Inca Trail In May

Things to Know 

• May: The Start of the Dry Season on the Inca Trail: May marks the beginning of the dry season in the Cusco region, making it one of the best months of the year to hike the Inca Trail. Weather conditions are generally stable, with clear skies and low rainfall, offering excellent visibility and comfortable trekking conditions.
• High Demand for Inca Trail Permits in May: Inca Trail permits for May are usually the first to sell out, as this month signals the start of the peak trekking season. Due to the high demand, it is strongly recommended to book your Inca Trail permits at least eight months in advance to secure availability.
• Cold Temperatures During Nights and Early Mornings: During May, temperatures on the Inca Trail can drop significantly at night, in the early morning, and after sunset. This is especially noticeable at the second campsite and becomes more pronounced in the last two weeks of the month as the region approaches winter. Proper cold-weather clothing is therefore essential.
• Lush Landscapes and Blooming Flowers: Early to mid-May is still considered shoulder season, meaning the landscapes remain green and flowers continue to bloom along the trail. The combination of fresh vegetation and clear skies creates ideal conditions for photography.
• Crowds and Visitor Levels in May: The Inca Trail is typically fully booked throughout May, resulting in crowded conditions along the route. However, compared to the peak months of June, July, and August, Machu Picchu itself tends to be slightly less crowded, offering a more comfortable visiting experience.

Weather and Trail Conditions

• Rain:  In May, there is usually very little rain because the dry season has already started. Most days are clear and sunny, making it a great month for trekking. However, you should still be prepared for the possibility of one short period of rain. Sometimes, once a month, a small weather system can bring rain for about three to four days in a row. This can happen either during the first week or the last week of May—there is no exact pattern. After this brief rainy spell, the weather quickly returns to normal with bright, sunny days and comfortable conditions.
• Temperature: During May on the Inca Trail, daytime temperatures are usually between 12°C and 22°C (54°F to 68°F). At night, it feels much colder because winter is getting closer, especially at the higher campsites. During the last two weeks of May, nighttime temperatures often drop to around -2°C to 5°C (28°F to 41°F). You will notice the cold the most at the second campsite, which is over 3,600 meters high, making the nights feel even colder.
• Visibility: For most of May on the Inca Trail, the visibility is usually very good. This is one of the reasons many people enjoy hiking during this month. Because it’s already the dry season, the sky is often clear and you can see almost all the mountains without clouds or mist covering them. The views are open and bright, which makes it easier to appreciate the landscapes, take photos, and enjoy the scenery throughout the trek. While a few light clouds can appear from time to time, they usually don’t stay long and don’t block the views.

Pros Of Hiking Inca Trail In May

• Flora in Bloom Along the Trail: In May, hikers can still encounter a remarkable variety of flora along the Inca Trail. Orchids and many other native flowers remain in bloom before the arrival of winter frost, adding color and life to the surrounding cloud forest and highland landscapes.
• Wildlife Sightings in Clear Weather: On sunny days, the region’s wildlife becomes more active. Trekkers may observe several bird species, including the famous Andean cock-of-the-rock, as well as occasional sightings of Andean deer and even condors soaring above the valleys.
• Spectacular Views of the Southern Milky Way: Thanks to clearer skies, the Southern Milky Way is often visible at night, particularly from the second campsite, which is more open and offers unobstructed views. The last two weeks of May provide especially favorable conditions for stargazing.
• Distant Glaciers and Snow-Capped Peaks: On clear days, hikers can admire breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains in the distance. The Salkantay Glacier, although far away, can be seen from certain points along the trail when visibility is optimal.
• Bright Blue Skies of the Dry Season: By May, the Andes are already entering the dry season, and the skies are blue and brilliant most of the time. This creates ideal conditions for photography and long-distance mountain views.
• Low Rainfall Levels: Rainfall is generally minimal in May, making trail conditions more stable and reducing the likelihood of persistent clouds or heavy showers during the trek.
• Full Moon Illumination: If your trek coincides with the full moon, you will experience exceptionally bright nights. The clear skies of May allow the moonlight to illuminate the mountains and campsites in a truly memorable way.
• Clearer Views from the Sun Gate: As the rainy season fades, clouds begin to disperse, increasing the chances of witnessing the first panoramic view of Machu Picchu from the Sun Gate, one of the most iconic moments of the entire trek.
• Natural Shade from Passing Clouds: Although the weather is mostly clear, some clouds still drift across the sky, especially during the first week of May. These provide welcome shade while hiking, making the daytime temperatures more comfortable.
• Mild Night and Morning Temperatures: Temperatures in May are generally milder than in the peak winter months of June, July, and August. Nights and early mornings are cool but not as cold, particularly during the first two weeks of the month, offering a more comfortable camping experience.

