Weather in Medellín in September

Joanne Owen

written by
Joanne Owen

updated 24.04.2024

When it comes to deciding when to visit Medellín, it’s worth knowing that this Colombian city doesn’t see extreme seasonal changes — it’s known as the “City of Eternal Spring" for good reason. Having said that, if you’re looking to visit in September, be aware this month heralds the start of a rainier period, though it remains warm and largely sunny. For more detail, read on to find out everything you need to know about the weather in Medellín in September, along with itinerary suggestions and recommended things to see and do. 

Is September a good time to visit Medellín?

In keeping with its City of Eternal Spring nickname, the weather in Medellín in September offers mild, comfortable temperatures that rise to a daily maximum 27°C (81°F).

Never intensely hot or cold, these conditions are ideal for exploring the city and surrounding countryside.

However, September does see the city enter a period of high rainfall (around 160mm), so come prepared with a brolly and light raincoat. 

For context, July and August sees average rainfall of around of 100mm, May sees in the region of 150mm, while October can experience up to 200mm. In contrast, January usually experiences around 40mm.

With rain comes lusher landscapes, so September is a great time to visit if you prefer your walks on the wilder side to have a greener backdrop.

In addition, September sees fewer visitors than super-busy August, making for a more relaxed experience, and easier access to attractions.

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

Metropolitan cathedral church in Medellin, Colombia © Shutterstock

The weather in Medellín in September is warm and sunny, with rising rainfall © Shutterstock

Average temperatures in Medellín in September

When it comes to the average temperatures in Medellín in September, expect a range from 17°C (63°F) to 27°C (81°F).

For comparison, August is a little warmer, ranging from 18°C (64°F) at night to 28°C (82°F) during the day. March and April tend to be a bit warmer still, with a range of 17°C (63°F) to 29°C (84°F).

Meanwhile, the coolest months — January, February and December — see averages from 16°C (61°F) to 28°C (82°F).

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?

In September, Medellín is less crowded compared with many other months, especially following the peak tourist season in July and August, which coincides with the popular Feria de las Flores. With schools back in session and fewer international visitors, you'll find the city more relaxed and accessible.

This decrease in tourists means shorter queues and less waiting time at major attractions and museums, and a more authentic experience of the city’s daily life and culture.

You’re also likely to enjoy more choice and potentially lower prices for accommodation.

Set on taking a trip at this time of year? Discover some of the best places to visit in September.

colombia-cartagena-shutterstock_510842902

Book a customisable Rough Guides' trip to take in Cartagena (pictured) and Medellín © Shutterstock

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
Coffee plantation © Fotos593/Shutterstock

Colombian coffee plantation © Fotos593/Shutterstock

What to do and see in Medellín in September

With mild weather and fewer crowds, visiting Medellín in September offers opportunities to enjoy a range of activities with more space. If you want to avoid the rain, our tip is to plan plan outdoor activities for the morning.

Here are a few suggestions for what to see and do in Medellín in September.

Take a coffee tour

Visit local plantations to learn about coffee production and sample fresh Colombian coffee, which is regarded among the world’s best.

For example, just 45 minutes from Medellín, D'arrieros Coffee Farm offers an intimate look at coffee production from bean to cup.

Editor’s tip: back in the city, coffee addicts will love café-hopping the trendy, upmarket El Poblado neighbourhood — all the better when there’s fewer crowds.

Uncover art and culture

Spend a morning touring Comuna 13. Famous for its street art, outdoor escalators, and community resilience, this is one of Medellín's most vibrant neighbourhoods.

Come the more rain-prone afternoons, visit local galleries or the Modern Art Museum (MAMM). 

Editor’s tip: explore the Museo de Antioquia and Plaza Botero to see an extensive collection of works by the renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero, along with pre-Colombian and contemporary art.

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Medellín's cable car © Shutterstock

Ride the Metrocable to Parque Arví

For stunning views of the city and surrounding valleys, take a ride on Medellín's aerial cable car. 

After enjoying the view, explore the pre-Hispanic trails of Parque Arví ecological reserve, which looks lusher and lusher as the September rains ramp up.

Editor’s tip: don’t miss visiting the reserve’s Butterfly Garden and Orchidarium.

Enjoy immersive day trips to Pueblito Paisa and Guatapé

Sitting pretty atop Nutibara Hill, visiting Pueblito Paisa is a wonderful way to experience Colombian culture in stunning surroundings.

Designed to capture the ambience and architecture of early 20th-century Colombian towns, it offers insights into the region's rural life, with stallholders on hand with local crafts and snacks.

Visiting Guatapé is another incredible day trip option. Located 50 miles east of Medellín, it’s known for its charming colourful houses, with nearby El Peñol Rock (La Piedra del Peñol) serving breath-taking vistas of lakes and islands.

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

Colorful houses in Guatape Colombia

Colourful houses in Guatape © Barna Tanko/Shutterstock

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.

  • January: falling within the dry high season, January sees warm days, low rainfall and a decrease on December’s crowds.
  • 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
  • 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.
Joanne Owen

written by
Joanne Owen

updated 24.04.2024

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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