Is May one of the best months to visit Peru?

Yes — May is consistently rated as one of the best months. The dry season is well underway, skies are clear, and Inca Trail permits are available without the extreme competition of June–August. Temperatures in Cusco are comfortable (20°C days, cold nights around 5°C). Machu Picchu queues are manageable.

How far in advance should I book the Inca Trail for May?

Book 3–4 months in advance for May departures. May permits sell significantly faster than March and April permits; the best licensed operators fill up quickly. All Inca Trail operators must hold permits from the Ministry of Culture — book through a licensed agency.

Are there any festivals in May in Peru?

Qoyllur Riti, a major Andean pilgrimage festival near Cusco (at 4,700m on the glacier of Nevado Sinakara), usually falls in May or early June depending on the Catholic calendar. Tens of thousands of pilgrims climb to the glacier carrying crosses. Corpus Christi celebrations in Cusco also sometimes fall in late May.

Visiting Peru in May: Peak Dry Season Starts and Trekking Opens Up

May Weather in Peru

May is one of the most reliable months across Peru. The highlands are fully into dry season.

City	Avg High	Avg Low	Conditions
Lima	22°C	16°C	Garúa season beginning — grey mornings, fog
Cusco	21°C	5°C	Clear, sunny days; cold nights and mornings
Arequipa	21°C	6°C	Excellent — dry, clear, ideal sightseeing
Puno	17°C	1°C	Clear and cold — frosty mornings, beautiful skies
Trujillo	25°C	16°C	Slight cooling, still dry
Huaraz	20°C	4°C	Dry season starting — excellent trekking conditions

Why May is Outstanding for Trekking

The Cordillera Blanca near Huaraz hits its stride in May. Snow-capped peaks stand clear against blue skies; passes that were snow-bound in winter are now open. Laguna 69 and the Santa Cruz Trek are both running at full capacity with excellent conditions. The Salkantay Trek near Cusco is similarly excellent — clear views of Salkantay peak (6,271m), warm trekking days, and cold but manageable nights.

The Inca Trail is in full swing by May. While permits are more competitive than in March–April, May still sees fewer trekkers than the July–August peak. The landscape is transitioning from post-wet-season green toward the drier tones of deep dry season — a particularly good balance of green and clear views.

Qoyllur Riti Pilgrimage

One of the most extraordinary events in the Andean world, Qoyllur Riti takes place at approximately 4,700m on the glacier of Nevado Ausangate, approximately 4 hours from Cusco. The date shifts with the Catholic calendar (usually late May or early June). Tens of thousands of pilgrims from communities across the Andes gather to pray, dance in traditional costumes, and carry huge wooden crosses up to the glacier. Non-pilgrims can attend — transport from Cusco to the trailhead approximately S/30–S/50; camping gear required as temperatures fall well below zero at night.

Practical Highlights for May

Sacred Valley: The terraces at Pisac and the salt pans at Maras are dry and clear. Sunday Pisac market is well-attended but not overwhelmed. Ollantaytambo fortress is photogenic with clear skies.

Colca Canyon: Excellent condor sightings in May at Cruz del Cóndor. The canyon floor trails are dry and accessible. Tour operators in Arequipa run 2-day Colca trips from approximately USD 45–USD 80 per person as of 2026.

Amazon: Water levels are receding from high season. Some beaches start appearing. River wildlife viewing transitions from boat-based (flooded forest) to land-and-boat mixed.

Lima: Garúa begins in May — coastal fog settles over Lima most mornings. The city is grey and mild rather than warm and sunny. Good for museum visits (Larco Museum, Huaca Pucllana); less good for beach time.

Packing for May

Highlands:

Warm insulating layer essential (down jacket for evenings — Cusco nights reach 5°C or below)
Sun protection: strong sunscreen, sunglasses, hat (UV is intense at altitude)
Light waterproof jacket (unlikely to need it, but pack one)
Comfortable trekking shoes

Lima:

Light clothing plus a jacket for fog and evenings
Layers — mornings can be cool

Amazon:

DEET repellent, light long-sleeves
Waterproof as a precaution

Practical Tips

Book early: May is popular enough that flights, trains to Aguas Calientes, and Inca Trail permits all benefit from advance booking. Aim for 2–3 months ahead for key elements.

Machu Picchu: Book at machupicchutickets.gob.pe. Circuit 2 (the classic route including the Sun Gate approach) gives the best overall experience in clear May weather. If you’re planning your full trip, see our visiting Peru in June guide for what comes next in peak season.