Month guide · Cusco · Peru
Cusco in May
What May is really like in Cusco: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: FrederickCusco, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit Cusco. Expect average highs of 20°C (68°F), lows of 2°C (36°F), about 3 rainy days and roughly 11.5 hours of daylight. Dry season begins with clear skies and cold nights; an excellent month for trekking.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 20°C (68°F) / 2°C (36°F)
- Rainy days
- About 3
- Daylight
- About 11.5 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in May
May is the 5th-warmest month in Cusco: days average 20°C (68°F) against a yearly average high of 20°C (68°F), and nights fall to about 2°C (36°F). Rain falls on roughly 3 of its 31 days. Compared with April (20°C (68°F)), May is about as warm; by June highs stay near 19°C (66°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:59
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 17:29
- Daylight
- About 11.5 hours
Wet season (November–January). Frequent afternoon rain, green valleys and lower prices; mornings are often clear.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 4 for crowds (the peak is June at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in June). Book accommodation early: May is one of the pricier months.
Events in May
- Qoyllur Rit'i pilgrimage in the mountains (late May or June)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Historic site · Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo archaeological site
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon, before or after the tour buses from Cusco.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- History
- Views
- Iconic
- Active
Landmark · Historic Centre
Plaza de Armas
Cusco's main square was the Inca city's ceremonial plaza, Huacaypata.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- History
- After dark
- Photo spot
Religious site · Historic Centre
Cusco Cathedral
Use the audio guide to find the Last Supper painting and the Señor de los Temblores, Cusco's patron crucifix.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Art
- Architecture
- Rainy day
Historic site · Historic Centre
Qorikancha and Santo Domingo
The Inca Empire's most important temple, dedicated to the sun god Inti, was once covered with sheets of gold.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- History
- Architecture
- Rainy day
What to pack
For highs near 20°C, lows near 2°C and 3 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; shoes with good grip for icy pavements; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Cusco?
One of the best months to visit Cusco, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are June–September. Compare every month.
Cusco in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Cusco?
It is one of the best months to visit Cusco. Dry season begins with clear skies and cold nights; an excellent month for trekking.
+How warm is Cusco in May?
Average highs are around 20°C (68°F) and lows around 2°C (36°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Cusco in May?
Expect rain on about 3 days of the month, so it is usually dry.