Machu Picchu weather in May

May is the best time to visit Machu Picchu, as the weather conditions change significantly. After months of rain, the sun comes out brightly, and the fog takes a long break. Located at an altitude of approximately 7,970 feet (2,430 meters), Machu Picchu in May brings out its subtropical climate, which varies throughout the year.

But in general, May offers a pleasant climate, thanks to the beginning of the dry season. Clear skies with very little precipitation are undoubtedly ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking or exploring the ruins in complete tranquility.

May temperatures in the morning can vary between 50 °F and 80 °F (10 °C to 27 °C), making it ideal for long walks and exploring the ruins. However, the temperature change at night is very drastic, dropping around 40 °F (4 °C), so you must prepare yourself with warm clothing. 

During this month, there is no reason to worry about rain; if it does fall, it will be just a drizzle. What is truly fascinating is that you will be able to contemplate the colorful landscapes left by the rains, and the contrast with the dull color of the ruins is a work of art. On the other hand, the days are longer. You will see that the sun rises at approximately 6 a.m. and sets at 5:30 p.m. from very early on, and you will have natural light at your disposal so that you can take fantastic photos.

Why visit Machu Picchu in May?

May is the time you've been waiting for to enjoy your visit to Machu Picchu because you have certain advantages that don't only have to do with the excellent weather. As for the disadvantages, they are nothing you can't solve. Below, we tell you more details:

Advantages

• Perfect weather: As we already mentioned, May brings a new season with pleasant temperatures and very little rain. So, it's time for you to enjoy outdoor activities and contemplate the clear landscape.
• Less crowds: A clear, refreshing sky and few people around you are all you need to take photos of the landscape in full before your eyes. Of course, you will have free space to walk around without being overwhelmed by people in front of or behind you.
• The best landscapes: The green areas in this season become bright and clear colors at the same time, so everything you will see around you are brushstrokes for a blank canvas with the ruins as a magical background.
• Lower prices: Beauty, nature, and money, a combination you will want to take advantage of because, in May, you have everything that any tourist wants to see in Machu Picchu, plus the offers and promotions that you can find in this month. Low prices can be on your flight, accommodation, tour, and everything you can think of. Take advantage of it!
• Cultural events: There is no better way to immerse yourself in a country's culture than by participating in its traditions and festivities. In May, several celebrations are held, even those very close to Cusco.

Cons

• More fantastic midday and afternoons: The weather in Machu Picchu in May is perfect for exploring the ruins between midday and afternoon, but the temperature drops considerably in the mornings and evenings. For this reason, it is convenient to wear layered clothing to protect yourself from the cold if night falls while exploring the place.
• Occasional rain: We put this section in case occasional rain occurs. It is not typical in May, but as you know, the subtropics are unpredictable. It is a good idea to bring a poncho or waterproof jacket.
• Limited availability: The arrival of the dry season attracts tourists who want to experience good weather and fewer crowds. However, this ironically causes tickets to sell out faster, so we advise you to make all your reservations in advance.

Best Time of Day

Although it may seem unusual, the time of day you choose to visit the ancient ruins will guarantee whether or not you have a good experience. Keep in mind these tips that we give you below:

• (6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.): At this time of day, the sunlight peeks out, and the mist barely covers it. The tranquility of the site will make you connect with the magical energy of the place. This is the most desired time for photography lovers.
• (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.): This is the time of the most significant influx of people. Visitors usually arrive by train from Cusco, and the place quickly begins to fill up. However, these are also the hours of best warm weather.
• (3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.): By the end of the afternoon, most visitors have left, and you can treasure that moment of tranquility and sunlight to take your best photos or simply enjoy the silence that emanates from the stone ruins. You'll see how pleasant your afternoon will be!

Plan your trip to Machu Picchu in May

Good planning is crucial to the success of your trip. All the details must be considered to avoid unpleasant surprises. But don't worry—we are here to help!

Tickets and tours: how far in advance to book

Because Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the number of daily visitors must be limited as a protective measure. This means that to get your ticket, it is vital that you book months in advance, as tickets sell out very quickly, especially if it is high season, and May is the prelude to the peak months.

