Did you know that Medellin is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its warm, temperate climate throughout the year?
In a simple terms: Medellin weather is perfect (Average of 24°C or 75°F) all year round. Still, there are several factors about Medellin weather you should consider when visiting us.
Here’s a practical guide to understand the Medellin weather; its seasons, futility of forecasting, its sudden changes, plus some tips to prepare for your trip.
What’s Medellin Weather like?
Medellin has a subtropical climate, an elevation of 1500m (less than 5000 ft) over sea level and being so close to the equator, you won’t find the traditional 4 seasons you might be used to if you’re from Europe or the United States.
Instead, we have 2 seasons, twice a year: Dry and Wet (we call them Summer and Winter).
- Dry season: In theory* it should take place Jan-Mar and Jul-Sep. Temperature remains the same and basically there is no rain.
- Wet season: In theroy* it should take place Apr-Jun and Oct-Dec. Temperature remains the same and basically there is a big rain in the afternoon for 1-2 hours, but not in the whole city, and then everything comes back to normal.
*Unfortunately the weather is getting every time less predictable. The frequency of “El Niño” and “La Niña” phenomenons has increased so the date of those seaons is constantly fluctuating.
The average temperature in Medellín ranges from 20°C to 28°C during the day and can drop to 12°C or 14°C at night throughout the year.
However, Medellin weather does vary according to the season. Generally, we associate the spring and autumn seasons in the global north with Medellín’s rainy season, while the winter and summer seasons in the north correspond to the dry season in Medellín.
Even in the rainy season, the rain is often short-lived. We generally experience heavy precipitation for a short time or prolonged drizzles, so you can still enjoy each space despite the rain. If you’re on one of our walking tours, our guides will help you find shelter during the rain and ensure you can enjoy the whole experience with minimal inconvenience.
Medellin Weather Forecast
When in Rome!… Locals do not check weather forecast apps or sites! Here it does not work like that.
Due to the large scale of the city, the frequent variations in the city’s climate, and its dependency on microclimates, it is very difficult to determine an exact weather forecast.
If it rains, it will rain for 1 or 2 hours, if it rains very likely it will rain in one part of the city but not in the other (Just like shown in the picture: A huge storm in the south -Envigado, Poblado-, but not a drop in the city centre nor Laureles)
So, the medellin weather forecast is very inaccurate. The invitation is, change your northen-hemisphere logic of checking the weather forecast to decide what you will do in 2-3 days. It does not work like that in here.
In fact, the most common applications tend to be very vague in their accuracy. The only one that might work is SIATA. This (phone and web) application can help you with a short-term forecast (about 2 or 3 hours). It will show you where the cloud is (if any) and that’d help you organize your day.
The rain in Medellin moves (95% of the times) from East to West. So in this picture from SIATA we can see that there will be a big rain in the city centre (but not in El Poblado) in about 30 minutes and it will last for approximately 45min. As the cloud is heavy (very red) but rather small.
What to bring for my trip?
It’s important to keep these weather changes in mind when packing. There’s nothing worse than arriving somewhere with an outfit that doesn’t match the local climate. Here’s a list of essentials to pack for Medellín:
- Comfortable clothing: Medellín is a city known for its more casual dress code compared to other cities like Bogotá. The warm and humid climate makes people prefer comfort over following fashion trends. Still, it’s unlikely you’ll see locals wearing shorts and sandals—this is typically reserved for the pool or beach, and some restaurants or bars may not allow this type of dress code.
- Sunscreen and hat: Remember, you’re in the tropics, and the sun can be intense during certain hours of the day. A good hat and sunscreen will help prevent sunburn.
- Waterproof jacket: A light waterproof jacket will help you cope with sudden rains. It doesn’t need to be a heavy coat, as even with rain, the temperature can remain relatively warm.
- Comfortable shoes or sneakers: To fully enjoy your tours, it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes, so you can walk easily without discomfort.
- Portable umbrella: Bring a foldable umbrella that’s easy to carry, giving you more protection in case of an unexpected downpour.
What to do if it rains in Medellín?
As mentioned, the rain in Medellín can be very variable throughout the year, so weather prediction apps can often be inaccurate. However, you’ll find plenty of activities to do at different times of the day, regardless of the weather. Here are some recommendations in case it rains:
- Look for shelter: Paisas often refer to looking for a place to shelter from the rain as “buscar escampadero.” A café or bakery is a good spot to grab a bite, drink some coffee, and have a casual chat with locals while the rain passes (even if they don’t speak English, they’ll try to communicate and make you feel welcome). Likewise, anywhere with a roof will greet you with a smile, so don’t hesitate to ask for shelter when the Medellin weather changes rapidly.
- Visit temples, museums, and art galleries: Take advantage of rainy moments to visit different museums, churches, and art galleries. I recommend reading this blog if you want to know more about some of these museums. Alternatively you can book our Exotic Fruits Tour which takes place indoors.
- Be patient: During the rainy hours, mobility within the city can be difficult. Be prepared for the tours to take longer than expected due to increased traffic during these times. Have different options ready in case you need them—here you can read some mobility tips for using the Metro on our tours.
- Stay alert for electrical storms: Although not very common, Medellín is located in an area where electrical storms are possible. Stay alert for the increase in thunder and lightning, and avoid risky locations like pools or open terraces.
Practical tips for enjoying the Medellin weather
Remember, you’re in the tropics, and the heat can be intense on dry days. Stay hydrated and use sunscreen daily. Bring a water bottle with you when you go out (you can refill it anywhere, as Medellín’s tap water is 100% drinkable).
Many hotels, hostels, and apartments in Medellín don’t have air conditioning (since it’s generally not necessary due to Medellin weather), but if you can’t sleep without it, make sure to book a place that offers it.
If you’re traveling to nearby towns, be aware of the weather in those areas. Very close to the city, you’ll find colder climates (Guatapé, El Retiro, Rionegro, La Unión, Jericó…) or hotter ones (Santa Fe de Antioquia, Sopetrán, San Jerónimo, Támesis, La Pintada…). Make sure you’re prepared for the climate change and the road trip.
In summary, the weather in Medellín is as unique and warm as its people! Don’t let the weather stop you—book your Real City Tours today and explore Medellín in any climate!
