Visiting Peru In May: Expert Advice For Luxury Travelers

Are you considering visiting Peru in May?

Famous for its magnificent Machu Picchu ruins, historic colonial cities, rich cuisine and breathtaking Amazon landscapes, Peru is by far one of the most unforgettable destinations for a luxury vacation within Latin America. May marks the beginning of Peru's dry season, bringing excellent weather before the busiest high season months arrive..

In this comprehensive guide we’ll explore everything you need to know about visiting Peru in May. This includes all of the advantages and disadvantages, what the weather is like across the country, specific cultural events and how to prepare for your vacation properly. Later in this article we’ll also answer your most frequently asked questions in our FAQ section.

Is It Worth Visiting Peru In May For Luxury Travelers?

May is an ideal month to explore this spectacular South American country, given guests can enjoy reduced crowds along with great weather across most regions.

Luxury tourists can take advantage of the dry weather by spending more time in the Andes and Amazon regions, which are great for outdoor hiking and spotting exotic wildlife on private excursions, and offer more reliable weather when compared with Peru in April. As well as visiting destinations like Cusco and the Amazon Rainforest, guests can also enjoy great weather along the Pacific Coast - which is ideal for exploring Lima’s Miraflores and Historic Centre neighbourhoods, as well as visiting the nearby Ballestas Islands and breathtaking Huacachina desert oasis.

As May is still a shoulder-season month, tourists can also enjoy a quieter and more authentic experience in some of the more usually-lively areas of the country. Regions like the Sacred Valley and Arequipa are better for enjoying a more peaceful stay, where certain cultural festivals in May (like the Festival of the Crosses within the Andes) really help guests to fully immerse themselves in the traditional culture and feel of each particular town or city.

The Weather And Tourist Seasons For Peru In May

May is the official beginning of the highly anticipated dry season for Peru. While previous months of the year saw heavy showers across most regions, this month is very dry - although temperatures begin to drop as we enter the start of the winter period.

The Pacific Coast

While April began to see gradual cooling in temperatures along the Pacific Coast, these are now much more pronounced here in May. Within Lima the days and evenings will be cooler than previous months, so it’s wise to pack an extra layer when heading out for the late afternoon or evening. The Peruvian capital also begins to experience the famous Garúa phenomenon - where grey clouds are omnipresent over the city and often make temperatures feel colder. Other destinations further north like Trujillo, Chiclayo and Piura are much warmer during the days, although evenings can be cooler (the exception being Piura - which has a tropical climate and is warm regardless of the hour year-round).

The Andes Mountains

During May, the Andes finally enter the long-awaited dry season. Virtually no rainfall occurs this month, making it an ideal time to explore the scenic mountains as we go hiking around the regions of the Sacred Valley, Cusco and Huaraz. It’s important to know that while daytime temperatures remain hot up at these higher altitudes, the evenings on the other hand can be quite cold. For this reason it’s important to pack thick layers, as well as sunscreen and a hat for the daytime since the sun is much more intense up at these higher elevations.

The Amazon Jungle

Similar to the Andes, the Amazon Rainforest also begins to see drier weather as we move into May and the winter season. However in the jungle rainfall can still be expected - just that the showers will be more intermittent and often over as quickly as they start. This, along with more comfortable temperatures, makes it an ideal time for rainforest hikes and excursions, where animals like Monkeys, Frogs, Sloths and Tapir are more commonly sighted in the drier weather. May is also ideal for guests to enjoy a Luxury Amazon Cruise, where river levels make spotting wildlife on the banks much more likely.

Is May A Busy Or Expensive Month For Peru?

May in Peru is a shoulder season month, so it tends to be less busy than the more popular high season months from June until September. This is especially the case during the first couple of weeks of May, where it’s much easier to reserve flights and accommodation less further in advance. By the end of the month the season starts to slowly pick-up, so if your vacation dates coincide with late May or early June, then it’s vital to book your luxury stays and exclusive tours at least a few months in advance. This is especially important for popular destinations like Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and a luxury Amazon Cruise which can sell out fast.

The Best Things To Do In Peru During May

Explore Cusco And The Sacred Valley Region At Its Most Scenic

May marks the beginning of the dry season for the Peruvian Andes, making it one of the finest months to explore the Sacred Valley region from Cusco. During private tours guests can enjoy bright blue skies above, while the surrounding scenery still remains fresh and green from the recent rains in April. Given the high tourist season hasn’t yet arrived, this also makes it perfect for visiting iconic Inca sites such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac and Moray - while we can also make stops at boutique haciendas, artisan workshops and gourmet restaurants throughout the region.

Stay At An Exclusive Beach Resort Along Peru’s Northern Coast

While Lima and the southern regions of Peru start to experience cooler temperatures from May onwards, the tropical beaches in Peru’s north remain ideal for warmth and sunshine. This includes the exclusive resort towns of Punta Sal and Vichayito, which are both located in Piura and have expansive white sand beaches and comfortable sea temperatures for swimming. Here luxury tourists can enjoy staying at an all-inclusive hotel, where there are a range of private excursions on offer which include hiring a private yacht charter for the day or spotting whales and dolphins along the Pacific Coast.

Cruise Through The Amazon Rainforest In Style During Optimum River Conditions

Although the Amazon regions are heading into the drier winter season, river levels are still high due to large rainfall in earlier months - making it an exceptional time to head on a luxury Amazon cruise in Iquitos. Guests can enjoy five-star cabins and gourmet regional cuisine on-board, while also having the chance to venture deeper into the flooded jungles. With expert naturalist guides on-hand, you can maximise your chances of spotting several exotic wildlife species in more comfortable temperatures - such as Pink River Dolphins, Sloths, Macaws and Monkeys.

Visit Arequipa And The Colca Canyon With Perfect Conditions

Like with the majority of the Andes foothills in Peru, May brings stable weather conditions to the region of Arequipa - which makes it a perfect month for experiencing the breathtaking Colca Canyon and appreciating elegant colonial architecture within the city. Early morning excursions provide excellent opportunities to spot Condors soaring above the towering canyons, while luxury travelers can also enjoy privately guided tours through the city’s beautiful historic centre. During the cooler evenings here, guests can stay at a warm countryside lodge and enjoy regional Peruvian cuisine and a selection of premium fine wines.

Unique Cultural Events Or Festivals In Peru During May

May is a brilliant month for experiencing a variety of rich cultural traditions before the busier winter season begins. One of these is Cruz Velacuy (Festival of the Crosses), which is celebrated throughout the Andes during the first week of May. Here places like Cusco and Huancavelica come alive with colourful processions, decorated crosses, and traditional music and dance - which blend together Catholic customs along with ancient Andean beliefs. Another important celebration is the Anniversary of Chachapoyas which is celebrated on the 3rd May in this northern Andean jungle region. Here visitors can enjoy lively parades, cultural performances and exotic regional cuisine throughout the city and surrounding mountain towns.

5 Essential Travel Tips For Luxury Travelers Who Want To Visit Peru In May 

• Take Advantage Of The Early Dry Season Landscapes - May offers some of the most excellent weather for outdoor activities, along with less crowds than the later high season months. This makes it a perfect time to embark on a luxury Amazon cruise, or enjoy a more exclusive atmosphere at Machu Picchu.

• Bring Warm Layers Alongside Sun Protection - Clearer skies in the Andean regions can often catch many tourists out - given UV levels can be surprisingly high up at altitude. Therefore it’s highly recommended to bring a hat, sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen for the daytime, along with thick jumpers and a coat for the cooler evenings.

• Enjoy Trekking In Peru’s Most Beautiful Andean Regions - May is the first true dry season month around Peru, and is perfect for enjoying scenic hikes with reliable weather. This includes the ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu multi-day trek, as well as heading up to the higher-altitude Salkantay region for an all-inclusive luxury glamping stay.

• Reserve Hotel Stays And Key Experiences Well In Advance - While the early weeks of May are less busy, the end of the month can see more crowds in popular cities like Cusco, Lima and Arequipa. For this reason it’s highly recommended to book your hotels and most important tours in advance to guarantee your dream Peru vacation.

• Slow Your Itinerary Down And Stay Longer In Each Destination - Given the ideal weather and lower tourist crowds, May is the perfect month to slow down and enjoy more time in each destination. Extra nights in Lima and Iquitos allow guests to better connect with each city and its unique culture, while extra days in the Andes allow for smoother acclimation to the higher altitudes.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Visiting Peru In May 

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about visiting Peru in May, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

Is May A Good Month To Visit Peru?

May is a brilliant month to visit Peru, and for several different reasons. The first true dry season month, here we can enjoy perfect weather across the Pacific, Andes and Amazon regions in May - while tourist crowds are yet to reach their peak (especially when visiting during the earlier weeks of the month). This month is also ideal for spotting wildlife during a luxury Amazon cruise after the heavier rains of earlier months have now subsided, while we can also enjoy the very best views of Machu Picchu. 

Is It Cold In Cusco In May?

Cusco experiences wildly different temperatures depending on the time of day. The early mornings and evenings tend to be crisp and chilly, with average temperatures between 39-43°F. During the afternoons the region warms up and can be quite hot when walking outside, with temperatures hovering between 50-54°F. As a result it’s vital to bring both thick and thin layers when visiting Cusco and the surrounding Sacred Valley region.

How To Dress For Machu Picchu In May?

Machu Picchu in May experiences similar weather to all of the other dry season months (from May until September). This means that clear blue skies and warm temperatures can be expected in the afternoons, so wearing short layers and comfortable shoes is best practice. During the early mornings and evenings, temperatures around Machu Picchu and the nearby town of Aguas Calientes can be chilly - so it’s recommended to bring warm layers ready. 

Overview Of Visiting Peru In May

And that’s all for this guide on everything you need to know about visiting Peru in May.

By far one of the most scenic and diverse countries we can explore on the continent, Peru is the perfect destination for a luxury vacation - where we can spot exotic wildlife on a scenic Amazon cruise, dine in Lima’s most renowned restaurants, as well as ride the unforgettable Hiram Bingham Train to Machu Picchu. May in Peru offers tourists perfect dry season weather for outdoor exploration and hiking, while also avoiding the larger crowds that the later high season months bring from June onwards.

Here at the Luxury Peru Travel Company, we have decades of experience helping tourists craft their dream vacations around Peru. Get in touch with our expert trip planners now, and see what incredible adventures await you in this unforgettable South American country.

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