Tickets to Machu Picchu

You have three ticket options: the Huayna Picchu Mountain Access Ticket, the general entrance, and the Machu Picchu Mountain Access Ticket. Choose the best option according to your physical level and interests.

Permits for the Inca Trail

This is the preferred route for most tourists who want to experience a high-impact adventure, so you should wait at least six months to reserve your ticket. Again, we warn you that permits are restricted to just 500 per day (between tourists, porters, chefs, and tour guides), and as there is greater demand, you can only acquire them if you reserve them in advance.

Guided tours

We always recommend that first-time visitors book a guided tour. You can do the tour on your own, but experiencing the ruins and hearing the story behind their creation and who their creators were is something worth paying for. If you want this service, book it in advance.

What to Pack

Packing your suitcase to travel to Machu Picchu is a challenging task, among other things, because the weather is unstable and can play tricks on you. So, thinking of helping you, we made the following list as a guide:

• Clothing: It is essential to pack clothes that you can wear in layers as if it were an onion; you put on or take off depending on whether the temperature goes up or down, and of course, be prepared for possible showers, although as we have said in May they are occasional or there may simply be none. For example, use a first layer that absorbs moisture; over this, wear a warm jacket or sweater for the first hours of the day, and for walks, wear breathable clothing at night, and cover yourself up again.
• Footwear: The type of footwear you should use is very important. It has to be resistant, appropriate for mountains or hiking, and have a good grip on slippery or rugged terrain. If you plan to climb mountains, your footwear must be up to par.
• Sun protection: The sun at higher altitudes is much hotter and more intense, and it can burn you in minutes. Hence, it is important to protect yourself with sunscreen, a hat, or an umbrella.
• Backpack: A medium-sized backpack is as vital as clothing because you can store your personal belongings there, including your camera or phone, to take photos that will remain as a souvenir.
• Water bottle: Avoid plastic waste and carry a glass or stainless steel bottle so you can fill it as many times as you need and stay hydrated.
• Snacks: If you plan to go on long hikes like walking the Lares Trail or the Inca Trail, carry snacks like cereal bars, bananas, or nuts in your backpack and save yourself from a sugar crash or dizziness due to altitude.
• Camera: The last recommendation, but not the least important, is to bring a camera to take photos like a true professional in the field, although if your phone has good resolution, that is enough. Enjoy!

What to expect

Visiting a place as emblematic as Machu Picchu certainly creates expectations that we must focus on: First, there is the issue of altitude in Machu Picchu. Although Cusco is higher, altitude sickness can be a problem for those who are not used to it and an impediment to enjoying the trip. For this reason, we suggest that you spend a day in Cusco before venturing on your journey to Machu Picchu, especially if you plan to arrive on foot through the trails. Go prepared with some medication that will help counteract any symptoms caused by altitude.

• Crowds: May is yet to high season, but Machu Picchu is a highly coveted destination, so no matter the time of year, you will always see people, although not like in the peak months. However, the place is significant, and you will indeed find a perfect place for you.
• Exploration time: Try to spend as much time as possible exploring the site and plan your time accordingly. Maybe you want to climb mountains or take guided tours of the site. In any case, be flexible with your schedule to visit the ruins.
• Respect the site: This last recommendation is very important. Machu Picchu is a sacred place of great historical and cultural importance in Peru and the world. Therefore, be respectful at all times, keep the site clean, avoid climbing the ruins, and take care of and protect wildlife.

The best Machu Picchu Tours

The appropriate tour to live your adventure in Machu Picchu must have everything you need for your enjoyment; choose one that best suits you:

4-day hike through Lares

The hike through Lares is your best option if you want to immerse yourself in the cultural life of local communities. You will travel through Andean towns and villages, where you will see people doing their daily business. It is four days of hiking with views of lakes, snow-capped peaks, valleys, and almost magical mountains.

• Difficulty: You will find a balance between ascents and descents with moderate difficulty.
• Highlights: This hike is definitely worth it because it offers cultural encounters with communities in the region, in addition to the stunning landscapes and hot springs in the town of Lares.
• Duration: 4 days, three of hiking, and the last day just to explore Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu 1 Day by Train

The ideal option for tourists in a hurry or with little time to visit Machu Picchu is a day by train, with no physical demands or delays.

