer trip around Peru. Although this month is great for Cusco and other departments within the dry season (such as the Amazon Jungle), some areas like Lima won’t have as good weather. Usually, Lima in May is colder and has more gray skies.

Is It Worth Visiting Cusco In May?

And that’s all for this guide to visiting Cusco in May.

This month is the beginning of the dry season, and as a result welcomes much nicer weather than the earlier wetter months of February and March. Thankfully it’s still considered a shoulder season, so tourist crowds aren’t as high in May as other times of the year (perfect for visiting sites such as Machu Picchu and not feeling overwhelmed).

Here at AB Expeditions we offer various Machu Picchu tours which vary on budget and tour length, so be sure to book now whilst we still have availability!