Cons Of Hiking Inca Trail In May 

• Limited Permit Availability for Last-Minute Travelers: If you are planning your trip at the last minute, it can be very difficult to secure an Inca Trail permit. Permits are limited and usually sell out months in advance, especially for the month of May, which marks the beginning of the high season.
• Crowds at Machu Picchu and Transportation Lines: During the month of May, visitor numbers increase significantly. As a result, the queue for the bus service between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu can be long and time-consuming, especially during peak hours. In addition, the entrance to Machu Picchu and the most popular viewpoints and photographic areas within the citadel often become crowded. This higher concentration of visitors can reduce the overall sense of tranquility and make it more difficult to take clear, unobstructed photographs.
• Cold Mornings and Nights: Temperatures in the Andes begin to drop toward the end of May. Mornings and evenings, especially during the last two weeks of the month, can be quite cold, requiring warm clothing for comfort.
• Strong Sun Exposure at High Altitude: On clear days, the sun in the Andes is very intense due to the high altitude. Hikers on open sections of the trail are at risk of sunburn if they are not properly protected with sunscreen, hats, and appropriate clothing.
• Possibility of Late-Season Rains: Although May generally falls within the dry season, there remains a slight possibility of late rainfall, particularly during the first week of the month. The rainy season in the region usually extends from January through March; however, in some years, occasional showers may continue into early May. This is not a frequent occurrence and does not happen every year. Such extended rainfall is relatively rare and may occur only once every several years.

Recommendations

• Best Time to Hike the Inca Trail in May: If you are planning to hike the Inca Trail in May, it is highly recommended to choose the first two weeks of the month. May is considered a shoulder-season month, meaning temperatures are milder than in the colder months of June and July, while the landscapes remain lush and green after the rainy season.
• Stay Informed Through Official Updates: We highly recommend following us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/abexpeditions/. We regularly share monthly videos of the Inca Trail, updates on permit releases, changes in regulations, and important information such as strikes or any situations that may affect travel on the trail.
• Book Your Inca Trail Permits in Advance: If you are considering the 4-day Inca Trail trek in May, it is essential to secure your permits before October. Inca Trail permits are released during the first week of October, and many dates sell out immediately upon release, especially for popular months such as May.
• Pack Appropriate Clothing Layers: It is important to bring layered clothing, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day. You may feel hot and sweaty while hiking during the daytime, but conditions become much colder at high mountain passes, in the campsites during the evening, at sunset, and during early morning starts.
• Protect Yourself from the Intense Andean Sun The sun in the Andes can be very intense, even during the cooler months. Since much of the Inca Trail consists of open sections with limited natural shade, it is highly advisable to bring high-quality sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and long-sleeved shirts in order to protect your skin from prolonged and direct sun exposure throughout the hike.
• Carry Rain Gear Despite the Dry Season: Although May marks the beginning of the dry season, weather conditions in the mountains can change suddenly. It is recommended to carry waterproof clothing, as occasional rainfall can still occur.

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

For the 4-day Inca Trail, permits typically sell out between 7 and 4 months in advance. As soon as the permits are released in October, some departure dates are sold out immediately. Although May is considered a shoulder season, demand remains very high. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to book your trek for May as early as possible, ideally even before the official release of permits, in order to secure your preferred dates.

Below, you will find the exact dates on which the Inca Trail permits sold out for each week of May in recent years. This information applies to the Classic Inca Trail (4-day), as well as the 5-day and 7-day versions. Please note that the Short Inca Trail permits usually sell out around two months in advance.

Inca Trail Permits – 2026

• On January 18th, 2026, permits for the first week of May were completely sold out.
• On January 20th, 2026, permits for the second week of May were completely sold out.
• On January 19th, 2026, permits for the third week of May were completely sold out.
• On January 13th, 2026, permits for the fourth week of May were completely sold out.
• On January 14th, 2026, permits for the fifth week of May were completely sold out.

Inca Trail Permits – 2025

• On January 8th, 2025, permits for the first week of May were completely sold out.
• On January 15th, 2025, permits for the second week of May were completely sold out.
• On January 19th, 2025, permits for the third week of May were completely sold out.
• On January 15th, 2025, permits for the fourth week of May were completely sold out.
• On January 22nd, 2025, permits for the fifth week of May were completely sold out.

Inca Trail Permits – 2024

• On February 3rd, 2024, permits for the first week of May were completely sold out.
• On January 28th, 2024, permits for the second week of May were completely sold out.
• On January 15th, 2024, permits for the third week of May were completely sold out.
• On January 2nd, 2024, permits for the fourth week of May were completely sold out.

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.