Last updated: August 27, 2025
May in Cusco, Peru is characterized by mild temperatures and a refreshing atmosphere. With a maximum reaching 17°C (63°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), visitors can expect comfortable days that may cool down to a minimum of -2°C (28°F) at night. The month sees about 30 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over 10 days, making it a somewhat wet period, while the humidity hovers at a notable 88%. This combination of climate factors creates a lush landscape, inviting exploration of the rich heritage and stunning scenery of the region.
In May, Cusco experiences a notable transition in temperatures, with minimums dipping to -2°C (28°F), the coldest point in the first half of the year. The average remains steady at around 9°C (48°F), while daily highs reach a comfortable 17°C (63°F). This month heralds the start of winter in the Southern Hemisphere, and though nights can be quite chilly, the daytime warmth encourages exploration of the city's rich history and stunning landscapes. As the month progresses, visitors can expect clear skies, making May an ideal time for trekking and soaking up the unique atmosphere of this enchanting Peruvian gem.
In May, Cusco, Peru, experiences a significant decrease in precipitation, receiving only 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain over approximately 10 days. This marks a stark contrast to the wetter months preceding it, where rainfall peaked at 230 mm in February and stayed consistently high through March and April. However, as the region transitions towards the dry season, May's relatively low precipitation signifies the beginning of a more arid climate, with rainfall dropping further to just 15 mm in June. The trend illustrates a classic shift from the heavy, frequent rains of the earlier months to the drier spells that characterize Cusco's winter, making May a more pleasant time for travelers seeking to explore the rich cultural heritage without the interruption of daily rainstorms.
In May, Cusco, Peru experiences a notable decrease in humidity, dropping to a comfortable 88%. This decline marks the transition from the wetter months of January through April, where humidity levels hover above 90%. As the region moves into the drier months of June and July, with humidity plummeting to 55%, May serves as a pivotal point, offering a balance between the lingering moisture of early spring and the crisp, dry conditions of winter. This gradual decrease hints at the upcoming dry season, making May an ideal time for visitors to enjoy the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes without the overwhelming humidity characteristic of the earlier months.
In May, Cusco experiences a UV Index of 14, maintaining its classification in the extreme exposure category, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This month marks a slight decrease from the higher indices seen earlier in the year, including 19 in January and February, and 18 in March and October. Despite this reduction, the UV levels remain significant, highlighting the importance of sun protection for residents and travelers alike. The trend of high UV exposure continues into the coming months, reminding visitors to stay vigilant as they enjoy the beautiful landscapes and rich culture of the Andes. For more details, check the full report on the Cusco UV Index.
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May is a vibrant month in Cusco, Peru, marked by a remarkable surge in sunshine. With 326 hours of glorious sunlight, it stands out as one of the sunniest times of the year, reflecting a steady upward trend from the previous months. As the city transitions from the cooler days of April, which offered 290 hours, to the bright and warm days of June, Cusco basks in an abundance of daylight that invigorates both the landscape and its visitors. This increase in sunshine not only enhances the stunning views of the surrounding Andes but also invites exploration of the city's rich history and culture. As the sunlight peaks, June and July follow closely behind with 311 and 332 hours, respectively, ensuring that Cusco remains a luminous destination for travelers seeking adventure and sunshine alike.
In May, visitors to Cusco, Peru can look forward to significantly brighter skies, as the likelihood of sunny weather reaches a promising 46%. This marks a notable increase from the earlier months, with April at just 24% and a positive trajectory that continues into June, where the chance of sun climbs to 49%. This trend suggests that as the city transitions into winter, brighter, sunnier days become more prevalent, making May an ideal time for exploration and outdoor activities. After a relatively cloudy start to the year, May stands out as a month where the sun finally begins to assert itself, paving the way for a delightful Cusco experience.
In Cusco, Peru, the variation in daylight duration throughout the year reveals intriguing patterns influenced by its proximity to the equator. From January to March, the city enjoys a consistent 12 hours of daylight daily, offering ample time for exploration and adventure. As April arrives, daylight dips slightly to 11 hours, a trend that continues through May, June, July, and August, suggesting a balanced yet shorter day during the cooler months. Interestingly, as September rolls in, daylight stretches back to 12 hours, heralding the return of longer days that extend through the end of the year. This rhythmic fluctuation not only highlights the beauty of Cusco’s seasonal changes but also provides an ideal backdrop for visitors and locals to savor the rich cultural and natural experiences the city has to offer year-round.
In May, Cusco experiences a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 1.0 m/s (2 mph), mirroring the light winds of the previous month. This slight drop in wind speed maintains a serene atmosphere, ideal for exploring the rich cultural tapestry of the city. As the transition into winter approaches, the wind picks up just slightly in June, hinting at a subtle increase in activity. Overall, the consistent and mild winds throughout the early months of the year create a pleasant backdrop for both locals and visitors alike, who can enjoy Cusco's stunning landscapes without the distraction of strong gusts.
Weather in Cusco varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Cusco, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather between May and January, we see a notable difference in both temperature and precipitation. May tends to be cooler, with minimum temperatures dropping to -2°C (28°F) and an average of 9°C (48°F), while January is slightly warmer, with temperatures ranging from 2°C (35°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly less precipitation, totaling 30 mm (1.2 in) over approximately 10 days, compared to January's higher precipitation level of 170 mm (6.7 in) spread over 23 days. The humidity levels are relatively similar, with May at 88% and January slightly higher at 94%. For a more detailed look at January weather, you can visit Cusco weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, we notice notable differences in temperature and precipitation. May typically sees lower temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F), with an average of 9°C (48°F). In contrast, February is generally milder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 19°C (67°F), averaging around 10°C (49°F).
