Middle of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Machu Picchu in May
Little changes in Machu Picchu from April: highs stay near 68°F (20°C), lows near 51°F (11°C), and about 0.4 in (11 mm) of rain falls.
At 94/100 for comfort (4th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 68°F (20°C)
- Avg low
- 51°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 0.4 in (11 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 47%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 24 min
- Comfort score
- 94/100 · Great
What May feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 68°F (20°C), good for long walks.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 51°F (11°C).
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.4 in (11 mm) of rain.
Plan around May
May is one of Machu Picchu's best months on the climate data.
- Comfort improves from 88/100 in April to 94/100.
- May sits inside the May – Sep window our Cusco & Machu Picchu route recommends.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 51°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Machu Picchu in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Inti Punku (Sun Gate)
Gateway on the Inca Trail with the first view down onto the citadel.
Why now May scores 94/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Aguas Calientes Hot Springs
Public thermal pools at the top of town, popular after a day of hiking.
Why now Highs near 68°F and 0.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Mapacho Craft Beer Restaurant
Riverside restaurant pouring Cusco-brewed craft beer with Andean dishes.
Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary
The Inca citadel on its ridge, visited on fixed circuit routes with timed entry.
Inca Bridge
Short cliffside trail to a log bridge built into a sheer rock face.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in May
- Sacred Valley in May~33 mi · highs 62°F, 0.4 in rain · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Cusco in May~46 mi · highs 60°F, 0.4 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~2,766 m to Machu Picchu's ~2,440 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Machu Picchu in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 94/100. Expect highs of 68°F (20°C) and 0.4 in (11 mm) of rain. May is inside the May – Sep window our Cusco & Machu Picchu route recommends.
How hot is Machu Picchu in May?
Average highs are 68°F (20°C) and average lows 51°F (11°C), making it the 6th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Machu Picchu in May?
Not much: about 0.4 in (11 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 28.8 in (732 mm).
What should I pack for Machu Picchu in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 51°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Machu Picchu
Routes in season in May
- Cusco & Machu Picchu May – Sep
Planning Machu Picchu in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.