2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Cusco — May

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain. Recommended month to visit.

🌟 Climate Overview

May is an excellent time to visit Cusco. Mild temperatures around 18°C make it comfortable for exploring. Temperatures vary significantly between day and night—layering is recommended. As peak season, expect higher prices and more tourists.

6.7
GoTripzi Score Good

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

18°C

Avg Low

7°C

Rainy days

8days

Daylight

11.5h

Rainfall

35mm

Sunshine

10h/day

Humidity

68%

Humid
Sun Strength

6.9

High
Wind

6 km/h (gusts 25)

Is May a good time to visit Cusco?

The weather is near-perfect with ideal temperatures and minimal rain.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Very Busy
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

06:00

Sunset

17:30

11.5h daylight

Visiting Cusco in May: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Comfortable temperatures for sightseeing
  • Abundant sunshine for beach and outdoor fun
  • One of the best months to visit

Cons

  • Peak season — expect crowds and higher prices

Things to Do in May

Events & Festivals

🕊️
Cruz Velacuy (Vigil of the Cross)
May 2–3 Religious
🕊️
Corpus Christi
60 days after Easter (usually June) Religious

Recommended for This Weather

🚶 Walking tours & sightseeing
🚲 Cycling & bike tours
🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Cusco Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 18°C 9°C 27d (214mm) 9.2h
78% Humid
7.8 Very High
Wet
Feb 18°C 9°C 27d (210mm) 8.6h
80% Very Humid
7.3 Very High
Wet
Mar 18°C 9°C 28d (197mm) 8.8h
80% Very Humid
7.2 Very High
Wet
Apr 18°C 8°C 17d (76mm) 9.8h
74% Humid
7.3 Very High
Wet
May Current 18°C 7°C 8d (35mm) 10h
68% Humid
6.9 High
Excellent
Jun 18°C 5°C 2d (6mm) 10h
59% Moderate
6.6 High
Excellent
Jul 19°C 5°C 1d (9mm) 10.2h
53% Moderate
7.4 Very High
Excellent
Aug 20°C 6°C 5d (13mm) 10.5h
55% Moderate
8 Very High
Excellent
Sep 20°C 7°C 10d (33mm) 10.7h
60% Moderate
8.6 Very High
Excellent
Oct 20°C 8°C 19d (78mm) 10.6h
64% Moderate
9.1 Very High
Wet
Nov 20°C 9°C 22d (118mm) 9.9h
67% Humid
8.6 Very High
Wet
Dec 19°C 9°C 27d (186mm) 9.3h
74% Humid
8 Very High
Wet

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5
3
3
Your Best MonthNovScore: 7.6

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Cusco – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

Cusco

Inca capital and launchpad for Machu Picchu treks. Discover Sacsayhuamán.

View Full Destination Guide

What to Pack for May

Dress in layers — a mix of long sleeves, light sweaters, and a versatile jacket works best for changeable conditions. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional showers.

Moderate Very Busy

🎒Personalized Packing List

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Your Packing List

📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Cusco?

🔥 Peak season — book early for best rates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is May a good time to visit Cusco?
May is typically excellent for visiting Cusco, with average highs of 18°C and around 8 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Cusco in May?
Nights in Cusco during May are cool at around 7°C. Bring a jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or take evening walks. The temperature drop from day to night can be noticeable.
What should I pack for Cusco in May?
With highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C in May, we recommend: Warm layer for evenings, Compact umbrella, Comfortable walking shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Cusco in May?
Cusco typically sees around 8 rainy days in May. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
How many hours of daylight are there in Cusco in May?
In May, Cusco gets approximately 11.5 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is May peak season in Cusco?
Yes, May is peak season in Cusco. Expect higher prices for accommodation and more crowds at popular attractions, but also the best weather conditions. Book hotels and major attractions in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: America/Lima)

Last Updated: February 2026