May is one of the two best months of the year to hike the Inca Trail. The rains have just ended, so you get the clear skies of the dry season with landscapes that are still green from the wet months, and the crowds of June–August have not yet arrived in full. The catch: May 2027 is in demand, so it needs to be booked before the 2027 permits go on sale, expected October–November 2026.
- Drythe rainy season is over; a stray shower is still possible early in the month.
- Cold nightsaround freezing at the higher campsites, especially late in the month.
- Book earlyreserve before the 2027 permits go on sale.
Weather on the Inca Trail in May
Days are usually sunny and pleasant for walking, and the views from Dead Woman’s Pass and the Sun Gate are among the clearest of the year. The sun is strong at altitude, so bring a hat and sunscreen even when the air feels cool. Nights are a different story: at Pacaymayo (3,600 m / 11,810 ft) temperatures drop to around freezing, and frost on the tents is common by the end of the month. Near Machu Picchu the cloud forest stays warmer and more humid, and morning clouds usually lift by mid-morning.
Early May can still bring an occasional afternoon shower, the last of the rainy season. It rarely changes the day, but a light rain jacket belongs in your daypack all year.
Crowds and permits
May marks the start of the high season. Permits for the Classic route are capped at 500 people per day, including guides, cooks and porters, and in May those spaces go fast. In our experience, anyone who waits until a few months before the trip usually finds most dates sold out. For May 2027 the safest plan is to reserve before the permits go on sale; read how far in advance to book for 2027 and follow our permit release tracker.
If the Classic route is full, the 2-day Inca Trail has its own quota of 250 per day and often has spaces a little longer, and it reaches the same Sun Gate.
What’s happening in Cusco in May 2027
- Early May — Cruz Velakuy: the festival of the crosses, when neighborhoods and communities decorate and carry their crosses in celebration.
- Late May — Qoyllur Rit’i: the great Andean pilgrimage in the mountains near Ausangate, held in the week before Corpus Christi.
- 27 May 2027 — Corpus Christi in Cusco: saints from Cusco’s churches are carried in procession to the Plaza de Armas; the city is busy and colorful.
- 31 May 2027 — US Memorial Day: a long weekend that adds American travelers at the end of the month.
Festivals mean more people in Cusco and higher hotel prices on those dates, so book accommodation early if your trip overlaps with them.
What to pack for May
- Warm layers: a fleece and a down or synthetic jacket for evenings and early starts.
- A sleeping bag rated to around −10 °C (14 °F), or rent one from us.
- Gloves and a warm hat for the nights and the pre-dawn start on day 4.
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat with a brim and lip balm.
- A light rain jacket and trekking poles with rubber tips.
- The full list: see our Inca Trail packing list, with a printable checklist.
Is May the right month for you?
May is ideal if you want dry weather with green landscapes and you can book well ahead. If your dates are flexible and you prefer more availability, April and October are excellent too; compare all months in our month-by-month guide. Not sure about the effort? See how hard the Inca Trail really is. Traveling a little later? See the Inca Trail in June and in July. Check May 2027 in the calendar below — every date is open for early booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good month for the Inca Trail?
Does it rain on the Inca Trail in May?
How cold is the Inca Trail in May?
When should I book the Inca Trail for May 2027?
Is Machu Picchu crowded in May?
About the author
Raquel Sánchez co-founded Terra Quechua Peru in Cusco in 2012 together with Edwin Medina, both with extensive trekking experience. She writes our Inca Trail guides from the day-to-day work of securing permits and organizing every departure with our guides, cooks and porters.