Weather in Medellin, Colombia in November
Weather in Medellin in November
November is one of Medellín’s rainiest months — but that doesn’t make it a bad time to visit. The city stays warm, green, and lively, with afternoon showers that rarely last more than a couple of hours. If you’re flexible and pack smart, the weather in Medellin in November is entirely manageable.
This month suits budget-conscious travelers and those who don’t mind carrying a rain jacket. It’s less ideal for anyone planning intensive outdoor trekking or hoping for sunny days throughout. Before you book, decide where to stay in Medellin — neighborhood choice matters more in the rainy season than at any other time of year.
Quick Weather Snapshot
- Average high: 26–27°C (79–81°F)
- Average low: 16–17°C (61–63°F)
- Rainfall level: Heavy — November is the second peak of Medellín’s bimodal rainy season
- Humidity level: High (75–85%)
- Season: Rainy season
- Crowd level: Low to moderate
- Overall comfort rating: 6/10 — warm and lush, but expect frequent rain
What the Weather in Medellín Is Like in November
Medellín in November is vivid and wet. The Andes funnel moisture into the Antioquia valley, and the city’s eternal spring climate tips toward something closer to a tropical wet season. You’ll see the surrounding hills at their most intensely green.
Weather conditions here are unpredictable in a specific way: mornings open clear and cool. By early afternoon, cloudy skies roll in fast. Rain typically arrives between 2 and 6 p.m., sometimes as a brief downpour, sometimes as drizzle lingering into the evening. Plan outdoor activities before noon and use afternoons for museums, cafés, or covered plazas.
Temperatures in Medellín in November: Average High and Low
Daytime highs sit around 26–27°C (79–81°F), rarely pushing above 29°C. Evenings drop noticeably cooler than daytime, especially in higher-elevation neighborhoods near Parque Arví. At cooler elevation points you’ll see highs closer to 72°F to 73°F; lower barrios push toward 81°F. Nights of 64°F are common on hillside streets.
Sun exposure can be intense during morning breaks in cloud cover, so daylight hours demand sunscreen even when it’s overcast. November is the hottest stretch of the wet season before conditions ease in December. A light layer for evenings is worth packing.
Compared to Bogota, which sits at 2,600m and runs considerably cooler, Medellín feels genuinely warm year-round. That warmth across all months of the year is core to what makes the city so livable. The warm climate of the city is further influenced by weather patterns in Medellín, Colombia, which often bring afternoon showers that refresh the atmosphere. This consistency in temperature and precipitation contributes to the lush greenery that characterizes the region, attracting both residents and tourists alike. As a result, Medellín thrives with vibrant outdoor activities and social gatherings throughout the year. Temperature trends in Medellin reveal a unique microclimate that sets it apart from other cities in Colombia. Even during the rainy season, the temperatures remain relatively stable, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor adventures. This climate not only supports rich biodiversity but also enhances the overall quality of life for its residents.
Precipitation in Medellín in November: Rainfall and Cloud Cover Throughout the Year
November sees 150–200mm of rainfall — among the highest of any month. Showers tend to arrive suddenly and fall hard, then clear. True all-day rain is less common than the pattern of brief, heavy afternoon storms with dense cloud overhead.
Weather data from IDEAM, Colombia’s national meteorological authority, confirms November as one of Medellín’s three wettest months based on readings from weather stations across Antioquia. Flooding can occur in low-lying streets after sustained downpours; most tourist areas drain quickly.
Carry a compact umbrella or packable rain jacket. Climate-Data.org provides a clear graph of Medellín’s monthly rainfall, showing November as the dryest it will be before another wet stretch resets the cycle.
Humidity in Medellín in November
Relative humidity hovers between 75 and 85%, which is noticeable but not oppressive by tropical standards. Medellín’s altitude (1,495m above sea level) keeps things from feeling as sticky as coastal Colombian cities like Cartagena.
