Weather in Medellín in May

Known as the “City of Eternal Spring", the Colombian city of Medellín sees some seasonal variations in temperature and rain, with May sitting at the end of the region’s first rainy season. Also lying just ahead of the summer high season, it’s a great month to explore the city and surrounding countryside while landscapes are lush, and before tourist numbers (and prices) increase. For more detail, read on to find out everything you need to know about the weather in Medellín in May, along with tips on what to see and do during the month.

Is May a good time to visit Medellin?

Sitting at the end of one of the region’s two rainy seasons (the second runs from September to November), the weather in Medellín in May means you can expect above average rainfall.

As a result, May is a great time to visit Medellín if you love lusher landscapes, and aren’t averse to rain showers while exploring the great outdoors and the city itself — Medellín isn't short of pretty parks that are gorgeously green at this time of year.

For minimal rain, visit Medellín in the dry season (December to February), or in June and July, when there’s a mini-dry season.

That said, it’s worth noting that the rain in May usually falls in the form of brief showers, as opposed to all-day downpours, so it shouldn’t curb your plans.

Another good reason to take a trip to Medellin in May is that the city sees fewer visitor numbers in this month than it does during the upcoming summer high season months of June, July, and August.

And of course, smaller crowds are all the better for making the most of the city’s museums, galleries, and trips to top out-of-town attractions like Pueblito Paisa and Guatapé. More on them later.

Interested in visiting Medellín? Talk to our local Colombia experts to kick-start creating your dream trip. 

Average temperatures in Medellin in May

Living up to its “City of Eternal Spring" name, Medellin doesn’t see huge temperature variations around the year. That said, May is one of the city’s cooler months, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C (63°F) to 28°C (82°F).

For context and comparison, December, January and February typically have slightly lower night-time temperatures, but that difference is minimal — expect averages from 16°C (61°F) to 28°C (82°F).

Meanwhile, March and April are usually slightly warmer, with temperatures averaging 17°C (63°F) to 29°C (84°F).

Editor’s tip: for a bigger picture of the weather, read up on the best time to visit Colombia.

What about the crowds and cost?

Again, thanks to its eternal spring climate, Medellín attracts visitors around the year. So, if you visit Medellín in May, you can expect a significant number of visitors. At the same time, crowds will be smaller than they are during the main December—January high season, and during the summer high summer season that kicks off from June.

At the same time, the cost of flights and accommodation won’t be as high as they are during those peak season months, especially compared with December.  

As always, though, we recommend booking as early as possible and, if you’re travelling on a budget, consider visiting earlier in May.

Set on taking a trip at this time of year? Discover some of the best places to visit in May.

Unforgettable customisable Colombia itineraries

If you fancy seeing a rewarding range of Colombia, consider taking a trip that’s been curated by a Rough Guides' local expert.

As revealed in our guide to back-packing Colombia, going it alone takes some planning and can present challenges. In contrast, taking the Rough Guides’ route means our experts will take care of planning an unforgettable trip that’s been 100% tailored to your preferences.

Here are a few sample itineraries to spark inspiration:

• Magnificent Colombian Highlights (11 days): from exploring bustling Bogota and charming Cartagena, to uncovering the natural wonders of Puerto Narino and Medellín’s vibrant culture, this trip is rich in experiences and magnificent in nature. 
• Fascination Colombia - Medellín and Cartagena (11 days): this immersive two-centre trip will see you divide your time between Medellin and Cartagena, with each base offering opportunities to experience a richness of Colombian culture, from taking authentic cooking classes, to exploring the great outdoors on horseback.
• Unforgettable Colombia - cities, coffee and islands (13 days): encompassing Colombia's three main areas, including the capital, Bogotá, the beautiful colonial town of Villa de Leyva, and Cartagena, this diverse trip will see you uncover coffee culture in lush hillsides and valleys before blissing out on the idyllic Islas del Rosario.

What to do and see in Medellin in May

Warm, with occasional afternoon showers, the weather in Medellín in May makes it ideal for indoor and outdoor activities alike. As a general rule, plan to do the latter in the morning when rain is less likely. It’s also wise to bring a brolly and light raincoat.

Uncover culture in the city

Spend a morning exploring Comuna 13. Famous for its street art, outdoor escalators, and community resilience, this is one of Medellín's most vibrant neighbourhoods.

On rain-prone afternoons, culture vultures should make a beeline for Museo de Antioquia and Plaza Botero. Inside the museum, you can see an extensive collection of works by the renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero, along with pre-Colombian, colonial and contemporary art.

Meanwhile, Plaza Botero — located just outside the museum — showcases 23 of Botero's larger-than-life bronze sculptures in an open-air park. 

Editor’s tip: visit Mercado del Río or Plaza Minorista to buy food and crafts. These covered markets are perfect for wetter days.

Ride the Metrocable

On clearer mornings, take the cable car up to Parque Arví for stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.

After taking in the view, spend time exploring Parque Arví. This large ecological nature reserve is the ideal place to hike, picnic, and enjoy the outdoors.

In case you're still looking for options for your spring trip, also explore our list of the best holiday destinations in May.

Explore El Poblado

Located in the south-eastern part of Medellín, El Poblado is one of the city's most affluent areas, with Parque Lleras surrounded by restaurants, bars, cafes, and clubs.

Occasional rain provides the perfect excuse to duck into a coffee shop and experience the local café culture.

Enjoy immersive out-of-town day trips

Perched atop Nutibara Hill, picturesque Pueblito Paisa is the perfect place to experience local culture and landscapes at one fell swoop.

Designed to conjure the spirit and architecture of early 20th-century Colombian towns, it offers insights into the region's rural life and traditions.

We also recommend going on a day trip to Guatapé. Located 50 miles east of Medellín, it’s known for its colourful houses, with nearby El Peñol Rock (La Piedra del Peñol) being another must-visit attraction of this area.

Climbing the 700 steps of this huge granite rock serves breath-taking vistas of lakes and islands.

Still making up your mind? Read up on the best things to do in Colombia.

Visit Medellín in different months

To be better informed before booking your trip, find out what to expect of the weather in Medellín around the year.

• January: falling within the dry high season, January sees warm days, low rainfall and a decrease on December’s crowds.
• February: still warm, and with fewer crowds than the preceding months, February sees a slight increase in rain.
• March: expect more rain as the region transitions to the wet season, with warm daytime temperatures, and pleasantly mild mornings and evenings.
• April: offering lush scenery, this month sees increased rain, relatively few visitors, and warm daytime temperatures.
• June: this month sees the start of the summer high season and heralds warmer temperatures that invite outdoor adventuring during a mini-dry season.
• July: sitting at the height of the dry, summer high season, expect lively festivals, larger crowds and higher costs.
• August: part of the high summer season period, extra crowds visit for the famous flower festival
• September: this month sees Medellín shift back into the wetter season, with a mix of sunny days and increased rainfall in the afternoon.
• October: despite increased rain, the city maintains its "Eternal Spring" temperatures. Explore outdoors in the morning and enjoy cultural activities during wetter afternoons.
• November: one of the wettest periods of the year, this shoulder-season month offers small crowds and green scenery.
• December: hola full-on festive high season! Attracting peak visitor numbers, December is stacked with events and sees the city shift back to the dry season.