Colombia, South America
Medellin in May
One of the wetter months. Still very workable in the city; roads to the countryside can be slow.
The straight answer
May is a quiet, good-value month to visit Medellin. One of the wetter months. Still very workable in the city; roads to the countryside can be slow.
- Weather
- Wet, highs near 81F (27C), frequent storms
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What May is like in Medellin
May is one of Medellin's wetter months. Highs sit near 81F (27C), and storms are frequent, usually in the afternoon or evening, with mornings often dry. The city is very workable, but roads into the surrounding mountains can be slowed by landslides after heavy rain. Crowds are light and prices are low.
May suits remote workers, food lovers, and city-focused travelers who do not mind an afternoon umbrella. It is a weaker month for Guatape, Jardin, and other countryside trips. If day trips are a big part of your plan, wait for June or July, when the rain eases.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Medellin this month.
Green hills everywhere
The rains turn the valley and the slopes around the city a deep green, best seen from the Metrocable.
Quiet restaurants in El Poblado
Low season means easy tables at popular restaurants and cafes.
Good value stays
Apartments and boutique hotels are cheaper, which helps for longer stays.
What to pack for May
- A reliable rain jacket
- Shoes that handle wet sidewalks
- A warm layer for cool, rainy evenings
- A dry bag for your phone
Our timing tip
If you plan a day trip, leave early in the morning and check road conditions, since heavy rain can close mountain roads.
Book Medellin for May.
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- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in MedellinOpens a hotel search for Medellin in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in MedellinWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in MedellinTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Medellin for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in Medellin
Comuna 13
Visit with a local guide from the neighborhood to understand the history behind the murals and escalators. Mornings are less crowded.
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.
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.
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.
Museo Casa de la Memoria
A moving museum about Colombia's armed conflict and the city's recovery.
Jardin Botanico
A free botanical garden with an orchid house near the university. A calm break from the city.
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 May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Medellin?
May is a quiet, good-value month to visit Medellin. One of the wetter months. Still very workable in the city; roads to the countryside can be slow.
What is the weather like in Medellin in May?
Wet, highs near 81F (27C), frequent storms.
Is Medellin crowded in May?
May is one of the quieter months in Medellin; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Medellin.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
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