Lima Weather in May
Peru · Desert climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
May in Lima sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 16.5°C (61.7°F) to a high of 20.8°C (69.4°F), with a mean of 18.4°C (65.1°F). Compared to the annual average of 18.8°C (65.8°F), this month is 0.4°C cooler than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 0.7mm, making it approximately 3.0mm drier than the monthly average of 4.0mm. The city receives an average of 10.1 hours of sunshine per day during May, with relative humidity averaging 82.9%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 20.0 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a temperature experience in Lima, with drier-than-average conditions compared to the rest of the year.
There's something about Lima in winter that the postcards never show. May-November brings la garúa — a persistent grey mist that hangs over the city for months. I arrived expecting sunshine and got six straight weeks of 16°C gloom. But locals embrace it; ceviche tastes better when it's cool, and the city's literary cafés feel alive. December-April is when the sun finally returns: 25°C, clear skies, Lima erupts onto the beaches. The Mistura food festival in September is when Lima's culinary soul is on full display. Every season here is a mood.
May vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | April | May | June |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 20.9°C (69.6°F) | 18.4°C (65.1°F) | 16.9°C (62.4°F) |
| Rainfall | 1.2mm | 0.7mm | 0.6mm |
| Sunshine | 11.1 hrs | 10.1 hrs | 9.7 hrs |
| Humidity | 81.1% | 82.9% | 83.1% |
| Wind | 21.5 km/h | 20.0 km/h | 20.7 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 2.2 | 1.8 | 1.2 |
Seasonal Context
May falls in Spring in the Northern Hemisphere. Spring is a transitional season with temperatures rising from winter lows. For travelers visiting Lima in May, the data indicates favorable conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Lima in May?
The average temperature in Lima during May ranges from 16.5°C (61.7°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F), with a mean of 18.4°C (65.1°F).
How much does it rain in Lima in May?
Lima receives an average of 0.7mm of precipitation in May, spread across approximately 1.8 rainy days.
What should I pack for Lima in May?
Based on May weather data, pack layers including light jackets and t-shirts, plus an umbrella.
Is May a good time to visit Lima?
May is a good time to visit Lima, with comfortable temperatures and manageable rainfall.
Other Months for Lima
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: -12.05°, -77.04°. Timezone: America/Lima. Last updated: 2026-07-30.