Month guide · Medellín · Colombia
Medellín in December
What December is really like in Medellín: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Medellín. Expect average highs of 27°C (81°F), lows of 17°C (63°F), about 12 rainy days and roughly 11.8 hours of daylight. Drier and festive, with the river and parks lit by the alumbrados; very busy around Christmas and New Year.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 27°C (81°F) / 17°C (63°F)
- Rainy days
- About 12
- Daylight
- About 11.8 hours
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in Medellín: days average 27°C (81°F) against a yearly average high of 28°C (82°F), and nights fall to about 17°C (63°F). Rain falls on roughly 12 of its 31 days. Compared with November (27°C (81°F)), December is about as warm; by January highs stay near 28°C (82°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:05
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:51
- Daylight
- About 11.8 hours
Second rainy season (September–November). The wettest months, with heavy afternoon rain; good for museums and low prices.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 5 for crowds (the peak is August at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in August). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Alumbrados navideños — Christmas light displays along the river and in parks (December)
- Noche de las Velitas — candle night (7 December)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Landmark · Centro
Plaza Botero
Twenty-three large bronze sculptures donated by Fernando Botero, Medellín's most famous artist, fill this downtown square in front of the Museo de Antioquia.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Art
- Photo spot
Neighbourhood · San Javier
Comuna 13 and the outdoor escalators
Take a tour led by a resident; they explain the murals' meaning and the neighbourhood's story far better than a solo visit.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Iconic
- Art
- History
- Photo spot
Experience · Santo Domingo
Metrocable ride
Medellín's cable cars, integrated into the Metro, carry residents up to hillside neighbourhoods.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Iconic
- Kids
- Photo spot
Architecture · Centro
Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe
Look at it from the far side of Plaza Botero for the best view of its patterned stone façade.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Architecture
- Free
- History
What to pack
For highs near 27°C, lows near 17°C and 12 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Medellín?
One of the best months to visit Medellín, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are January–February and June–August. Compare every month.
Medellín in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Medellín?
It is one of the best months to visit Medellín. Drier and festive, with the river and parks lit by the alumbrados; very busy around Christmas and New Year.
+How warm is Medellín in December?
Average highs are around 27°C (81°F) and lows around 17°C (63°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Medellín in December?
Expect rain on about 12 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.