• Itinerary: The journey starts very early in the morning with the pickup from your hotel in Cusco and transfers to Ollantaytambo train station; then you will go to Aguas Calientes by tren, the latter being the town that houses Machu Picchu. Once there, you take a bus that takes you to the ruins through a guided tour. Once the guided tour is over, you will take the same route back by train to Cusco.
• Highlights: This train experience allows you to enjoy beautiful views of the Sacred Valley and a visit to all of Machu Picchu, with the advantage that it is all in one day.

Inca Trail

The Inca Trail is the most iconic and popular route to Machu Picchu, and for good reason. In 4 days, it takes you along ancient Inca trails, passing through diverse landscapes, including cloud forests, high-altitude plains, and Inca ruins.

• Difficulty: A hike with significant physical demands because the ascents and descents are challenging. So we usually recommend it for people in optimal physical condition.
• Highlights: You will evoke past experiences of the Incas walking this route to reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and feel at home with the first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Yes, the feeling of glory is indescribable!
• Duration: There are different versions of the Inca Trail, but the classic is a four-day hike, and the last day will be for you to enjoy Machu Picchu.

Salkantay Trek

The Salkantay Trek is the second most popular trek in Cusco, just after the Inca Trail. It is the perfect option if you like adventure. 

• Difficulty: The trek features steep ascents and descents, with the most challenging point being the Salkantay Pass at 4,630 meters (15,190 feet) above sea level.
• Highlights: One of the most memorable moments is reaching the Salkantay Pass, which culminates with the arrival at Machu Picchu. 
• Duration: The Salkantay Trek offers several options. The five-day trek is the most popular, for shorter or longer journeys, there's the four-day trek and the eight-day trek, which combines the Salkantay route with the Inca Trail for a more immersive experience; with all these options, you arrive at Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.

What to do in Perú in May?

In May, Peru dresses up to celebrate the discovery of Machu Picchu, but other events take place in this month to highlight the nation's cultural heritage. The most important ones are:

Corpus Christi

This celebration takes place late May or early June (moveable date), is quite notable throughout Peru, but in Cusco, it gains greater interest due to the large procession of different saints and virgins (15 in total) that are carried from various churches to the Plaza de Armas, the central square. In addition to the procession, this celebration includes traditional dances and music that show the mix of Andean culture with Catholic traditions.

Lord of Choquekillka

The lord of Choquekillka is considered one of the most emblematic religious festivals of the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo), it commemorates early June in Ollantaytambo. Lord of Choquekillka is a revered image of Christ. In this celebration, you can see parades, traditional dances, and a mix of indigenous and Catholic rituals. Without a doubt, it is a sample of the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Inti Raymi (Preparation)

Although this historic celebration takes place in June, preparations for the Inti Raymi, or Festival of the Sun, are made in May. During this month, you will be able to observe the first stages of rehearsals, with the decorations and cultural activities that precede the grand celebration. So, in this month, you will be able to witness the color and fun that ultimately invade Cusco in June.

The Velacuy Cross "Cruz Velacuy"

The Cruz Velacuy is a traditional Andean festival celebrated on May 2 in Cusco. People gather to venerate the cross, which is decorated with flowers and textiles. The event includes music, dances, and traditional food and marks the transition from April to May with festivities that mix pre-Hispanic and Christian traditions.

Festival of the Virgin of Chapi

On May 1, Arequipa meets hundreds of pilgrims who travel to the sanctuary of Chapi, located about 90 kilometers from the city, to pay homage to the Virgin Mary, also known as the Virgin of Chapi. With religious rituals, the pilgrims follow the pilgrimage.

FAQS

Here are some frequently asked questions about visiting Machu Picchu in May.

Visiting Machu Picchu in May offers an unparalleled experience. As the rainy season ends, the sun begins to shine, creating a vibrant, lush landscape perfect for exploration. In May, you’ll witness Machu Picchu in all its glory, framed by bright green vegetation against the stone ruins—a truly magical sight. This is also a time of cultural celebrations in Cusco, allowing you to immerse yourself in Peruvian traditions. Book your adventure now with us!