Medellín is mild all year: daytime highs are usually around 27 to 28 °C and nights around 17 to 18 °C in every month. What changes is the rain. December to February and June to August are the drier stretches, while April, May, October and November are the wettest, usually with afternoon downpours. Any month works, but August (the flower festival) and December (the Christmas lights) are the liveliest.
Why it's called the city of eternal spring
Medellín sits in the Aburrá Valley at about 1,495 meters above sea level, close to the equator. The latitude keeps the temperature steady all year, and the altitude takes the edge off the tropical heat. The result is the climate that gave the city its nickname, "la ciudad de la eterna primavera".
The figures bear it out. Climate averages for 1991 to 2020 from IDEAM, Colombia's weather institute, recorded at the Olaya Herrera airport, show average daily highs of 27 to 29 °C and lows of about 17 to 18 °C in every single month. The monthly average temperature stays between about 22 and 24 °C all year. There's no real summer or winter, so you can pack the same clothes whatever month you come.
What does change is the rain. Medellín gets more than 2,200 millimeters a year, but it falls unevenly, in 2 wetter and 2 drier seasons.
The year in rain
December to February: drier. January is one of the driest months of the year, with about 8 rainy days on average and plenty of sun. December is mixed: it still gets a fair amount of rain, but on fewer days than November. This is peak season for visitors and for Colombians on holiday.
March to May: wetter. Rain builds in March and peaks in April and May, which each average around 18 rainy days. The typical pattern is a sunny or cloudy morning followed by a heavy afternoon or evening downpour, so you can still sightsee if you start early.
June to August: drier. July and August are the driest months by rainfall and among the sunniest, with about 6 hours of sunshine a day on average. It's a great time for hiking, day trips and the flower festival.
September to November: wetter. Rain picks up again in September and peaks in October and November, which are usually the wettest months of the year. Expect frequent afternoon storms. Mountain roads to day-trip towns can be affected by landslides after heavy rain, so check before you travel.
Even in the wettest months, it rarely rains all day. Plan outdoor activities for the morning, carry a small umbrella and keep the afternoons for museums, cafés and malls.
Month by month at a glance
| Months | Rain | What's on |
|---|---|---|
| January to February | Drier and sunny | Holiday crowds until mid-January |
| March to May | Wetter, heaviest in April and May | Easter week (Semana Santa) |
| June to August | Drier, sunniest in July and August | Feria de las Flores in early August |
| September | Rain returning | Book and culture festival at the Botanical Garden |
| October to November | Wettest | Quieter, fewer visitors |
| December | Mixed, drying out | Christmas lights all month |
Festivals worth planning around
Feria de las Flores (early August). Medellín's biggest festival celebrates the flower growers of Santa Elena, in the hills east of the city. The highlight is the Desfile de Silleteros, a parade of farmers carrying huge flower arrangements on their backs, a tradition held during the festival since 1957. The city is busy and accommodation books up, so plan ahead. Read our Feria de las Flores guide.
Fiesta del Libro y la Cultura (September). A free book and culture festival held over about 10 days at the Botanical Garden, with talks, readings and workshops.
Alumbrados, the Christmas lights (December to early January). Medellín decorates parks, avenues and the riverbanks with large themed light displays. It's a joyful time to visit, though popular spots get crowded in the evenings. See our guide to the Christmas lights in Medellín.
So when should you go?
- For the best weather: January to February or June to August, the drier stretches.
- For festivals: Early August for the flowers, or December for the lights. Book early for both.
- For fewer crowds: Late January to March, and September to November. The rain mostly comes in the afternoon.
- For day trips: The drier months are best for Guatapé, Jardín and hiking, when views are clearer and roads are less affected by rain.
Colombian holiday periods, especially mid-December to mid-January and Easter week, are the busiest times for domestic travel. Expect fuller buses and busier towns around Medellín then.
What to pack
Light layers work all year: T-shirts and light trousers or dresses for the day, plus a sweater or light jacket for evenings, air-conditioned malls and trips up to cooler places like Parque Arví and Santa Elena. Add a compact umbrella or rain jacket, comfortable shoes for hills and stairs, and sunscreen. The sun is strong at this altitude even on cloudy days.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best month to visit Medellín?
January, February, July and August are the driest and sunniest. August has the flower festival, and December has the Christmas lights.
Is Medellín hot?
Not really. Daytime highs are usually 27 to 29 °C, and evenings cool to about 17 or 18 °C.
When is the rainy season in Medellín?
There are 2 wetter seasons, roughly March to May and September to November. April, May, October and November usually see the most rain.
Does it rain all day in the rainy season?
Rarely. Rain usually comes as afternoon or evening downpours, so mornings are often fine for sightseeing.
Do I need a jacket in Medellín?
A light jacket or sweater is useful for evenings, air-conditioned places and the cooler hills around the city.
