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Colombia, South America

Medellin in August

The Feria de las Flores takes over the first half of the month. Book hotels early; the rest of August is excellent.

BestDry, highs near 82F (28C)
Medellin, Colombia
MedellinPhoto: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

August is one of the best months of the year to visit Medellin. The Feria de las Flores takes over the first half of the month. Book hotels early; the rest of August is excellent.

Weather
Dry, highs near 82F (28C)
Crowds
4 of 5
Prices
4 of 5

What August is like in Medellin

August is dry and pleasant, with highs near 82F (28C) and cool nights. The first half of the month belongs to the Feria de las Flores, Medellin's signature festival, with concerts, horse parades, vintage cars, and the silleteros parade. The city is busy and hotel prices are high during the Feria, then the rest of the month is excellent and calmer.

August suits festival lovers, families, and anyone who wants great weather with a lot going on. If you want the Feria, book well ahead. If crowds and prices put you off, the second half of August gives you the same weather with much less competition for rooms.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Medellin this month.

01

The silleteros parade

Farmers from Santa Elena carry giant flower arrangements on their backs through the city. It is the highlight of the Feria de las Flores.

02

Horse parades and vintage cars

The Feria also brings a horse parade and a vintage car show that kids enjoy.

03

A calmer second half

Once the Feria ends, the dry weather continues and hotels ease off.

What to pack for August

  • A folding stool or cushion for parade viewing
  • A sun hat and sunscreen
  • Light layers for cool evenings
  • Comfortable shoes for long days on your feet

Our timing tip

For the silleteros parade, arrive very early to claim a spot along the route, or buy grandstand seats ahead of time.

Book Medellin for August.

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What's on in August

Feria de las Flores

Late July into early August, about ten days

The silleteros parade is the highlight, with farmers from Santa Elena carrying giant flower displays on their backs. Also concerts, horse parades, and vintage car shows.

Things to do in Medellin

Full guide
01

Comuna 13

Visit with a local guide from the neighborhood to understand the history behind the murals and escalators. Mornings are less crowded.

Tickets and tours →

02

Metrocable and Parque Arvi

Ride the cable cars up over the hillside neighborhoods to the Arvi forest park. Line L to Arvi is usually closed on Mondays.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

03

Museo de Antioquia and Plaza Botero

Botero's largest collection in his hometown, with 23 bronze sculptures in the plaza outside. Keep valuables close in the busy downtown area.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

04

Guatape and El Penol

A day trip to climb the 740 steps of the Penol rock and wander the brightly painted town. Go midweek; weekends are packed.

Tickets and tours →

05

Museo Casa de la Memoria

A moving museum about Colombia's armed conflict and the city's recovery.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

06

Jardin Botanico

A free botanical garden with an orchid house near the university. A calm break from the city.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

  • For the Feria de las Flores, book hotels months ahead and reserve a seat in the stands for the silleteros parade.
  • Visit Guatape and Comuna 13 on weekdays; weekends are packed with local visitors.
  • See the Christmas lights on a weeknight in early December, before the holiday crowds peak.
  • February and September are quiet months with good weather and lower prices.

Know before you go

  • Colombia has many Monday public holidays that bring heavy weekend crowds to Guatape and nearby towns.
  • Parque Arvi and the Arvi Metrocable line usually close on Mondays; check current hours.
  • Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day close many businesses, while the days before are festive and busy.
  • Heavy rain in April, May, October, and November can cause landslides and road closures in the surrounding mountains.

Medellin in August, quick answers

Is August a good time to visit Medellin?

August is one of the best months of the year to visit Medellin. The Feria de las Flores takes over the first half of the month. Book hotels early; the rest of August is excellent.

What is the weather like in Medellin in August?

Dry, highs near 82F (28C).

Is Medellin crowded in August?

Medellin is busy in August, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Medellin in August?

Feria de las Flores (late july into early august, about ten days).

Keep planning Medellin.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Medellin in JulyThe month before: Drier, highs near 82F (28C)Best
  2. 02Medellin in SeptemberThe month after: Warm, highs near 81F (27C), rains returningGood
  3. 03Medellin in DecemberThe next best month: Drying out, highs near 80F (27C)Best

Also at their best in August

Everywhere in August

Where else is good in August?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

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