Colombia, South America

Medellin in January

The Christmas lights stay up into early January, then the city quiets down. A great month for day trips.

BestDriest stretch, highs near 81F (27C), cool nights near 62F (17C)

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

The straight answer

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Medellin. The Christmas lights stay up into early January, then the city quiets down. A great month for day trips.

Weather: Driest stretch, highs near 81F (27C), cool nights near 62F (17C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What January is like in Medellin

January is in Medellin's driest stretch. Highs sit near 81F (27C), nights cool to about 62F (17C), and skies are mostly clear, so days out in the mountains are easy. The Alumbrados Navidenos stay lit into early January, then the city quiets down after the holidays and prices settle back to normal.

January suits nearly everyone: families, couples, digital nomads, and first-time visitors who want reliable weather and easy day trips. The first days of the month are still busy with holiday travelers. If you want the calmest, cheapest version of the dry season, February is a touch quieter.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Medellin this month.

The last of the Christmas lights

In the first days of January, the Alumbrados Navidenos still glow along the Medellin River and in city parks.

Dry roads for Guatape

Clear weather makes the drive to Guatape and the climb up El Penol's 740 steps a pleasure.

Cool evenings in Laureles

Mild nights are perfect for dinner at a sidewalk table in this walkable, local neighborhood.

What to pack for January

A light jacket or sweater for cool nights
Comfortable walking shoes for steep streets
Sunscreen, since the mountain sun is strong
A small daypack for Metrocable and day trips

Our timing tip

Come after the first week of January, when the holiday crowds have gone home and hotel rates drop back down.

Book Medellin for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Medellin
Opens a hotel search for Medellin in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
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 January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Medellin?

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Medellin. The Christmas lights stay up into early January, then the city quiets down. A great month for day trips.

What is the weather like in Medellin in January?

Driest stretch, highs near 81F (27C), cool nights near 62F (17C).

Is Medellin crowded in January?

Crowds in Medellin are moderate in January; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Medellin in January?

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