Interesting festivals start popping up across the Sacred Valley during May, as dry season continues and shoulder season approaches high season towards the end of the month. May is a great month to experience Machu Picchu in some of the year’s best weather conditions without those high season crowds.
## Weather in Machu Picchu during May
The month of May brings noticeable changes to the weather in and around Machu Picchu, marking a transition towards drier and sunnier days. The nights, however, become distinctly cooler and crisper, creating a delightful contrast. When exploring the Cusco area, expect average high temperatures to hover around 66° F (19° C). As the sun dips below the horizon, temperatures will drop significantly, with average lows reaching around 37° F (3° C).
It’s important to note that the temperature variation between the average daily highs and the average nightly lows is approximately 9° F (4° C) greater than what was experienced in January. This increased fluctuation highlights the need for travelers to pack accordingly, preparing for both warm daytime conditions and chilly evenings. Layering is key to ensure you remain comfortable throughout your visit.
While venturing around Machu Picchu, be sure to apply a generous amount of sun block to shield your skin from the sun’s intensifying rays. Although the sun is strong, shade is limited around the site. During the day, while walking and exploring the Inca ruins, you may feel comfortable in shorts and t-shirts. However, when the sun goes down, or in the early morning hours, a warm fleece jacket and thermal under-layers are essential to ward off the evening chill.
Even with the prevalence of clearer weather patterns, it is worth noting that Machu Picchu often remains partially shrouded in cloud cover, especially in the early morning hours. This means that popular viewpoints within the site, such as the iconic Sun Gate or the challenging climb up Wayna Picchu, might not provide the sweeping panoramic views you are hoping for first thing in the morning. Patience is a virtue; the clouds often dissipate as the day progresses.
## Crowds and Costs during May
The improving weather in May, making outdoor activities more appealing, coupled with a calendar full of interesting local festivals, contributes to an increase in tourist traffic. Furthermore, the shift from the shoulder season towards the peak season for visitors from North America, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand adds to the number of travelers exploring the Sacred Valley. Overall, you can expect larger crowds in May compared to many other months of the year. In terms of visitor numbers, May is arguably the second-most popular month to visit the Sacred Valley, after the peak months of June through August.
However, it is crucial to remember that the early-to-mid part of May still falls within the shoulder season. This means that, despite the increasing crowds, you can still expect fewer visitors than you would encounter during the height of the tourist season in June, July and August. Because of this, especially if you travel in early May, you may still be able to secure lower rates on hotels and tours compared to those offered during the high season. Planning and booking in advance is always recommended.
## Where to Go in May
May is undeniably a month best suited for outdoor exploration, with the weather being conducive to discovering the many Inca sites located in the Sacred Valley outside of Machu Picchu. Places like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Moray often remain relatively less crowded compared to Machu Picchu, especially earlier in the month.
But May is not just about ancient ruins; it is also a time when the local communities come alive with vibrant festivals and celebrations. Cusco, a city steeped in history and culture, hosts its annual Vigil of the Crosses, a deeply spiritual event. However, the charming towns of Pisac and Ollantaytambo also offer their own unique and captivating festivals during May, making them particularly attractive destinations for cultural immersion. Visiting these towns during their respective festivals provides a unique glimpse into the local traditions and way of life.
## What to Do in May
With the chance of rain diminishing even further than in previous months, hiking becomes an increasingly popular activity throughout the Sacred Valley. The opportunity to trek to some of the region’s magnificent Inca ruins, such as the site of Moray near Maras, is particularly appealing this time of year. The trails are generally in good condition, and the views are often spectacular.
May is also a fantastic season for wildlife enthusiasts. The landscape of the Sacred Valley is typically lush and vibrant, with plants and flowers flourishing after the rains of the wet season. The emerald-green scenery provides a stunning backdrop for observing the local flora and fauna.
If spotting mammals and birds is high on your priority list, May offers excellent opportunities. If your itinerary includes a visit to the lower jungle regions before or after your exploration of Machu Picchu, such as incorporating the popular Inca Jungle Trek, you will be delighted to know that falling water levels in the rivers and tributaries lead to increased animal sightings along the riverbanks. Birds are also more frequently observed from canopy viewing platforms as they bask in the warming sunlight. Remember that this is the last month for navigating many jungle tributaries by canoe. After May, monkey sightings are less common.
Furthermore, May is one of the best months, along with June, for experiencing the thrill of rafting on the Río Apurímac. While rafting opportunities on other rivers may be waning as the dry season causes water levels to decrease, the Río Apurímac continues to offer exceptional rafting conditions.
In summary, May is a great month for festival-goers in the Machu Picchu area.
## May Events
Although May may not feature the grandeur of June’s Inti Raymi (Inca Festival of the Sun), it offers a rich tapestry of lesser-known festivities, particularly in the smaller towns nestled within the Sacred Valley. These events provide authentic cultural experiences and a chance to connect with the local communities.
**Vigil of the crucifixes:** Held annually on either May 2nd or May 3rd, the Vigil of the Crosses is a deeply spiritual event that takes place on hilltops throughout the Cusco area. Locals place crosses atop the hills (of which there are quite a few!) to participate in the vigil.
**San Isidro Labrador:** The town of Pisac erupts in festivities starting on May 15th to honor San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. The celebration features costumed revelers, cows adorned in special decorations for the occasion, a lively procession, and an abundance of music, dancing, and feasting.
**Q’oyoroti:** Often described as the lesser-known counterpart to Inti Raymi, Q’oyoroti is a traditional Andean celebration that honors the Inca Festival of the Sun. However, unlike Inti Raymi, Q’oyoroti remains largely untouched by international tourism. The event takes place at Ausangate on the Tuesday before Corpus Christi (typically in late May or early June).
**Señor de Choquechilca:** Ollantaytambo’s most significant festival occurs in late May. This festival commemorates the miraculous appearance of a wooden cross next to the town’s Inca Bridge. This event is deeply revered by the local community and is celebrated with great enthusiasm, including vibrant music, energetic dancing, and colorful processions.
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