Colombia, South America

Medellin in December

The Alumbrados Navidenos light up the river and parks. Festive and crowded, with peak prices over Christmas and New Year.

BestDrying out, highs near 80F (27C)

Medellin, Colombia — MedellinPhoto: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is one of the best months of the year to visit Medellin. The Alumbrados Navidenos light up the river and parks. Festive and crowded, with peak prices over Christmas and New Year.

Weather: Drying out, highs near 80F (27C)
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What December is like in Medellin

December is Medellin's most festive month. Highs are near 80F (27C), the rains fade, and the Alumbrados Navidenos light up the Medellin River and parks across the city with millions of lights. Colombians travel in huge numbers, so the city is busy and hotel prices hit their peak, especially over Christmas and New Year.

December suits families and couples who love holiday atmosphere and have booked early. It is less suited to travelers on a budget or those who want quiet, since crowds are heavy. Many businesses close on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. For dry weather at lower prices, come in February.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Medellin this month.

Alumbrados Navidenos

Millions of lights along the Medellin River and in parks make evening walks a family favorite.

Festive neighborhoods

Streets and balconies are decorated, and the whole city has a warm holiday mood.

Drying weather

As the rains fade, day trips to Guatape and the countryside become easier again.

What to pack for December

A light jacket for cool evenings at the lights
Comfortable shoes for crowded walks
A small crossbody bag to keep valuables close
A dressier outfit for holiday dinners

Our timing tip

See the lights on a weeknight early in December, when crowds are lighter, and book Christmas and New Year stays months ahead.

Book Medellin for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Medellin
Opens a hotel search for Medellin in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Medellin
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Medellin
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Medellin for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Alumbrados Navidenos

Late November or early December through early January

Millions of lights along the Medellin River and in parks across the city. Evenings are crowded with families.

Things to do in Medellin

Full guide

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 →

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 →

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 →

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 →

Museo Casa de la Memoria

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

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

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 December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Medellin?

December is one of the best months of the year to visit Medellin. The Alumbrados Navidenos light up the river and parks. Festive and crowded, with peak prices over Christmas and New Year.

What is the weather like in Medellin in December?

Drying out, highs near 80F (27C).

Is Medellin crowded in December?

December is peak crowd season in Medellin; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Medellin in December?

Alumbrados Navidenos (late november or early december through early january).