Best time to visit · Medellín · Colombia
The best time to visit Medellín
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: ALONSOZAR, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Medellín's mild climate makes it a year-round destination. December to February is the driest period, though late December and early January are the busiest. Early August brings the Feria de las Flores, the city's biggest festival. April–May and October–November are rainier, usually with afternoon storms, but mornings are often fine and prices are lower.
Key facts
- Best months
- June–August and December–February
- Shoulder season
- March, September and November
- Warmest month
- January (avg high 28°C (82°F))
- Coldest month
- October (avg high 27°C (81°F))
- Rainiest month
- May (~21 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- May and September–October
Seasons
At about 1,500 metres, Medellín is mild all year, with highs of about 27–28°C and lows around 17–18°C. There are two rainier seasons, roughly April–May and September–November, when afternoon storms are common; December to February is the driest period.
December–February
Dry season
Sunny mornings, festive Christmas lights in December and busy holiday weeks; the best time for day trips.
March–May
First rainy season
Afternoon storms most days and greener hills; quieter and cheaper, apart from Semana Santa.
June–August
Mid-year dry spell
Drier weather, Colombian holidays and the Feria de las Flores in early August.
September–November
Second rainy season
The wettest months, with heavy afternoon rain; good for museums and low prices.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C | 17°C | 9 | 11.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 28°C | 17°C | 10 | 11.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| March | 28°C | 18°C | 15 | 12.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 28°C | 18°C | 20 | 12.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 28°C | 18°C | 21 | 12.4 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 28°C | 18°C | 15 | 12.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 28°C | 17°C | 13 | 12.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 28°C | 17°C | 15 | 12.3 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 28°C | 17°C | 18 | 12.1 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| October | 27°C | 17°C | 21 | 12 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 27°C | 17°C | 18 | 11.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 27°C | 17°C | 12 | 11.8 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Christmas lights (alumbrados) continue into early January |
| March | Semana Santa (March or April) |
| July | Colombiamoda fashion fair (usually July); Festival Internacional de Poesía de Medellín (usually July) |
| August | Feria de las Flores — flower festival with the Desfile de Silleteros parade (usually late July to early August) |
| November | Christmas lights (alumbrados navideños) switched on (usually late November or early December) |
| December | Alumbrados navideños — Christmas light displays along the river and in parks (December); Noche de las Velitas — candle night (7 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in May and September–October, and the sights are quietest in May and September–October.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| First rainy season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Mid-year dry spell | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Second rainy season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Medellín?
Medellín's mild climate makes it a year-round destination. December to February is the driest period, though late December and early January are the busiest. Early August brings the Feria de las Flores, the city's biggest festival. April–May and October–November are rainier, usually with afternoon storms, but mornings are often fine and prices are lower.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Medellín?
Usually in May and September–October. Rainy afternoons and green hills; fewer visitors and good hotel prices.
+What is the rainiest month in Medellín?
May, with about 21 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Medellín get?
The warmest month, January, averages highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F).