Month guide · Medellín · Colombia
Medellín in January
What January is really like in Medellín: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: User: (WT-shared) CONOCER at wts wikivoyage, Public domain
Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Medellín. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F), lows of 17°C (63°F), about 9 rainy days and roughly 11.8 hours of daylight. One of the driest months, with sunny mornings; early January is busy with Colombian holidaymakers.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 28°C (82°F) / 17°C (63°F)
- Rainy days
- About 9
- Daylight
- About 11.8 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in January
January is the warmest month in Medellín: days average 28°C (82°F) against a yearly average high of 28°C (82°F), and nights fall to about 17°C (63°F). Rain falls on roughly 9 of its 31 days. Compared with December (27°C (81°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 28°C (82°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 06:17
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 18:05
- 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, January rates 4 for crowds (the peak is August at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in August). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- Christmas lights (alumbrados) continue into early January
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Experience · Santo Domingo
Metrocable ride
Ride outside weekday rush hours; combining Line K with Line L to Arví makes a half-day outing.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Iconic
- Kids
- Photo spot
Nature · Santa Elena
Parque Arví
A large nature reserve in the hills east of the city, with cloud forest trails, picnic areas, a market of local produce and pre-Hispanic paths.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Active
Viewpoint · Belén
Cerro Nutibara and Pueblito Paisa
Come at sunset and stay to watch the city lights come on.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Views
- Free
- Kids
- Photo spot
Garden · Aranjuez
Jardín Botánico de Medellín
The city's free botanical garden next to the university metro station has orchid collections, a lake with turtles and iguanas, a butterfly house and the Orquideorama, a wooden canopy structure that hosts events and the orchid show.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Nature
- Kids
- Outdoors
What to pack
For highs near 28°C, lows near 17°C and 9 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Medellín?
One of the best months to visit Medellín, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are February, June–August and December. Compare every month.
Medellín in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Medellín?
It is one of the best months to visit Medellín. One of the driest months, with sunny mornings; early January is busy with Colombian holidaymakers.
+How warm is Medellín in January?
Average highs are around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 17°C (63°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Medellín in January?
Expect rain on about 9 days of the month.