Visit the Rainbow Mountains
The Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is acolored rainbow mountain that will steal your heart forever and the view from the top will take your breath away.
May is one of the excellent months to visit Lima, with daytime temperatures of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F) at night. Rainfall is minimal, averaging just 11 mm (0.4 in) for the month.
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Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Lima - and find the best time to visit.
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Lima typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 22°C (72°F). Nights are pleasant, with lows around 17°C (63°F).
Browse day-by-day weather records for Lima spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Based on 42 years of weather observations in Lima between 1984 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes.
Find out more about the weather in Peru and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Peru in May →
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
For Lima in May, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. Almost no rain is expected, so no need to bring rain gear. With water temperatures around 18°C (64°F), the water is quite cold for swimming. You can skip the swimwear unless you're particularly tough. Bring sunglasses since you'll have some sunny periods throughout the month
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed Water Temp
See the full Lima climate overview or explore weather in Peru.
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.
Visit the Rainbow Mountains
The Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is acolored rainbow mountain that will steal your heart forever and the view from the top will take your breath away.
"The other" Machu Picchu: the Inca City of Choquequirao
Discover Choquequirao, the hidden Inca city near Cusco. Hike through stunning landscapes and explore ancient ruins with fewer crowds than Machu Picchu.
Hike the inca Trail
Few walking tours speak so much to the imagination as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. The tour leads through beautiful mountain landscapes and it is called the 'Royal Highway'
The Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
One of your highlights during a trip in Peru might be this eco-luxury lodge in front of the Madre de Dios River, called Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica.