Start of the dry season in the Andes - drier days and clearer skies make this the beginning of prime trekking season (including the Inca Trail). Coastal areas are comfortable and the Amazon sees relatively reduced rainfall compared with earlier months.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Peru in May.
Tumbes & Piura
By May the northerly coast settles into its dry season rhythm: mornings and afternoons are hot and humid but rainfall is rare, and the surf stays consistent for wind and swell seekers. Local fruit stalls brim with mangoes and papayas; water temperatures are warm. It’s a good time for multi-day beach stays and coastal birding without the disruption of storm-damaged roads.
Lima, Paracas, Ica
May ushers in the garúa - a persistent coastal drizzle and low cloud layer that keeps Lima cool and often gloomy; daytime highs hover around 18-20°C. Paracas, being slightly sunnier, is still good for wildlife cruising, but inland Ica starts to feel cooler in the mornings. Travelers should bring a good sweater, as the damp fog can make temperatures feel colder than on the thermometer.
Nasca, Arequipa lowlands
May brings crisper mornings across Arequipa and the southern plateau - daytime highs stay pleasant and nights become noticeably cooler, especially at altitude near Chivay. The dry season is in full swing here, making this one of the best months for clear skies and long-distance visibility of volcanoes like Misti and Chachani. Expect comfortable trekking but cold nights in higher refuges.
Huaraz, Cajamarca, Ancash
May opens the best trekking season in the northern and central highlands, with reliably dry days, crisp sunshine and cold nights - ideal for routes around Huaraz and the Callejón de Huaylas. Mountain refuges fill with climbers and trekkers, so reservations are advised. Altitude acclimatization remains important: take two days in Huaraz before big ascents to reduce the risk of sickness.
Cusco, Sacred Valley, Puno, Colca
May is generally the start of reliably dry weather: mornings are crisp and sunny in the Sacred Valley and Cusco, afternoons warm gently and evenings are cold. Trekking conditions improve dramatically on the Inca Trail and Salkantay routes, making this a top month for hikers. Crowds increase as international visitors arrive, so secure permits and accommodation early.
Loreto, Madre de Dios & Manu
May marks the transition toward the drier season: river levels recede in many areas, making some oxbow lakes and forest trails accessible again, and mosquito pressure slowly eases. This is a rewarding time for multi-day treks into Manu and Tambopata where ground trails open up and terrestrial mammals are more visible. Expect humid days but more comfortable evenings in lodge accommodations.
There are no major festivals or events in Peru during May to be aware of.
See how May compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.