Weather in Medellín in October

Thinking of visiting Medellín in October? Known as the “City of Eternal Spring", while this Colombian charmer doesn’t experience extreme seasonal changes, October brings higher rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures. This month also sees moderate visitor numbers, which will especially suit culture vultures who want to discover the city in less crowded conditions. For more detail, read on to find out everything you need to know about the weather in Medellín in October, along with itinerary suggestions and recommended things to see and do. 

Is October a good time to visit Medellín?

On brand with its City of Eternal Spring moniker, the weather in Medellín in October remains mild, with average highs of 28°C (82°F).

At the same time, October falls within the rainy season, so come prepared for intermittent showers. In fact, this is one of the region’s rainiest periods, with around 200mm of liquid sunshine falling through the month.

For context, July and August sees average rainfall of around of 100mm, May sees in the region of 150mm, while January usually experiences around 40mm.

October also sees smaller numbers of visitors than many months, which can make for a more relaxed visit, with less crowded attractions and potentially lower accommodation prices.

As a result, October is a good time to visit Medellín if you’re not averse to some rain, and particularly want to explore the city's cultural scene — museums, galleries, cafés and street art — without peak season crowds (and prices).

In addition, if you want to venture further afield and explore the surrounding countryside, the rain means the landscapes will be especially lush, while the temperatures remain comfortable for walking on the wilder side. 

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

Average temperatures in Medellín in October

Similar to September, the average temperatures in Medellín in October typically range from 17°C (63°F) to 27°C (81°F).

For comparison, August is slightly warmer, ranging from 18°C (64°F) at night to 28°C (82°F) during the day. March and April tend to rise warmer still, with a range of 17°C (63°F) to 29°C (84°F).

Meanwhile, the coolest months — January, February and December — see averages from 16°C (61°F) to 28°C (82°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?

October sits within one of Medellín’s two main low seasons. These fall between April and June, and September to November. 

During these periods, the city’s increased rainfall deters some tourists, even though the rain usually comes in short bursts, and won’t really hamper your plans. 

This is good news for travellers who prefer smaller crowds, and more authentic experiences. For example, you can explore the city more like a local, and you won’t have to queue or jostle for space at top attractions. 

It’s also good news if you’re travelling on a budget — you can expect to bag yourself better deals on accommodation in October.

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

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 Medellín in October

Given October’s rainier conditions, with showers tending to hit later in the day, we suggest exploring the outdoors in the morning and enjoying cultural activities during the wetter afternoons.

It’s also worth remembering that while October is part of the rainy season, showers are usually short, and often refreshing. 

All of which means if you come prepared, the rain shouldn’t hinder your exploration of the city itself, or when you head to the surrounding hills and valleys for adventure activities.

Explore Comuna 13

Spend a morning touring Comuna 13’s vibrant innovative public spaces.

Famous for its street art, outdoor escalators, and community resilience, this is one of Medellín's most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Ride the Metrocable to Parque Arví

Rise early and take the cable car for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. 

No problem if the weather happens to be overcast — your photos will have a more mystical edge!

After enjoying the view, explore the pre-Hispanic trails of Parque Arví ecological reserve, which are all the lusher thanks to the rain.

Editor’s tip: don’t miss visiting the reserve’s Butterfly Garden and Orchidarium.

Explore the great outdoors

Set off early on day trips to the likes of Pueblito Paisa and Guatapé.

Created to replicate early 20th-century Colombian towns, pretty Pueblito Paisa offers immersive insights into the region's rural life.

Meanwhile, Guatapé — 50 miles east of Medellín — is known for its charming colourful houses, with nearby El Peñol Rock (La Piedra del Peñol) serving breath-taking vistas of lakes and islands.

Editor’s tip: into adventure? Go zip-lining through the forests near Medellín — an exhilarating way to see October’s lush landscapes from above. 

Get into Colombian coffee culture

Given that Colombian coffee is regarded as being among the best in the world, visit a local plantation to discover how it’s made, and taste plenty of the good stuff.

For example, tours of D'arrieros Coffee Farm (45 minutes from Medellín) offer an intimate look at coffee production from bean to cup. The landscapes will also be gloriously green at this time of year 

Back in the city, coffee addicts will love café-hopping the hip and happening El Poblado neighbourhood — all the better when there’s fewer crowds in October.

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

Visit Medellin 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.
• 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.
• 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.