May · Peru
Best time to visit Machu Picchu in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Machu Picchu in May
Average temperature 14°C, 80 mm of rain, about 30 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 78% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
7.8/10
Ranked #4 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 14°C
- Rainfall
- 80 mm
- Humidity
- 78%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 30
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
May in Machu Picchu scores 7.8/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - an above-average month (#4 of 12). Expect around 14°C, 80 mm of rain, and roughly 30 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Andean citadel mornings feel clearest in the wet-season shoulder from November through March.
May in Machu Picchu: strong conditions, 4th of 12
Temperatures hover around 14°C (57°F) — the kind of month where neither heat nor cold forces the schedule.
Budget for roughly 80 mm of rain this month — a flexible day or two helps — with about 30 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 11.5 hours of daylight to work around it.
That is 7.8/10 on the same scale — 4th of 12 months, versus 9.4/10 for the best month here.
Pack layers you can shed by midday plus one warm layer for the evening, a packable rain layer.
Expect mid-season pricing, and crowds are moderate.
If your dates are flexible, July is materially better in Machu Picchu — 1.6 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Machu Picchu in May?
- In May, Machu Picchu averages 14°C, 80 mm of rain, and about 30 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 7.8/10.
- Is May a good time to visit Machu Picchu?
- May earns a 7.8/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Machu Picchu in May?
- Expect about 80 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 78% and there are about 30 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Machu Picchu
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, Peru. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.