In May, the rains come to an end in the Sacred Valley, making this a great time to visit Peru. Take advantage of the especially verdant scenery, light crowds, and numerous festivals before the high season kicks in. Find out what to do and where to go in this monthly guide.

Weather

May is Peru's autumn season, though weather patterns depend on where you travel. There are three distinct climate zones:

  • The desert coastal strip: This region includes Máncora, Trujillo, Lima, Paracas, and Arequipa. In May, you can expect mostly sunny skies and mild springlike temperatures (though southern areas can get cooler and foggier than summer months). Lima in May averages highs of 72°F (22°C) and lows of 61°F (16°C). South of Lima, you'll experience slightly cooler temperatures than in the north (closer to the equator). 

  • The Andean zone or highlands: This region includes Huaraz, Machu Picchu, Cusco, and Lake Titicaca. May really dries off, making this a great time to visit the country's interior. If visiting the Cusco region, you'll experience more sunshine and slightly cooler temperatures with highs around 66°F (19°C) and lows around 37°F (3°C). 
      
  • The large eastern area covered by the Amazon rainforest: This region includes Iquitos, Tarapoto, Manu, and Puerto Maldonado, with warm and humid weather throughout the year. Iquitos tends to see highs around 86°F (31°C) and lows around 72°F (22°C) with quite a bit of rain for May, especially in the north (the south area sees lessening rain this month).

Crowds & Costs

May is widely regarded as one of the best months to visit Peru, given that the vegetation is lush green from the recent rains and the land has yet to turn dry from the summer's heat. On top of that, the crowds have yet to arrive, and there are still decent rates for flights and hotels. In general, the mountains and canyons are still on the quieter side this time of year, so this is a good month if you're trying to avoid the high season.

As tourism slows down along Peru's coastline and shifts inland, May is a great time to visit the beach towns, especially north of Lima. The weather is still good, and rates tend to be lower than in December through March.

Where to Go

Peru's interior, specifically the Sacred Valley, is usually the top site for international visitors. Machu Picchu is the most popular and important of all Inca ruins, and the Inca Trail is the only way to hike directly into the park through the Sun Gate. A great alternative trail is the Salkantay Trek—a lesser-known 5-day trek to Machu Picchu, where you'll hike past coffee farms, glacial lakes, and rugged snowcapped peaks before descending into the dense cloud forest for your approach to the Inca ruins.

Another great alternative is the Cotahuasi Canyon, the world's deepest canyon, in the high Andes northwest of Arequipa. There are many trekking options, from one-day hikes to a six-day trek. 

Though it's often too chilly to swim in the Pacific Ocean unless you're further north and closer to the equator, it's worth visiting Peru's stunning coastline. Farther south is the Paracas National Reserve, with sand dunes and cliffs, unspoiled beaches, and diverse fauna. 

Plan your trip to Peru
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get Started

What to Do

Trekking in the highlands: Peru's Andean range has long attracted lovers of the great outdoors, and trekking is the most popular activity. Other than Machu Picchu, there are numerous multiday opportunities to choose from; check out a list of the Best 10 Treks in Peru. For shorter hikes, here's a list of the Best Day Hikes in the Sacred Valley from Cusco, including visits to waterfalls, caves, and hot springs.

History & Inca ruins: Within the Sacred Valley, you'll find a host of ruins like Ollantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman, and Pisac. While these smaller sites are more spread out than Machu Picchu, you'll have your fill of Spanish colonial villages, handicraft markets, and Inca history if you manage to visit them all.

Sightseeing in Lima: Although it hardly ever rains here, Cusco often overlooks this layover city. But Peru's capital is rich in history and culture with beautiful architecture, cathedrals, interesting museums, a growing culinary scene (including #6 and #7 on "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" list), nightlife, and great shopping. Make sure to spend an evening watching the sunset overlooking the bluffs at Miraflores. 

Hiking, biking & rafting: With trails drying off, there are plenty of options for combining any or all of these activities, like this two-week option in Southern Peru. This is a great time of year to enjoy any of these activities. 

Events in May 

Labor Day, Nationwide (May 1). This day off for Peruvians usually involves a large amount of beer.

Fiesta de las Cruces, Multiple (May 3). This fascinating festival is celebrated in Lima, Cusco, Ayacucho, and other towns. it's a procession of crosses decorated with flowers carried to the hills and neighboring churches. Fiesta de la Cruces is accompanied by traditional music and dances. 

Festival del Mar, Huanchaco. The first week in May celebrates the arrival of Takaynamo, the man history tells us founded Chan Chan. They celebrate every other year in Huanchaco with surf contests, dancing, and partying.

Noche en Blanco, Lima. In early May, the streets of Lima's Miraflores district are closed to cars while arts, music, and dance take over. This event is inspired by Europe's White Nights.

Qoyllur Rit'i, near Cusco. A more traditional Peruvian festival—South America's largest Indigenous festival—celebrating the Andean rites at the foot of Ausangate, the tallest mountain in Peru.

Traveling to Peru in May? Check out these great itineraries

Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Adventure - 6 Days. Explore the essential highlights of Peru's Sacred Valley, including visits to Cusco and Machu Picchu. Then, journey through a land of wild desert landscapes, snowcapped peaks, and herds of alpacas to arrive at your ultimate destination: the rainbow-painted slopes of Mount Vinicunca, hidden deep in the Andes.

Peruvian Trekking Excursion: Ausangate, Colca Canyon & Lake Titicaca - 21 Days. This active adventure is ideal for avid hikers. Explore Cusco before embarking on the Ausangate off-the-beaten-path trek to Machu Picchu. You'll discover the rugged highlands of the region, hike past glacial lakes, and wander amid herds of alpacas. After, venture to Machu Picchu to explore Peru's most iconic ruins and then set out to explore colonial Arequipa. Next, travel to Colca Canyon, one of the world's deepest canyons, followed by a few days to hike, kayak, and explore Lake Titicaca's rich history, culture, and natural beauty. 

More Helpful Information

Peru in April
Peru in June
Best Time of Year to Visit Peru
How Many Days to Spend in Peru