Moreover, February is considerably wetter, receiving an average of 230 mm (9.1 in) of precipitation over 27 days, while May has only 30 mm (1.2 in) over 10 days. Both months share high humidity levels, with February slightly higher at 92% compared to May's 88%. For more detailed information on February weather, you can visit Cusco weather in February.
When comparing the weather in May to March, we see some notable differences. May experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and a maximum of 17°C (63°F), while March usually ranges from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 19°C (66°F). Additionally, while both months have the same average temperature of around 9°C (48°F), March is significantly wetter, with 180 mm (7.1 in) of precipitation over 27 days compared to May's 30 mm (1.2 in) over just 10 days. Humidity levels are quite high in both months, with March at 92% and May at 88%. For more detailed information on March weather, you can check out Cusco weather in March.
In comparing the weather of April and May, April tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures around 9°C (49°F) compared to May's average of the same temperature. However, April experiences a higher maximum temperature of 18°C (64°F) versus May's 17°C (63°F). Additionally, precipitation is notably greater in April, totaling 90 mm (3.5 in) over 20 days, whereas May sees only 30 mm (1.2 in) across 10 days. Both months are characterized by high humidity levels, with April at 90% and May slightly lower at 88%. For a detailed look at April's weather in Cusco, you can refer to Cusco weather in April.
May and June exhibit a transition in weather patterns, with both months featuring similar average temperatures of 9°C (48°F). However, May tends to be cooler overall, with maximum temperatures reaching 17°C (63°F) compared to June's slightly warmer maximum of 18°C (65°F). Additionally, May experiences more precipitation, totaling 30 mm (1.2 in) over about 10 days, while June sees significantly less at 15 mm (0.6 in) over just 3 days. Furthermore, the humidity decreases from 88% in May to 77% in June, making June feel slightly drier. For more detailed insights, check out Cusco weather in June.
In May, the weather tends to be cooler with an average temperature of 9°C (48°F), ranging from a chilly minimum of -2°C (28°F) to a maximum of 17°C (63°F). This month sees considerable precipitation, totaling 30 mm (1.2 in) over about 10 days, and high humidity at 88%. In contrast, July offers slightly warmer conditions with an average temperature of 8°C (47°F), a similar minimum of -2°C (29°F), and a slightly higher maximum of 19°C (66°F). Additionally, rainfall is less frequent in July, accumulating just 19 mm (0.7 in) over about 4 days, with a drop in humidity to 55%. For more detailed insights, check out Cusco weather in July.
When comparing the weather of May and August, notable differences emerge. May experiences a broader temperature range, with minimums around -2°C (28°F) and maximums reaching 17°C (63°F). In contrast, August sees slightly cooler minimum temperatures at -3°C (28°F) but a higher average maximum of 20°C (68°F). Precipitation levels also differ, with May recording 30 mm (1.2 in) over approximately 10 days, whereas August has less rain at 21 mm (0.8 in) and fewer rainy days at just 7. Additionally, humidity is significantly higher in May at 88%, compared to a much more comfortable 44% in August. For a closer look at weather specifics, check Cusco weather in August.
May and September exhibit noteworthy differences in weather conditions. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (28°F) at night to a mild 17°C (63°F) during the day, with an average temperature of 9°C (48°F). The month experiences about 30 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over 10 days, accompanied by high humidity at 88%. In contrast, September sees slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (30°F), an average of 10°C (49°F), and a maximum of 21°C (70°F). Precipitation increases slightly to 34 mm (1.3 in) over 11 days, but humidity drops significantly to 51%. For a detailed look at what to expect, check out Cusco weather in September.
May weather typically presents cooler daytime temperatures with averages around 9°C (48°F) and maximums that reach only 17°C (63°F). The month experiences relatively high humidity at 88%, along with about 30 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 10 days. In contrast, October brings slightly warmer conditions with an average temperature of 10°C (51°F) and highs reaching 21°C (69°F). However, it also features increased rainfall, totaling around 86 mm (3.4 in) over approximately 18 days, and a significantly lower humidity of 64%. For more detailed insights into the October climate, you can visit Cusco weather in October.
May and November showcase contrasting weather patterns, each with its unique characteristics. In May, temperatures range from a chilly -2°C (28°F) at night to a pleasant 17°C (63°F) during the day, with an average of 9°C (48°F). The month sees a modest 30 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over about 10 days, accompanied by high humidity at 88%. In comparison, November offers slightly warmer nights with a minimum temperature of 3°C (38°F) and daytime highs reaching 21°C (70°F), leading to an average of 11°C (51°F). However, November is considerably wetter, receiving 128 mm (5.0 in) of rain across 24 days, but features slightly lower humidity at 84%. For more details on November weather, check out Cusco weather in November.
In comparing the weather between May and December, it’s evident that both months experience relatively mild temperatures, but December tends to be slightly warmer with an average temperature of 10°C (50°F) compared to May's 9°C (48°F). However, December also brings significantly more precipitation, with 214 mm (8.4 in) over 27 days, while May sees just 30 mm (1.2 in) across 10 days. Furthermore, humidity levels are marginally higher in December at 93% versus May's 88%. This combination of increased rainfall and humidity makes December distinctly more damp than May. For more details, check out Cusco weather in December.
In May, Cusco experiences a delightful transition in weather, as temperatures begin to rise compared to the chill of previous months. With an average temperature hovering around 9°C (48°F) and peaks reaching 17°C (63°F), visitors can enjoy pleasantly mild days. While the chance of rain does increase, with about 30 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over 10 days, the high humidity—around 88%—adds a refreshing feel to the air, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for exploring. Overall, May marks a welcoming point in Cusco’s climate as the city gears up for the drier winter months ahead. For a deeper understanding of the weather patterns, visit Cusco Climate.