Cusco · Month comparison

January vs May

May ranks #1 overall vs January at #10. The dry season arrives — clear skies, the Inca Trail fully open, and Machu Picchu at its most reliably beautiful.

Cusco January — Plaza de Armas illuminated at night with the cathedral in moody rainy-season atmosphere

January

#10 of 12 months

Worth considering

Peak rainy season: afternoon downpours daily, trails muddy, but Machu Picchu via train remains open.

  • ↑Machu Picchu is still accessible by train from Aguas Calientes — the ruins do not close and the site is significantly less crowded than the July–August peak
  • ↑Hotel prices in Cusco are at their most affordable; budget and mid-range options represent genuine value compared to the May–September premium
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
FactorJanuaryMay
Weather score
3
9
Value score
7
6
Crowd score
7
6
Events score
5
7
Atmosphere
5
8
Avg high temp19°C20°C
Monthly rain147mm44mm
Daily sunshine4.5hrs7.8hrs

January trade-offs

  • ↓Heavy afternoon rain is reliable daily — 147mm across the month; outdoor itineraries need to finish by early afternoon or include indoor contingencies
  • ↓The Inca Trail (classic 4-day hike to Machu Picchu) is open but conditions are muddy and slippery; serious hikers generally avoid January
  • ↓Sunshine drops to 4.5 hours daily; the mountains are frequently shrouded in cloud, and conditions for photography and high-altitude walks are challenging

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 →January in detail →May in detail →
Scores compare months within Cusco. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →