Weather in Medellín in January

Tucked in the Aburrá Valley — a central region of the Andes Mountains in Colombia — Medellín’s “City of Eternal Spring" moniker is a bit of a giveaway when it comes to its climate. That said, the city does see seasonal variations in temperature and rain. So, if you’re thinking of visiting, read on to find out everything you need to know about the weather in Medellín in January. Here we also share itinerary suggestions, and tips on what to see and do during this warm, dry month.

Is January a good time to visit Medellín?

January is a great time to visit Medellín. Falling within the dry season, the weather in Medellín in January sees warm days and low rainfall.

As such, it’s an ideal month for exploring outdoor attractions, experiencing the city's vibrant culture, and taking day trips to the surrounding Antioquia region. For example, you can take your pick from hiking, bird watching, and visiting coffee plantations in the nearby countryside.

Additionally, while January continues to buzz with energy and remains in the high season, it’s less crowded than December. 

One word of note — while it is the dry season, you can expect occasional rain showers, so bring a brolly and keep a light raincoat handy.

Interested in visiting Medellín? Talk to our local Colombia experts to kick-start creating your dream trip. 

Average temperatures in Medellín in January

In keeping with its "City of Eternal Spring” nickname, January sees Medellín experience pleasantly warm weather.

Average daytime temperatures typically range between 25°C (64°F) and 28°C (82°F). Meanwhile, night-time temperatures cool down to between 16°C and 18°C (60°F to 64°F).

Part of the December to March dry season, January also sees low rainfall, though you should expect the odd shower.

Editor’s tip: for a bigger picture of the weather, read up on the best time to visit Colombia.

What about the crowds and cost?

Falling within the area’s December-March high season (there’s a second high season in June-August), January is a popular month with tourists.

So, if you’re looking to travel in a quieter month, bear in mind that Medellín’s low season falls during the wetter months, from April to June, and from September to November.

That said, Medellín isn’t as crowded in January as it is in December, when peak numbers of international tourists and local Colombians travel during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

When it comes to costs, while the price of flights and accommodation are likely to be less than they are in December, January is still a high season month in Medellín. 

On balance, though, compared with many other tourist destinations, Medellín offers relatively good value, with accommodation options, food and activities to suit all budgets.

Still deciding where to go this winter? Choose from the best destinations to travel to in January.

Unforgettable customisable Colombia itineraries

If you fancy seeing a rewarding range of Colombia, consider taking a trip that’s been curated by a Rough Guides' local expert.

As revealed in our guide to back-packing Colombia, going it alone takes some planning and can present challenges. In contrast, taking the Rough Guides’ route means our experts will take care of planning an unforgettable trip that’s been 100% tailored to your preferences.

Here are a few sample itineraries to spark inspiration:

• Magnificent Colombian Highlights (11 days): from exploring bustling Bogota and charming Cartagena, to uncovering the natural wonders of Puerto Narino and Medellín’s vibrant culture, this trip is rich in experiences and magnificent in nature. 
• Fascination Colombia - Medellín and Cartagena (11 days): this immersive two-centre trip will see you divide your time between Medellin and Cartagena, with each base offering opportunities to experience a richness of Colombian culture, from taking authentic cooking classes, to exploring the great outdoors on horseback.
• Unforgettable Colombia - cities, coffee and islands (13 days): encompassing Colombia's three main areas, including the capital, Bogotá, the beautiful colonial town of Villa de Leyva, and Cartagena, this diverse trip will see you uncover coffee culture in lush hillsides and valleys before blissing out on the idyllic Islas del Rosario.

What to do and see in Medellín in January

Wondering how to make the most of your January trip to Medellín? Read on for a few suggestions for what to see and do during this warm, dry month.

Uncover culture and cuisine

With January’s visitor numbers being down on December, it’s a great month to visit the city’s museums and galleries. We’re talking smaller queues and more space in the likes of the Museo de Antioquia and the Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín.

January is also a great time to enjoy local dishes like bandeja paisa and arepas in food markets and pretty outdoor dining spaces. 

Editor’s tip: culture vultures won’t want miss visiting Explore Communa 13. Once known for being a troubled area, it’s now transformed into a vibrant community — think colourful street art, music, and dance. 

Ride the MetroCable to an ecological reserve

For breath-taking views of the city and surrounding valleys, take a ride on Medellín's MetroCable. 

Accessible via the cable car, the expansive Parque Arví ecological nature reserve is a picture-perfect place to hike and explore pre-Hispanic trails, and all the better in January when it’s warm, with a slim chance of rain. 

Potter around Pueblito Paisa

Located atop Nutibara Hill (Cerro Nutibara) in the heart of Medellín, Pueblito Paisa is a charming replica of a traditional Antioquian village (pueblo).

Designed to evoke the spirit and colourful architecture of early 20th-century Colombian towns, Pueblito Paisa offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rural life and traditions.

Editor’s tip: check out the local artisans’ craft and food stalls.

Explore further afield

Take advantage of the dry weather to explore the surrounding Antioquia region. Must-visit destinations include the colourful town of Guatapé and the giant El Peñol rock, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Editor’s tip: adventurous types will want to look into enjoying outdoor activities in the region. The nearby Andes mountains offer plenty of opportunities for the likes of paragliding, hiking and biking.

Still making up your mind? Read up on the best things to do in Colombia.

Visit Medellín in different months 

To be better informed before booking your trip, find out what to expect of the weather in Medellín around the year.

• February: still warm, and with fewer crowds than the preceding months, February sees a slight increase in rain.
• March: expect more rain as the region transitions to the wet season, with warm daytime temperatures, and pleasantly mild mornings and evenings.
• April: offering lush scenery, this month sees increased rain, relatively few visitors, and warm daytime temperatures.
• May: high season is on the horizon, so visit in May for lower prices, smaller crowds, comfortable temperatures and blooming greenery as a result of the rain.
• June: this month sees the start of the summer high season and heralds warmer temperatures that invite outdoor adventuring during a mini-dry season.
• July: sitting at the height of the dry, summer high season, expect lively festivals, larger crowds and higher costs.
• August: part of the high summer season period, extra crowds visit for the famous flower festival
• September: this month sees Medellín shift back into the wetter season, with a mix of sunny days and increased rainfall in the afternoon.
• October: despite increased rain, the city maintains its "Eternal Spring" temperatures. Explore outdoors in the morning and enjoy cultural activities during wetter afternoons.
• November: one of the wettest periods of the year, this shoulder-season month offers small crowds and green scenery.
• December: hola full-on festive high season! Attracting peak visitor numbers, December is stacked with events and sees the city shift back to the dry season.