Best Time to Visit Medellín: Weather by Season & Month + What to Wear

Nestled in the Aburrá Valley of the Colombian Andes at approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, Medellín has rightfully earned its nickname — “The City of Eternal Spring.” Temperatures stay comfortably between 18°C and 28°C (64°F–82°F) year-round, with a daily average of around 23°C (73°F). Despite its proximity to the equator, the altitude keeps tropical heat at bay, delivering a mild, spring-like climate every single day of the year.

The city follows a two wet season, two dry season cycle. The rainy seasons fall in March–May and September–November, while the dry seasons run from June–August and December–January — making those periods the best times to plan a visit. Rain typically comes as short afternoon showers rather than all-day downpours, so mornings are almost always clear for outdoor adventures.

Medellín’s Weather by Season

Dry Season 1 — December to February

December through February is Medellín’s primary dry season and peak travel period. Daytime highs hover around 26°C (79°F) while nights cool down to a pleasant 16°C (61°F). January sees the fewest rainy days of the year — around 14 — and sunshine is plentiful, creating ideal conditions for sightseeing and hiking. Accommodation and flight prices tend to rise with demand, but the weather makes it well worth it.

Rainy Season 1 — March to May

The first rainy season brings a significant spike in rainfall. April is the wettest month of this stretch, averaging around 300mm of rain with up to 25–26 rainy days in the month. Temperatures remain steady at highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F), so it never feels uncomfortably warm. Rain falls mainly in the afternoons, leaving mornings wide open for exploration. As a low season, accommodation rates and tour prices are noticeably lower.

Dry Season 2 — June to August

June through August brings Medellín’s second dry season — and another excellent window for travel. July sees an average high of 28°C (82°F) with up to 6.4 hours of sunshine per day. Monthly rainfall drops dramatically to just 50–87mm, and rainy days in July number only around 17. This is also peak travel season, so booking accommodations and tours in advance is highly recommended.

Rainy Season 2 — September to November

This is the wettest stretch of the year. October and November are particularly intense — November averages 327mm of rainfall with 26–28 rainy days, meaning it rains nearly every single day. Temperatures remain mild at 25–27°C (77–81°F) during the day and 16°C (61°F) at night, but overcast skies and high humidity dominate. Sunshine averages drop to just 4–5 hours per day. If you’re planning outdoor tours or hiking, this period is best avoided unless you come fully prepared with rain gear — and can take advantage of low-season prices.

Best Time to Visit Medellín

The best times to visit Medellín are December through early March and June through August. These dry season windows offer the most stable weather, making them ideal for city walks, day trips to the surrounding countryside, and outdoor activities. Of these, December through early March is generally considered the most comfortable overall.

That said, Medellín’s temperature barely changes throughout the year, so no month is truly “bad” for a visit. If you’re on a tight budget, the rainy seasons (April–May and October–November) offer significantly cheaper travel options — just pack accordingly.

Monthly Weather & What to Wear

January — Peak of the Dry Season

January is Medellín’s driest month, with highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F). With only around 14 rainy days, clear skies dominate and outdoor activities are at their best.

What to wear: A light t-shirt or breathable cotton shirt works well during the day. Always bring a cardigan or light zip-up hoodie for cooler mornings and evenings, as the temperature drop after sunset can catch you off guard. Sturdy sneakers are a better choice than sandals for exploring the city on foot.

February — Late Dry Season, Tropical Bloom

Temperatures mirror January’s — highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F) — with around 20 rainy days. Skies are mostly sunny and the season’s mango, pineapple, and passion fruit come into perfect ripeness at local markets.

What to wear: A light top with a thin outer layer keeps you comfortable throughout the day. Carry a compact umbrella or a simple rain jacket for the occasional afternoon shower.

March — Rainy Season Begins

Temperatures stay mild at 26°C/16°C (79°F/61°F), but rain picks up significantly with around 26 rainy days. Mornings are generally dry and great for sightseeing; expect showers to roll in by afternoon.

What to wear: A quick-dry long-sleeve shirt or t-shirt paired with a lightweight waterproof windbreaker is the smart call. Opt for fast-drying pants and grip-sole sneakers for navigating wet streets and paths.

