Things to do in Lima in May

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Overview

May is a good time to visit Lima. The weather is usually mildly cool with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 61—72°F (16—22°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Lima during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a boat tour of the Palomino Islands, take a day trip to the Pachacamac Ruins, and take a surfing lesson at Costa Verde!

Lima has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Lima. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Lima in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Lima in May

Top experiences in May
Take a boat tour of the Palomino Islands
The Palomino Islands are a group of small islands located off the coast of Lima, known for their abundant wildlife and natural beauty. Taking a boat tour of the islands in May offers the opportunity to see the islands at their best, with clear skies and calm seas making for a pleasant and enjoyable experience. Visitors can see a variety of marine life, including sea lions, penguins, and seabirds, as well as enjoy the stunning coastal scenery and panoramic views of the city. It is a unique and memorable way to explore the natural wonders of Lima and get up close to some of Peru's most fascinating wildlife.
Take a day trip to the Pachacamac Ruins
The Pachacamac Ruins are an ancient archaeological site located just outside of Lima. The site was once a pre-Inca religious center and is home to a variety of well-preserved ruins, including temples, palaces, and burial sites. Visiting the ruins in May offers the opportunity to explore the site in the pleasant weather of the dry season, without the crowds that often come during the peak tourist season. It is a unique and fascinating way to learn about the history and culture of Peru while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Take a surfing lesson at Costa Verde
Costa Verde is a popular surfing spot located along the coast of Lima, known for its consistent waves and beautiful beaches. Taking a surfing lesson in May offers the opportunity to enjoy the warm and sunny weather of the dry season, as well as to experience the thrill of riding the waves in one of Peru's most iconic surf destinations. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced surfer, Costa Verde offers a variety of breaks and conditions to suit all levels, making it a great place to learn or improve your surfing
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Holidays in Lima in May
May
  • Labor Day / May Day (May 1)
  • Mothers' Day (May 12)
Other notable holidays
  • Battle of Arica (June 7)
  • Flag Day (June 7)
  • Fathers' Day (June 16)
  • Farmer Day (June 24)
  • Inti Raymi Day (June 24)
  • St Peter and St Paul (June 29)
  • Peruvian Air Force Day (July 23)
  • Public Sector Holiday (July 26)
  • Independence Day (July 28)
  • Battle of Junín (August 6)
  • Santa Rosa De Lima (August 30)
  • Armed Forces Day (September 24)
  • Public Sector Holiday (October 7)
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Weather in Lima in May

Temperatures on an average day in Lima in May

The average temperature in Lima in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 72°F (22°C) to a low of 61°F (16°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Lima, February, has days with highs of 75°F (24°C) and lows of 66°F (19°C). The coldest month, August has days with highs of 69°F (21°C) and lows of 57°F (14°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Lima in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
72°F
highs
61°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
Feels like
1%
Chance of rain
0.007 in
Amount
11.3 mph
Wind speed
81%
Humidity
11.6 hrs
Daylight length
6:17 AM
Sunrise
5:51 PM
Sunset
54%
Cloud cover
T-shirt
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 72°F (22°C) and a low of 61°F (16°C), it generally feels mildly cool with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something light like your favorite t-shirt
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Best attractions for Lima in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Lima has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Lima that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Lima for May.
Magic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park
1. Magic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park
4.5
(75668)
Park
Nature & Parks
Picturesque neighborhood park known for its fountains & evening laser light shows off the water.
Miraflores
2. Miraflores
Neighborhoods
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Larco Museum
3. Larco Museum
4.7
(12981)
Archaeological museum
Museums
Mansion-turned-museum featuring a collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including ceramic erotica.
Lima Main Square
4. Lima Main Square
4.6
(72679)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Known as the birthplace of Lima, this plaza featuring a fountain is bordered by iconic palaces.
Huaca Pucllana Site Museum
5. Huaca Pucllana Site Museum
4.6
(15178)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Remains of a clay & adobe stepped pyramid from the Lima Culture (200–700 A.D.), plus tours & museum.
Barranco
6. Barranco
Neighborhoods
Barranco is one of 43 districts in Lima, Peru. Its current mayor is Jessica Vargas. The district is considered to be the city's most romantic and bohemian, being the home and working place of many of Peru's leading artists, musicians, designers and photographers. Wikipedia.
Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima
7. Basílica and Convent of San Francisco, Lima
4.6
(16543)
Convent
Sights & Landmarks
Baroque-style Roman Catholic church & monastery with a prominent library & underground catacombs.
Miraflores boardwalk
8. Miraflores boardwalk
4.7
(14)
Lodging
Sights & Landmarks
Centro Histórico
9. Centro Histórico
Historic Sites
Historic Walking Areas
Love's Park
10. Love's Park
4.5
(28969)
Park
Nature & Parks
Landscaped park overlooking the ocean with a huge kissing sculpture, mosaic walls & a snack stand.
7th of June Park
11. 7th of June Park
4.6
(24618)
Park
Nature & Parks
Triangular urban park offering trees, landscaped lawns & paths, plus an amphitheater & a playground.
Lima Cathedral
12. Lima Cathedral
4.7
(4315)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Huge baroque-style Roman Catholic cathedral with a gold-plated altar & an on-site religious museum.
Pachacamac
13. Pachacamac
Sights & Landmarks
Ancient Ruins
The Pachacámac District is one of 43 districts of the Lima Province in Peru. The capital of the district is the village of Pachacámac. Its main asset is the archaeological Inca site Pachacámac. Wikipedia.
Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, Lima
14. Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo, Lima
4.7
(2838)
Convent
Sights & Landmarks
16th-century church with saints' relics, plus an attached convent with verdant inner courtyards.
Magic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park
15. Magic Water Circuit of the Reserve Park
4.5
(75668)
Park
Nature & Parks
Picturesque neighborhood park known for its fountains & evening laser light shows off the water.
Museo de Arte de Lima
16. Museo de Arte de Lima
4.6
(1993)
Art museum
Museums
Museum displaying Peruvian art, with works from the pre-Columbian period up to the recent past.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Lima?

Get inspired for your trip to Lima with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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