Cusco · Month comparison

March vs May

May ranks #1 overall vs March at #9. The dry season arrives — clear skies, the Inca Trail fully open, and Machu Picchu at its most reliably beautiful.

Cusco March — narrow terracotta alley descending through the hillside neighbourhoods with the city spread below

March

#9 of 12 months

Strong option

Rain eases slightly as the wet season retreats — a low-price month with improving afternoon conditions.

  • ↑Rainfall drops from the February peak (132mm vs 161mm) and sunshine hours begin recovering — mornings are increasingly usable for outdoor sites including Sacsayhuamán and Pisac
  • ↑The Inca Trail reopens after its February closure, though conditions remain muddy; alternative treks including Salkantay and Lares are viable and much quieter than high season
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
FactorMarchMay
Weather score
4
9
Value score
7
6
Crowd score
7
6
Events score
4
7
Atmosphere
5
8
Avg high temp19°C20°C
Monthly rain132mm44mm
Daily sunshine5hrs7.8hrs

March trade-offs

  • ↓Still heavy rainfall at 132mm: afternoon downpours remain the pattern and outdoor planning needs an early start with indoor backup
  • ↓The Inca Trail, while open, is muddy and slippery — most operators prefer dry-season departures for safety and experience quality
  • ↓Overcast skies dominate the landscape photography; the famous mountain views from Machu Picchu are frequently cloud-obscured

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