Medellin Weather in January
Colombia · January climate averages and travel tips
Expect warm days in Medellin in January: the average high is 24°C (76°F) and the average low is 16°C (61°F). The month is wet, with about 127 mm (5.0 in) of rain spread over 20 days, one of the driest months of the year. You get roughly 11.7 hours of daylight and frequently cloudy skies.
Is January a good time to visit Medellin?
January is not the best time to visit Medellin (3.8/10) mainly because of the rain. The weather is much better in June and October to December.
Visiting Medellin in January
January weather
Medellín feels mild rather than hot, with daytime highs around 24°C and cooler evenings. But January is still wet: rain falls on about 20 days, and cloud often softens the valley views. You can still explore Plaza Botero, museums and cafés in El Poblado; just expect showers to interrupt outdoor plans. Save long walks for a dry spell, and don't count on clear mountain views.
Holidays and crowds
January 6 is Día de los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings Day, a holiday marked by family gatherings. It's not Medellín's big festival month; Feria de las Flores takes place in August. The city can feel busy around New Year, when Colombian families are still travelling, and prices may be higher than in quieter months. Crowds usually ease as January goes on.
Families who like a lively city will find plenty to do, but those seeking quiet streets may prefer later in the month.
Getting around
Rain can make a hillside outing less appealing, especially when clouds hide the views. Keep a flexible plan: pair a trip on the Metrocable with indoor time at the Museo de Antioquia if showers roll in. The Metro connects central sights with other parts of the city, so you can adjust your route without relying on a long outdoor walk.
January is drier than December, but wetter than February, so it's a mixed month for outdoor plans. If you're heading to Parque Arví by cable car, check conditions locally before setting out; wet trails can make a walk less enjoyable.
January weather at a glance
| Average high | 24°C (76°F) |
|---|---|
| Average low | 16°C (61°F) |
| Daily mean | 20°C (67°F) |
| Rainfall | 127 mm (5.0 in) |
| Rainy days (1 mm+) | 20 |
| Humidity | 87% |
| Cloud cover | 67% |
| Daylight | 11.7 hours |
| Est. sunshine | 4.2 hours/day |
| Wind | 0.8 km/h |
| vs December | 1°C warmer than December, with 30 mm less rain. |
What to pack for Medellin in January
- T-shirts plus a light layer for the evening
- an umbrella or rain jacket
Medellin weather in other months
← DecemberBest time to visit MedellinFebruary →
Better weather in January nearby
- Arequipa25°C · 33 mm · Excellent
- Trujillo27°C · 30 mm · Excellent
- Lima26°C · 3 mm · Excellent
- Callao26°C · 3 mm · Excellent
- Bogota20°C · 58 mm · Excellent
- Buenos Aires28°C · 96 mm · Excellent
Nearby in January
- Bogota20°C · 58 mm
- Cali30°C · 64 mm
- Cartagena30°C · 7 mm
- Panama City30°C · 25 mm
- Barranquilla30°C · 4 mm
- Maracaibo34°C · 9 mm
Where else is good in January? See where to go in January.