Weather overview
Медельин enjoys a spring-like climate year-round, thanks to its location in the Andes. Temperatures stay mild, rarely straying far from 22–24 °C, but the city’s weather is shaped more by rainfall than by heat. The dry months—January, February, and December—offer the most sunshine, while the wetter periods bring frequent showers.
Unlike many destinations, Медельин doesn’t have extreme seasons. Instead, the rhythm of the year is marked by shifts between dry and rainy spells. Even in the wettest months, downpours are often short-lived, leaving plenty of time to explore the city’s vibrant streets and surrounding landscapes.
Temperature
Daytime highs in Медельин hover around 28 °C for most of the year, with only slight variations. The warmest months—July and August—see averages of 23.7–23.8 °C, while November is the coolest at 21.9 °C. Nights are comfortably cool, dipping to 16–17 °C, so a light jacket is useful after sunset.
The consistency of Медельин’s temperatures makes packing simple, but the real consideration is rain. Even when it’s warm, sudden showers can arrive, especially from April through June and again in October. The dry months, particularly January and February, are ideal for outdoor activities without the interruption of frequent downpours.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16.1 | 28.5 |
| February | 16.6 | 28.3 |
| March | 16.8 | 28.2 |
| April | 16.9 | 27.9 |
| May | 17.3 | 28.4 |
| June | 16.7 | 27.6 |
| July | 16.6 | 28.7 |
| August | 16.8 | 28.8 |
| September | 16.8 | 28.4 |
| October | 16.3 | 27.6 |
| November | 16.5 | 27.1 |
| December | 16.7 | 27.9 |
Precipitation
Rainfall in Медельин follows a clear pattern, with two distinct wet seasons. The heaviest rains arrive in May (226.7 mm) and October (260.3 mm), while January (80.3 mm) and February (114.6 mm) are the driest. Even in the wettest months, mornings are often clear, with rain typically arriving in the afternoon or evening.
The transition months—March, April, September, and November—bring moderate rainfall, making them a good balance for travelers who prefer fewer crowds. July and August offer a brief respite from the rain, with sunshine hours peaking at 6.6 per day in July, the highest of the year.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 80.3 |
| February | 114.6 |
| March | 216.8 |
| April | 181 |
| May | 226.7 |
| June | 209.5 |
| July | 179.7 |
| August | 158.1 |
| September | 179 |
| October | 260.3 |
| November | 220.4 |
| December | 117.3 |
What to pack
For a trip to Медельин, layers are key. Daytime temperatures are warm, so lightweight clothing works well, but evenings can feel cooler, especially in the hills. A light sweater or jacket is useful year-round, while a compact umbrella or rain jacket is essential if visiting during the wetter months like May or October.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as Медельин’s terrain is hilly and sidewalks can be slick after rain. If you’re planning outdoor excursions, quick-dry fabrics help during sudden showers. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also important—even on cloudy days, the equatorial sun is strong.
| Month | Wind speed |
|---|---|
| January | 2.5 |
| February | 2.6 |
| March | 2.3 |
| April | 2.3 |
| May | 2.2 |
| June | 2.2 |
| July | 2.5 |
| August | 2.7 |
| September | 2.4 |
| October | 2.1 |
| November | 1.9 |
| December | 2.3 |