Plan your trip wisely! Explore the best time to visit Medellin for pleasant weather, vibrant festivals, and memorable adventures. Plan your getaway now!
When is the best time to visit Medellin?
Medellin – such a cool place! Used to be all about drugs and crime, but now? It’s this super awesome city with beauty, culture, and innovation. People visit like crazy! “City of Eternal Spring” they call it.
Why? ‘Cause the weather’s always nice. Nestled in a valley, surrounded by the Andes, you got warm days and cool nights. When’s the best time to go? Anytime, really!
MEDELLIN TOURS & ACTIVITIES
Choosing best time to go to Medellin?
Well, it all boils down to your preferences. Medellin’s got it all – festivals, nightlife, nature, and history. But wait, there’s more! Weather, prices, crowds – factors to mull over.
Let’s simplify. We’re here to guide you through the seasons, spill the pros and cons, and drop some travel wisdom. Ready for a Medellin adventure? Let’s roll!
High Season: December To March – Best Time To Visit Medellin
Medellin gets pretty lively from December to March, thanks to the dry season and holiday vibes. It’s the hot time to be here, soaking up the sun, festive vibes, and cultural shindigs.
Pros:
- The weather’s on point – dry and sunny, hitting 60°F to 82°F (15°C to 28°C). Perfect for exploring the city, doing outdoor stuff like hiking, biking, or paragliding.
- December is like a carnival with Christmas lights everywhere – Alumbrados Navideños lighting up streets, parks, and buildings. Colombian traditions like Novenas, Candle Night, and New Year’s Eve are in full swing.
- Big cultural events take the stage – International Tango Festival in January, Poetry Festival in February, and the Colombiamoda fashion show in March. Artistic vibes from Medellin and Colombia draw folks from all corners.
Cons:
- Brace yourself for higher prices – it’s peak tourist season. Flights, digs, tours – all a bit steeper. Booking early is smart.
- Crowds, crowds, crowds – both locals and out-of-towners descend upon Medellin. Lines, traffic, and noise become regulars at hotspots like Parque Lleras, Plaza Botero, and Parque Arvi. Dodge the chaos by hitting these spots early morning or late afternoon or checking out less touristy nooks.
Shoulder Season: June to August
Medellin’s shoulder season hits from June to August, overlapping with kinda dry weather weather in medellín and summer break. It’s a cool time for a visit – prices drop, tourists thin out, and cool festivals pop up.
Pros:
- Grab low-cost stuff like flights, rooms, and tours; no rush to book ahead. Snag last-minute deals if you’re flexible on dates and places.
- Fewer tourists, more space! Enjoy quiet spots like Parque Lleras, Plaza Botero, and Parque Arvi. Mix with locals, dive into Medellin’s real vibe.
- Epic festivals like Flower Fest in August, Jazz Fest in July, and Antioquia Fair in June. Parades, concerts, and wild parties showcase Medellin’s diversity.
Cons:
- Weather’s a wildcard with rain and humidity. Expect almost daily showers, especially afternoons. Temps swing 59°F to 81°F (15°C to 27°C), but humidity messes with feels. Pack rain gear – jacket, umbrella, waterproof kicks – and check the forecast for plans.
Rainy Season: April to May and September to November
Medellin gets pretty wet from April to May and September to November – the real soaking months. Not the crowd’s favorite time, ’cause who wants rain and mud, right? But, hey, there’s a silver lining!
Pros:
- Score some sweet deals! Few tourists mean dirt-cheap flights, stays, and tours. No need to book ahead, and you can haggle your heart out with vendors.
- Nature’s a lush green paradise. Rain’s like plant food, turning Medellin into a green wonderland. Hills, forests, waterfalls – you name it. Perfect for outdoor adventures, just dodge those thunderstorms and landslides.
- Dive into hidden gems. Explore offbeat places like Guatapé and Jardín, soak in the culture, and get artsy in Medellin with its cool graffiti, murals, and museums.