April — Rainy Season in Full Swing

Rain peaks during April, with 15–26 rainy days and about 300mm of total rainfall. Highs reach 26°C (79°F) and lows sit at 17°C (63°F). On the bright side, the city is at its greenest, lush with flowering trees and vibrant foliage.

What to wear: A t-shirt and waterproof jacket combo is your best bet for morning outings. A compact umbrella is non-negotiable in the afternoons, and water-resistant walking shoes will save you from soggy socks on wet cobblestones.

May — Rainy Season Continues

Rain remains frequent, with 18–25 rainy days throughout the month. Highs hold at 26°C (79°F) with lows of 17°C (63°F). Rainy afternoons are a great excuse to duck into the cafés and galleries of the Laureles neighborhood.

What to wear: Lightweight, quick-dry fabrics are essential. Pack a waterproof jacket or packable poncho, a rain cover for your daypack, and protective cases for cameras and electronics.

June — Short Dry Season Begins, Tourist Season Picks Up

June marks the start of the second dry season, bringing back highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F). Afternoon showers still occur but are lighter and less frequent, leaving mornings ideal for outdoor plans.

What to wear: A light t-shirt or casual shirt is your base. Carry a thin cardigan or windbreaker for cooler mornings and evenings. Outdoor events and festivals are in full swing this month, so a comfortable yet put-together casual look serves you well.

July — The Warmest and Driest Month

July is Medellín’s warmest month, with highs reaching 27°C (81°F) and only around 17 rainy days. It’s also the busiest month for tourism, so book accommodations and activities well in advance.

What to wear: Light cotton t-shirts and shorts or breathable pants are ideal. The sun is strong, so sunglasses, a wide-brim hat, and sunscreen are must-haves. A thin jacket tucked in your bag is all you need for cooler evenings.

August — Festival Month

August stays comfortable at 26°C/16°C (79°F/61°F) with about 22 rainy days. The highlight of the month — and arguably the entire year — is the Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival), held in early August, filling the streets with parades, live music, and spectacular floral displays.

What to wear: Casual, comfortable clothes that let you move freely are perfect for festival crowds. A lightweight, colorful rain jacket fits right into the festive atmosphere while keeping you dry during afternoon showers. It’s a great month for photos, so put together a fun, vibrant summer look.

September — Second Rainy Season Begins

Highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F) persist, but rainy days increase to around 22 per month as the second wet season begins. Mornings are usually clear — afternoons less so.

What to wear: A quick-dry t-shirt with a packable waterproof jacket is the go-to combination. Water-resistant or waterproof sneakers make navigating wet streets much more comfortable. If you’re heading to an evening indoor concert or jazz club, a light layered look keeps things stylish and practical.

October — The Rainiest Month of the Year

October is Medellín’s wettest month, with roughly 28 rainy days and 276mm of rainfall. Temperatures dip slightly to highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 16°C (61°F), making it feel a touch cooler than other months.

What to wear: Full rain gear is non-negotiable — a proper waterproof jacket or poncho, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella are all essential. Wear long-sleeve base layers under your waterproof outer shell. A waterproof pouch or dry bag for cameras and electronics is strongly recommended.

November — Late Rainy Season, Slowly Improving

Rain continues with around 26 rainy days, averaging 327mm for the month — the highest of the year. Temperatures hold at 25°C/16°C (77°F/61°F). As the month progresses toward its end, skies gradually begin to clear.

What to wear: Waterproof outerwear remains essential, especially for afternoon and evening showers. As the weather starts to improve toward month’s end, a lighter jacket or cardigan is enough to manage the morning-to-evening temperature swing.

December — Dry Season Returns, Holiday Spirit

The dry season makes its welcome return in December, with highs of 26°C (79°F), lows of 16°C (61°F), and only about 22 rainy days. The city dazzles with elaborate Christmas light installations, drawing visitors from across the region.

What to wear: A light top paired with a thin layer is the perfect formula for daytime exploring. For evenings spent admiring the Christmas lights or enjoying the nightlife in El Poblado, go casual during the day and step it up with a stylish layered look after dark.

Monthly Climate Data at a Glance