Cusco · Month comparison

December vs May

May ranks #1 overall vs December at #12. The dry season arrives — clear skies, the Inca Trail fully open, and Machu Picchu at its most reliably beautiful.

Cusco December — a vibrant market street in the historic centre with colourful textiles and locals going about their day

December

#12 of 12 months

Worth considering

Wet season in full effect — Christmas brings brief visitor uptick but rain is heavy and sunshine limited.

  • ↑Christmas in Cusco is celebrated with genuine warmth — the Plaza de Armas is decorated, midnight Mass at the cathedral is atmospheric, and the city has a festive energy distinct from tourist performance
  • ↑Machu Picchu is accessible by train and less crowded than the dry-season peak; the wet-season mist around the ruins creates a mysterious photographic atmosphere
Cusco May — Plaza de Armas with the cathedral and dramatic clouds over the ancient colonial square

May

#1 of 12 months

Best match

The dry season arrives — clear skies, the Inca Trail fully open, and Machu Picchu at its most reliably beautiful.

  • ↑Dry season proper begins: 44mm of rain is minimal, skies are consistently clear, and the mountain views from Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are sharp and unobscured
  • ↑Inca Trail permits are still available in May (unlike the July–August peak when they sell out months ahead) — the optimal window for hiking with full conditions and manageable crowds
FactorDecemberMay
Weather score
4
9
Value score
5
6
Crowd score
5
6
Events score
5
7
Atmosphere
5
8
Avg high temp20°C20°C
Monthly rain123mm44mm
Daily sunshine4.8hrs7.8hrs

December trade-offs

  • ↓Heavy rainfall at 123mm; afternoon and evening rain is the norm, and the famous mountain views are frequently obscured by cloud
  • ↓Sunshine averages only 4.8 hours daily — outdoor time is best maximised with early-morning starts before the clouds build
  • ↓The Inca Trail is open but wet-season conditions make it uncomfortable; most serious trekkers choose the dry season for any multi-day hike

May trade-offs

  • ↓Nights are cold (4°C) and can catch visitors off guard; altitude at 3,400m intensifies the chill — warm layers are non-negotiable
  • ↓Prices begin rising as the dry season is recognised; May is still moderate but more expensive than the wet-season months
  • ↓Inca Trail permits for the popular Classic Trail sell out in advance — book at least two to three months ahead for May departures
See all 12 months for Cusco →December in detail →May in detail →
Scores compare months within Cusco. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →