Inca Trail In May

Things to Know 

• May marks the beginning of the dry season in the Cusco region, and thus, it is one of the best months to hike the Inca Trail.
• Inca Trail permits for May are typically the first to be fully booked because May is the beginning of the dry season(You must book at least 8 months in advance your Inca Trail Permits for May)
• During May on the Inca Trail, at night, early morning, or crossing the Dead Woman Pass is very cold.
• Early to mid-May is still shoulder season, and so flowers continue to bloom, and the mountainsides are still green.
• The Inca Trail is typically fully reserved in May, resulting in crowded conditions throughout the month. The sole exception to this was in 2021, following the COVID-19 pandemic, when permits could still be obtained at short notice.
• Temperature: It ranges between 0 and 21 celsius degrees. (32 and 70 ° F)
• Rain: It rains on average 3 days of the month.

Pros Of Hiking Inca Trail In May

• In May, you can still encounter stunning flora, like orchids, along the Inca Trail before the frost claims them.
• On sunny days, the wild fauna emerges, offering glimpses of various bird species, with occasional sightings of Andean deer along the Inca Trail.
• The Southern Milky Way appears at night because of the clear sky.
• Capture the breathtaking vistas of the snow-covered mountains in the distance on a clear.
• The skies will be blue and brilliant most of the time.
• In May, there isn’t a significant amount of rainfall along the Inca Trail
• This is the month when the moon is at its brightest during the night.
• A high chance to see the first glimpse of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate because the clouds start moving away.

Cons Of Hiking Inca Trail In May 

• Inca trail permits run out quickly.
• A high number of trekkers on the trail in the last 2 weeks of May. 
• There is a slight risk of late rains extending into the first week of May.
• Bus stations and Machu Picchu entry get slightly crowded.
• Even though May is shoulder season in Cusco, the Inca trail is fully booked. 
• Cold mornings and nights

Recommendations

• If you are thinking of hiking the Inca Trail in May, we recommend you do it in the first two weeks of May because, May is still very much shoulder season, so the temperature is not as cold as in June and the landscapes are still green.  
• Bring sunblock and chapstick for skin protection.
• Bring layers of clothes because there are times you will be hot and sweaty. And other times, you will be cold like at the top of the mountain.
• For bird watchers, bring a long zoom camera or binoculars.
• Booking in advance is recommended for at least 8 months. 
• Bring sunglasses for solar radiation.
• You need to pack both for the hot weather and the cold.

Do you have a rough idea of when the Inca Trail permits for May sell out by?

Basically, it depends on Peru’s political situation.  In 2019 before the pandemic, the Inca Trail permits for May run out 7 months in advance. However, because of the strike that we had on January 2023, the permits run out 2 months in Advance. Since the strike happened in January travellers have changed their plans. Also, there were many cancelations for Inca Trail.

• On February 03rd, 2024, the permits for the 4-day Inca Trail trek were completely sold out for the first week of May.
• On January 28th, 2024. the permits for the 4-day Inca Trail trek were completely sold out for the second week of May.
• On January 15th, 2024. the permits for the 4-day Inca Trail trek were completely sold out for the third week of May.
• On January 02nd, 2024. the permits for the 4-day Inca Trail trek were completely sold out for the fourth week of May.

Frequent Asked Questions About Inca Trail In May

Is May a good time for the Inca Trail?

May is an excellent time to hike the Inca Trail, as it falls within the dry season in Peru, which runs from April to October. During this period, the weather is generally clear and stable, with minimal rainfall, making for optimal trekking conditions. The days are typically sunny and warm, while the nights can be cooler, providing a comfortable balance for hikers. Additionally, May precedes the peak tourist season,

What is the weather like in Machu Picchu in May?

In May, Machu Picchu experiences transitional weather as it moves from the wet season to the drier period. Typically, May sees decreasing rainfall compared to previous months, though occasional showers are still possible. so visitors can expect relatively low precipitation and plenty of sunshine, making it an ideal time to visit this iconic archaeological site.

How cold is Machu Picchu in May?

In May, Machu Picchu experiences relatively mild temperatures during the day, However, as the sun sets and night falls, temperatures can drop significantly,

Does It Rain In Inca Trail In May?

May is part of the dry season along the Inca Trail, which generally experiences less rainfall compared to the wet season from November to April.

What is the average temperature for the Inca Trail in May?

The average temperature for the Inca Trail in May typically ranges from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) during the day, with temperatures dropping to around -4°C to 7°C (24°F to 44°F) at night. However, it’s essential to note that temperatures can vary depending on altitude and specific locations along the trail

Is Inca Trail open in May?

Yes, the Inca Trail in Peru typically remains open in May, offering adventurers the opportunity to trek along its ancient paths and marvel at the breathtaking scenery and historical sites.

Is Inca Trail Crowded In May?

May is considered one of the busiest months on the Inca Trail, as it falls within the peak trekking season due to favorable weather conditions. With dry and mild weather prevailing, May attracts a significant number of hikers seeking to experience the iconic trek to Machu Picchu.