Machu Picchu Weather in May
May in Machu Picchu averages 16°C (61°F) during the day and 6°C (43°F) at night. Quite a bit of rainfall is typical this month, with around 87 mm (3.4 in) on average. An umbrella is a good idea.
Rainfall in Machu Picchu in May
Typically, about 6 days will experience rainfall, with an average of 87 mm (3.4 in) for the month. When rain does fall this month, it tends to come down hard. The low number of rain days makes each shower more significant.
Temperature in Machu Picchu in May
Daytime highs in Machu Picchu in May reach 16°C (61°F), with nights around 6°C (43°F). This creates a mild day-to-night pattern that is generally easy to manage with the right clothing. Nights fall to 6°C (43°F), which is cold enough to feel it indoors too. A good thick duvet makes all the difference for a comfortable night's sleep.
Sunshine in Machu Picchu in May
Enjoy a sunny month with about 239 hours of sunshine, the clear skies make Machu Picchu even more beautiful.Our weather planner can help you find worldwide destinations with pleasant weather during this period. May, June, July and August typically offer the best weather for Machu Picchu.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Peru, check out our Machu Picchu's climate page.
Machu Picchu Temperature in May
Min Temperature
6°C (43°F)
Max Temperature
16°C (61°F)
Chance of Rain
20%
Precipitation
87 mm (3.4 in)
Rainy days
6 days
Humidity
59% *
Sunshine
239 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
*
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Machu Picchu typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 16°C (61°F). Nights are cold, with lows typically ranging from 3°C (37°F) to 5°C (41°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Machu Picchu in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Machu Picchu spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Machu Picchu historical weather extremes in May
Based on 50 years of weather observations (1976-2026), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Machu Picchu.
- Machu Picchu recorded its highest May temperature of 29°C (84°F) on May 8, 1992.
- Machu Picchu experienced its chilliest May day on May 8, 2023, reaching only 9°C (48°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -3°C (27°F) on May 27, 2006, marking the coldest May night on record.
Best Places in Peru in May
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
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
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What to Wear in Machu Picchu in May
The weather can swing between comfortable and chilly in May, so flexibility is key. Pack a variety of tops, at least one warm layer, and both shorts and long pants. This gives you options no matter what the day brings. Expect heavy rainfall, so bring good rain protection and waterproof bags. And with plenty of sunshine hours, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a sun hat.What To Do in Machu Picchu in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Peru, check out our Machu Picchu's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Machu Picchu climate overview or explore weather in Peru.