Cons:
- Rain’s no joke. April, May, October, November – it pours, sometimes all day. Temps swing from 58°F to 80°F (14°C to 26°C), but rain messes with the feels. Pack rain gear – jacket, umbrella, waterproof kicks – and always check the forecast.
- Watch out for landslides and bugs. Rain triggers landslides, messing up roads and stuff. Stay cautious, especially in the mountains. And mosquitoes love rain puddles. Protect yourself – long sleeves, pants, repellent, and a mosquito net for a peaceful sleep. Stay safe out there!
How to Get to Medellin
Medellin, Colombia’s second-biggest city, chillin’ in the northwest, right in the Aburra Valley vibes. Now, getting there? Well, it’s like a choose-your-own-adventure kinda deal, ya feel me? It all depends on where you’re at, your clock and cash situation, and how cozy you wanna roll. So, peep these options:
By Plane
Getting to Medellin? Plane is the way. Two airports: Jose Maria Cordova (MDE) and Enrique Olaya Herrera (EOH).
MDE: Main hub, 20 miles southeast in Rionegro. Flights from everywhere: Bogota, Cartagena, Cali, Miami, New York, Panama City, Madrid.
EOH: Smaller, in El Poblado. Flights from Bogota, Bucaramanga, Monteria, Quibdo. Pricey and rare.
Options from the airport:
Private car: Book online or at the airport. Direct and comfy. $15 to $25.
Shared town car: Cheap and quick. Share with others, drop-off at a city point. $4 per person. Find them outside.
Bus: Cheapest and eco-friendly. $3. Airport to city center, then metro or bus. Every 15 minutes, takes about an hour. Buses outside the terminal.
By Bus
To get to Medellin on the cheap and spice things up, hop on a bus! Two hotspots for buses in Medellin: Terminal Norte and Terminal Sur.
Up north vibes at Terminal Norte, serving places like Bogota, Bucaramanga, Cucuta, and Santa Marta. Find it near Caribe metro, stacked with goodies like food joints, shops, ATMs, and lockers.
Down south action at Terminal Sur, rolling out for Cali, Popayan, Pasto, and Ipiales. Spot it near Poblado metro, rocking the same cool stuff as Terminal Norte.
For the Medellin ticket, hit up buses from anywhere in Colombia. Prices and schedules play the field.
Brace yourself for the bus ride—it’s a marathon with a view! Mountains, valleys, countryside—they’re your backdrop. Pit stops at Guatape, Salento, or Manizales are like bonus rounds.
But, watch out for traffic drama, delays, and safety hiccups. Pack snacks, H2O, and fun stuff. Keep a hawk eye on your gear, and daytime travel is the name of the game.
By Car
Getting to Medellin? Car’s the boss. Plenty of roads link it with hotspots like Bogota, Cali, Cartagena, and the Coffee Triangle. Your wheels, your rules—drive your ride or snag one from a legit rental joint.
Road tripping to Medellin? Pure adventure. Stop wherever, whenever. Take wild detours, shortcuts, and uncover hidden gems. But hey, Colombia’s roads? Tricky. Tight, twisty, and kinda beat-up.
Drivers? Wild and aggressive. Pack a legit license, international driving permit, top-notch insurance. Stick to the local road gospel. And rule of thumb: skip night drives, bad weather, and the middle of nowhere. Safety first, explorer!
Where to Eat and Drink in Medellin
Medellin’s food scene rocks! Dive into a crazy mix of local and global flavors. From classic Colombian eats like bandeja paisa to wild international vibes – Italian, Mexican, Asian – it’s a feast for your taste buds. Sip on Colombia’s famous coffee, chug local beer, and brace yourself for the fiery aguardiente. Now, check out these hotspots to chow down in Medellin:
Traditional Colombian Food
Want a taste of Medellin and Colombia? Dive into the local grub scene! Here’s the lowdown:
- Bandeja paisa, the rockstar dish, packs a punch. Imagine a platter overloaded with rice, beans, beef, chorizo, chicharron, fried egg, avocado, arepa, and plantain. It’s a feast for champions.
