Cusco in May
In May, Cusco averages 21°C (70°F) during the day and 2°C (36°F) at night, with only about 3 rainy days.
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Skies are generally dry and clear.
May is a great month to visit Cusco: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Cusco
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Cusco (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. May runs roughly the same as April (21°C) and stays flat into June.
May sunrise & sunset in Cusco
Times shown for Cusco local time (America/Lima), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cusco — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Cusco's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cusco in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (High season) and Cusco's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Cusco
This is a busy month in Cusco — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Cusco
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Cusco in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C / 66°F | 7°C / 45°F | 165 mm | 21 | 0 |
| February | 19°C / 66°F | 7°C / 45°F | 145 mm | 19 | 0 |
| March | 20°C / 68°F | 6°C / 43°F | 115 mm | 17 | 0 |
| April | 21°C / 70°F | 4°C / 39°F | 50 mm | 9 | 0 |
| May | 21°C / 70°F | 2°C / 36°F | 10 mm | 3 | 0 |
| June | 21°C / 70°F | 0°C / 32°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| July | 20°C / 68°F | -1°C / 30°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| August | 21°C / 70°F | 1°C / 34°F | 10 mm | 2 | 0 |
| September | 21°C / 70°F | 3°C / 37°F | 25 mm | 6 | 0 |
| October | 22°C / 72°F | 5°C / 41°F | 70 mm | 12 | 0 |
| November | 22°C / 72°F | 6°C / 43°F | 80 mm | 14 | 0 |
| December | 21°C / 70°F | 7°C / 45°F | 130 mm | 19 | 0 |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cusco in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cusco in May?
In May, Cusco averages a high of 21°C (70°F) and a low of 2°C (36°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Cusco in May?
May is generally dry in Cusco, with about 3 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Cusco?
May is mild and pleasant and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Cusco in May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full May packing list for Cusco for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.