Weather in Medellín in August

Joanne Owen

written by
Joanne Owen

updated 22.07.2024

In keeping with its “City of Eternal Spring” moniker, August sees the Colombian city of Medellín enjoy warm weather and relatively dry conditions before a rainier period begins. August also sees the city host its celebrated Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival), which attracts many domestic and international visitors. For more detail, read on to find out everything you need to know about the weather in Medellín in August, along with inspiring itinerary suggestions and info on the famous flower feria.

Is August a good time to visit Medellín?

Alongside the weather in Medellín in August offering warm, sunny days, this month sees the city host its annual Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival). As a result, August is a very special time to visit.

One of the most significant events in the city’s cultural calendar, this vibrant event showcases elaborate flower displays, parades, live music, and cultural exhibitions. 

In other weather news, while you can expect some occasional showers in August, these are usually short, and won't significantly hinder your plans. 

For context, similar to July, August sees average rainfall of around of 100mm. In comparison, October can experience up to 200mm, while January typically sees around 40 mm.

One word of warning — while the Flower Festival is a wonderful event, its popularity means the city will be more crowded, and prices for accommodation and flights are likely to be higher. 

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

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The weather in Medellín in August offers warm, sunny days and moderate rainfall © Shutterstock

Average temperatures in Medellín in August

When it comes to the average temperatures in Medellín in August, expect a range from 18°C (64°F) at night to 28°C (82°F) during the day.

For comparison, January, February and December are usually a little cooler — expect averages from 16°C (61°F) to 28°C (82°F). March and April tend to be a little warmer, with a range of 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?

As mentioned above, with the flower festival attracting lots of visitors, Medellín sees bigger crowds in August than it does in the surrounding months. In fact, August’s visitor numbers are on a par with those of December.

Given that the increase in visitors sees an increased demand for accommodation, you can also expect the cost of hotels and guest houses to be higher. 

As always, look to book accommodation and flights as early as possible to secure your preferred option at a more favourable price.

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

Coffee plantation © Fotos593/Shutterstock

Colombian coffee plantation © Fotos593/Shutterstock

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.
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Book a Rough Guides' trip to take you from Cartagena (pictured) to Medellín © Shutterstock

What to do and see in Medellín in August

If you visit August in Medellín, you can look forward to a enjoying a banquet of cultural festivities and outdoor adventures in warm, dry weather. Here are some our top recommended things to see and do in Medellín in August.

Experience the Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival)

A highlight of Medellín's cultural calendar, the Feria de las Flores invites visitors to enjoy colourful parades, concerts, and the renowned Silleteros Parade that sees locals display elaborate flower arrangements.

Eat, drink and make merry in El Poblado

Home to upscale shops and vibrant nightlife, Medellín's green and trendy El Poblado neighbourhood is also the perfect place to enjoy alfresco dining and coffee in August’s warm weather.

Editor’s tip: for an alternate alfresco dining experience, visit Medellín’s beautiful Botanical Garden. During the flower festival, this features dazzling displays of orchids.

Explore Comuna 13

Engage with local art and history through a visit to Comuna 13’s celebrated street murals and outdoor escalators. Guided tours offer insights into the neighbourhood's transformation and resilience.

Still haven't decided where you're going this summer? Explore our list of the best August holiday destinations.

Medellin escalators in Comuna 13, Colombia © Shutterstock

Iconic escalators in Comuna 13, Colombia © Shutterstock

Take a trip on the Metrocable

Take the cable car up to Parque Arví ecological nature reserve for incredible of the city and surrounding mountains. The clear August skies provide perfect photo opportunities, especially during the golden hours.

When you’re done being wowed by the view, explore the reserve’s trails, visit the Butterfly Garden and Orchidarium, and picnic in picture-perfect surroundings.

Get your adventure on

Beyond taking advantage of the dry season to hike Parque Arví’s pre-Hispanic trails, you could go zip-lining through the forests near Medellín — an exhilarating way to see lush landscapes from above. 

Or how about enjoying breath-taking views of the Andean mountains on a paragliding excursion? San Félix and San Pedro are popular launch spots.

Meanwhile, water-based adventures await in the form of white-water rafting and kayaking on Rio Calderas, Rio Verde and Rio Samana.

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

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Medellín cable car © Shutterstock

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.
  • May: high season is on the horizon, so visit in May for lower prices, smaller crowds, comfortable temperatures and blooming greenery as a result of the rain.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Joanne Owen

written by
Joanne Owen

updated 22.07.2024

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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