- Arepas are the cool cats of Colombian breakfast. Round, flat corn cakes, grilled, baked, or fried. Stuff ’em with cheese, meat, eggs, or veggies. Breakfast or snack, your call.
- Sancocho, the heavyweight soup, stars meats like chicken, beef, or pork, plus a veggie squad of potatoes, yuca, corn, and plantain. Thick, rich, and served with rice, avocado, and salad. Pure comfort.
Feeling adventurous? Hit up these joints:
- Mondongo’s, the tripe-tastic spot. Famous for mondongo soup but dabbles in bandeja paisa, ajiaco, and cazuela de frijoles. Find ’em in El Poblado or Laureles.
- Hacienda, where rustic meets delicious. Dive into sancocho, tamales, empanadas, and arepas. Bonus: live music and dance floor. Salsa vibes, anyone?
- Hatoviejo, the classy joint. Indulge in ajiaco, lechona, and sobrebarriga. Top it off with wines and desserts like natilla, buñuelos, and brevas con arequipe. Pure Colombian elegance.
Ready to spice up your palate? Best places to stay in Medellin colombia’s calling!
International Cuisine
If you’re up for a wild food adventure in Medellin, check out these cool spots for some global eats:
- Italian Vibes: Della Nonna, a fancy joint with killer pasta and pizza. Artigiani rocks artisanal pizzas and more. La Pizzeria is your go-to for legit, affordable Italian grub.
- Spice it Up Mexican Style: La Santa Guadalupe is where it’s at for funky Mexican fusion. Mercado del Rio is a foodie market with a Mexican twist. Taqueria La Xarcuteria is a small joint serving up authentic tacos with a side of cozy vibes.
- Asian Fusion Feels: Oni is this chic spot with Japanese-Peruvian fusion. Restaurante Okus is all about legit sushi and Japanese goodness. Thai Terrace brings tropical vibes with killer Thai dishes.
Now, go get your taste buds on an epic rollercoaster!
Coffee, Beer, and Aguardiente
Medellin’s got a drink scene that’ll blow your mind—coffee, beer, aguardiente, you name it. From top-notch Colombian coffee to craft beer and fiery aguardiente, this city’s got it all. Here’s the lowdown on where to get your drink on:
Coffee Craze:
- Pergamino: Super cool spot with the best Medellin coffee – roasted and brewed right there. Take your pick from drip, french press, or chemex brews, and munch on some killer pastries.
- Cafe Revolucion: A cozy joint with coffee sourced from local farmers. Try the americano, macchiato, or flat white, and indulge in scrumptious cakes and cookies.
- Cafe Velvet: If you’re feeling fancy, hit up this chic place serving top-notch coffee from Belgium. Espresso, cortado, cappuccino – they’ve got it all, plus delightful waffles and quiches.
Beer Bonanza:
- Cerveceria Libre: Trendy joint offering kickass craft beer brewed on-site. Choose from IPA, stout, porter, or pale ale, and don’t miss out on their experimental beers, paired with burgers and wings.
- Public House: Cozy pub vibes with a mix of imported and local beers. Grab a lager, ale, wheat, or pilsner, and snack on some tasty cheese and olives.
- The Irish Pub: Classic pub action with good beer including Irish and British favourites. Guinness, Kilkenny, Newcastle – take your pick, and traditional pub grub like fish and chips.
Aguardiente Travel:
- Dulce Jesus Mio: Wild and crazy bar with killer aguardiente, rum, vodka and tequila. Live music, comedy and dance vibes, and amazing decorations and coolly dressed staff.
- Salon Malaga : Nostalgic place with amazing aguardiente and throwback vibe. Old records, jukeboxes, and tributes to the Golden Age of Colombian music – think tango, bolero and salsa.
- El Social: The chic and contemporary joint offers premium aguardiente, gin, whiskey and champagne. Tapas, burgers and delicious salads, all in a cozy atmosphere where locals and visitors mingle.
