What to pack · Medellín, Colombia

What to Pack for Medellín

Updated November 11, 2026
The short answer

Medellín is the City of Eternal Spring. At about 1,500 m, highs stay at 27–29°C (81–84°F) and lows at 15–16°C (59–61°F) every month. The packing problem is the rain: 15 to 28 days a month, usually as afternoon showers, so carry a light rain layer every day.

Plug typeA and B
Voltage110V
Warmest monthJanuary, March, July–September (29°C (84°F) high)
Wettest monthOctober (28 rain days)
AltitudeAbout 1,500 m
El Peñol740 steps to the top

Medellín weather by month

Daily high and low (°C), and days with rain
29°15°
Jan
28°15°
Feb
29°16°
Mar
28°16°
Apr
28°16°
May
28°15°
Jun
29°15°
Jul
29°15°
Aug
29°15°
Sep
28°15°
Oct
27°15°
Nov
28°16°
Dec
Best monthsJanFebDec about 3 rain days
See the numbers
Averages over the last three years of daily records.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High29°C84°F28°C82°F29°C84°F28°C82°F28°C82°F28°C82°F29°C84°F29°C84°F29°C84°F28°C82°F27°C81°F28°C82°F
Low15°C59°F15°C59°F16°C61°F16°C61°F16°C61°F15°C59°F15°C59°F15°C59°F15°C59°F15°C59°F15°C59°F16°C61°F
Rain days152123262322212323282621
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What to bring to Medellín

0 of 24 packed

Clothing

  • Jeans or chinos · 2Long pants are more common than shorts in the city
  • Light tops · 5
  • Nicer top for evenings · 1Locals dress up a little
  • Light jacket or sweater · 1Evenings drop to 15°C
  • Swimwear · 1Only if heading to the coast or a pool

Footwear

  • Spare pair of shoes · 1 pairWet afternoons, especially Sep–Nov
  • Quick-dry socks · 5 pairs

Gear

  • Compact umbrella · 115 to 28 rain days a month
  • Sun hat · 1Guatapé day trip and El Peñol's 740 steps
  • Sunglasses

Health and toiletries

  • Sunscreen · 1Strong sun at about 1,500 m
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Basic medications

Documents and money

  • Passport
  • Small amount of cash

Tech

  • Power bank
  • Phone charger
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Drier months (December–February)

The least rainy stretch. Highs are 28°C (82°F) in December and February and 29°C (84°F) in January, with lows of 15–16°C (59–61°F). Rain falls on 21 days in December, 15 in January and 21 in February. Pack light clothes, a light jacket for evenings and a small umbrella.

First rainy season (March–May)

Wetter. Highs are 28–29°C (82–84°F) and lows 16°C (61°F). March averages 23 rain days, April 26 and May 23. Bring a packable rain jacket and shoes that dry quickly.

Mid-year (June–August)

Steady and pleasant. Highs run 28–29°C (82–84°F) and lows 15°C (59°F), with 21 to 23 rain days a month. Pack the same light layers and keep the rain jacket in your bag.

Second rainy season (September–November)

The wettest months. September has a 29°C (84°F) high and 23 rain days, October 28°C (82°F) and 28, November 27°C (81°F) and 26. Lows stay at 15°C (59°F). Pack full rain gear and a spare pair of shoes.

What shoes should you pack for Medellín?

Comfortable sneakers with grip. Medellín is built on hills, and neighborhoods like Comuna 13 mix outdoor escalators with steep streets and steps. Wet pavement after afternoon showers is slick, so skip smooth soles.

What do people wear in Medellín?

Neat casual clothes. Locals tend to dress up a little: jeans or chinos, clean sneakers and a nice top. Long pants are more common than shorts in the city. Bring a light jacket for 15°C (59°F) evenings.

What to pack for a day trip to Guatapé?

Comfortable shoes, water and sun protection. The climb up El Peñol, the big rock at Guatapé, is 740 steps. Bring a refillable bottle, sunscreen, a hat and a light rain layer for the trip back.

What plugs does Medellín use?

Colombia uses Type A and B sockets at 110V. US plugs work without an adapter. UK, EU and Australian visitors need an adapter and should check that their devices accept 110V.

Tours and things to do in Medellín

Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Medellín.

Leave at home

What should you leave at home for Medellín?

Heavy winter clothes and flashy jewelry. Leave beachwear unless you're heading to the coast, and pack fewer shorts than you think; long pants are more common in the city.

More things we would not bother with →

Packing for Medellín: questions people ask

What is the weather like in Medellín all year?

Spring-like. Highs are 27–29°C (81–84°F) and lows 15–16°C (59–61°F) every month.

Does it rain every day in Medellín?

Often. Rain falls on 15 to 28 days a month, usually in the afternoon, with October the wettest at 28.

What should I wear in Medellín at night?

Long pants and a light jacket. Lows are about 15°C (59°F) year-round.

How many steps is El Peñol in Guatapé?

740 steps. Bring comfortable shoes and water.

Do I need a plug adapter in Colombia?

Not from the US. Colombia uses Type A and B sockets at 110V. UK, EU and Australian visitors need one.

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