Month guide · Cartagena · Colombia
Cartagena in May
What May is really like in Cartagena: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Petruss, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
May is a good-value shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 32°C (90°F), lows of 26°C (79°F), about 8 rainy days and roughly 12.6 hours of daylight. Humid with the first afternoon storms; lower prices and fewer visitors.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 32°C (90°F) / 26°C (79°F)
- Rainy days
- About 8
- Daylight
- About 12.6 hours
- Sea temperature
- 28°C (82°F)
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Low
Weather in May
May is the 2nd-warmest month in Cartagena: days average 32°C (90°F) against a yearly average high of 32°C (90°F), and nights fall to about 26°C (79°F). Rain falls on roughly 8 of its 31 days. Compared with April (32°C (90°F)), May is about as warm; by June highs stay near 32°C (90°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 05:40
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 18:16
- Daylight
- About 12.6 hours
- Sea
- 28°C (82°F)
Dry season (December–April). Sunny with trade winds that make the heat more bearable; peak crowds from mid-December to mid-January and at Semana Santa.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 2 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 2 for hotel prices (highest in January). That makes May one of the better-value months to book.
Events in May
May has no major recurring festival in Cartagena, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Castle · Tierra Bomba
Fuerte de San Fernando de Bocachica
Combine it with a beach afternoon on Tierra Bomba; arrange your return boat time in advance.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Views
Experience · Bay of Cartagena
Sunset sail on the bay
Sailboats and catamarans leave the old-town marinas around late afternoon for a cruise round the bay, with views back to the walls, Bocagrande's skyline and the forts as the sun sets.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Couples
- Views
- After dark
Historic site · El Centro
The walled city
Explore early in the morning or after 4pm; the midday heat is intense and the light is better for photos.
- Time needed
- Half a day or more
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- History
- Architecture
- Photo spot
Neighbourhood · Getsemaní
Getsemaní streets and Plaza de la Trinidad
Getsemaní's lanes are covered with murals by local artists, flags and hanging umbrellas, especially around Calle de la Sierpe and Callejón Angosto.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Art
- After dark
- Food
- Photo spot
The sea averages 28°C (82°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Cartagena.
What to pack
For highs near 32°C, lows near 26°C and 8 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Cartagena?
A good-value shoulder-season month. If your dates are flexible, February–April are better overall. Compare every month.
Cartagena in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Cartagena?
It is a good-value shoulder-season month. Humid with the first afternoon storms; lower prices and fewer visitors.
+How warm is Cartagena in May?
Average highs are around 32°C (90°F) and lows around 26°C (79°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Cartagena in May?
Expect rain on about 8 days of the month.