MEDELLIN TOURS & ACTIVITIES
Top 3 Best Hostels In Medellin
Medellin’s a rad city to hit up, tons of cool spots to crash. If you’re after some sick hostels, peep my top 3 picks from my secret web-scouring tool:
Los Patios Hostal Boutique:
This joint is primo for solo lady travelers. It’s got this classy, boujee vibe, and it’s super safe. Two buildings, each with its own vibe, you can hit up the gym, chill at rooftop bars, check out the organic garden, brush up on your Spanish, or just kick back in the rec room. Rooms? Take your pick – dorms, privates, deluxe suites.
Rango Hostel Boutique:
Calling all backpacker homies, this one’s for you. It’s got this chill, natural vibe, and it’s bangin’ close to Parque Lleras and Parque Poblado. Breakfast? Fresh bread and eggs. Workin’? Grab a table. Hungry? Hit up the restaurant. Wanna socialize? Join the Rango fam for salsa, pub crawls, city tours.
Medellin Vibes Hostel:
Solo travelers, this spot’s a vibe. It’s got that fancy, calm feel, and there’s a dope bar by the pool. Snack on some gourmet treats, sip on Colombian coffee in all its glory, and slurp the city’s best cocktails. Groove to the tunes, mingle with travelers and locals. Rooms? Mixed and female dorms, plus private rooms and suites.
Get ready for some Medellin madness!
Final Thoughts:
Picking the best time to visit Medellin? The subtle things. The year throws curveballs, so it’s all about your vibe, saving money, and plans. But hey, here’s the lowdown:
- Diggin’ dry vibes, bright sunshine, and a party? Apply from December to March. Just a heads up: wallets will get exercise, heads-up required for bookings, and crowds? Get together and get together.
- Want budget-friendly travel, low-key vibes and amazing festivals? It blows June through August. Rain on the menu though. Don’t forget umbrellas and water bottles.
- Bargain hunter, nature lover, off-the-grid seeker? Apply from April to May or September to November. It rains constantly, earthquakes are possible, and mosquitoes want to join the party.
Every time you go, packing the charm, culture and innovation of Medellín. Wonder city, right? Beauty, awesome locals and grit – that’s the Medellín deal. Hopefully this guide will prepare your journey. Questions ? Mind? Put them down! We are all listening.
FAQs:
What is the cheapest time for Medellin places to visit?
Go rainy season, April-May, September-November. Score low-cost flights, stays, and tours. Bargain better, haggle more.
What is the best Medellin time for nightlife?
Hit high season, December-March. City buzzing with energy, parties, concerts, shows. Dive into Colombian celebrations – Novenas, Candle Night, New Year’s Eve.
What is the prime time for nature lovers in Medellin?
Nature’s peak during rainy season, April-May, September-November. City and surroundings lush, vibrant. Feast your eyes on green landscapes, colorful flowers, stunning waterfalls. Outdoor activities? Hike, bike, paraglide – dodge thunderstorms, landslides.
What are the top Medellin stay spots?
Your call based on preferences, budget, activities. Hotspots:
- El Poblado: Touristy, upscale. Best hotels, restaurants, bars. Pricey and crowded. Misses local vibe.
- Laureles: Residential, authentic. Cozy stays, diverse cuisine. Bit farther, fewer amenities.
- Envigado: Rural, traditional. Rustic stays, organic food. Farthest, less convenience.
What are the Medellin’s top activities?
Up to you, but highlights:
- Free walking tour: Dive into Medellin’s history, culture. Spot landmarks – Plaza Botero, Parque Berrio. Hit museums – Antioquia, Memory, Modern Art.
- Metro and cable car ride: City and mountain views. Explore vibrant neighborhoods – Comuna 13, 8, 1. Check out murals, graffiti. Learn about Medellin’s social and artistic scenes.
- Nature and adventure: Visit parks – Arvi, Explora, Deseos. Try thrilling activities – hike, bike, paraglide. Day trip to charming towns – Guatapé, Jardín, Santa Fe de Antioquia.