That said, warm and humid air can tire out visitors who aren’t acclimatized, particularly on uphill walks or long days on foot. Travelers sensitive to the heat-moisture combination should schedule heavier activities in the cooler morning daylight hours. Wind speed is generally light in the valley — under 10 km/h — which means the air doesn’t move much, adding to the sticky feel on warm afternoons.
Is Medellín Busy in November? Colombia Tourism Levels
November is low season for international tourism in Medellín. It’s not among the busiest months of the year — crowds are thinner at the Botero Plaza, Parque Explora, and cable car stations. Hotel rates are generally lower than December or January.
Colombian domestic travel picks up slightly around the Día de las Velitas holiday (December 7–8), which bleeds into late November preparations, but it doesn’t meaningfully affect crowds until early December.
Sample November Itinerary for Medellín: Average Weather by Time of Day
Building a trip to Medellín in November around the rain pattern makes all the difference. Here’s a typical day framework based on weather information that’s consistent across the month.
Morning (7–11 a.m.): Sunrise comes around 5:50–6:00 a.m. in November, giving you clear, cool hours before clouds build. Use this daylight window for outdoor sightseeing — El Centro, Jardín Botánico, or the Comuna 13 escalators.
Midday (11 a.m.–1 p.m.): Transition to covered or semi-outdoor spaces. Markets, covered plazas, lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon (1–6 p.m.): This is when cloudy skies darken and rain is most likely. Schedule museums, galleries, coffee tours, or a cooking class. Sunset arrives around 5:55–6:05 p.m. and is often obscured by cloud cover, though it occasionally breaks through with sunshine.
Evening (7 p.m. onward): Rain usually eases after 7 p.m. Neighborhoods like Laureles and El Poblado come alive for dinner and nightlife in the cooler air.
Best Things to Do in Medellín in November
- Visit the Museo de Antioquia — world-class Botero collection, fully indoors, ideal for cloudy afternoons
- Explore the Metrocable and Parque Arví — go early; the cloud-draped hills are especially dramatic in the wet season
- Walk El Centro Histórico — mornings are dry and market activity peaks early; make the most of morning daylight
- Tour the Comuna 13 street art circuit — go before noon for better light and drier streets
- Day trip to Guatapé — check the hourly weather forecast before going; the rock (El Peñón) is best climbed in dry conditions
- Sample the food scene in Laureles or El Poblado — covered outdoor restaurants stay lively even in the rain
- Visit Jardín Botánico — lush and photogenic in the wet season; go mid-morning before storms build
- Take a cooking class or coffee tour — a reliable indoor fallback on heavy-rain days
Events & Festivals in November
November is relatively quiet for major public festivals. There are no city-wide events on the scale of the Feria de las Flores (August) or the full Alumbrados display (December).
- Late November Alumbrados preview: The city begins installing Christmas lights in late November; some neighborhoods light up by the final week
- Local art and cultural exhibitions: Medellín’s gallery scene runs year-round; check Visit Medellín’s official events calendar for current listings
- Día de las Velitas (Dec 7): Falls just outside November, but candle display preparations often begin in the final days of the month
What to Pack for Medellín in November
- Lightweight clothing — breathable fabrics; t-shirts and shorts for daytime
- A light layer for evenings — a long-sleeve shirt or thin hoodie; temperatures drop after sunset
- Compact rain jacket or packable umbrella — non-negotiable in November
- Waterproof sandals or quick-dry shoes — sidewalks flood after heavy rain; avoid suede or canvas
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+) — UV index is high during morning clear spells even under partial cloud
- Small daypack — keeps electronics dry and carries layers as the weather shifts
Seasonal Travel Tips for November
- Plan around sunrise and sunset — sunrise near 6 a.m. gives you clear morning hours; finish outdoor sightseeing before clouds take over
- Use hourly temperature forecasts — time-specific breakdowns from Windy give a granular read on incoming storms; NASA’s MERRA-2 reanalysis data underpins many reliable weather apps used across Colombia
- Carry cash for wet days — smaller vendors in covered markets often don’t take cards
- Stay in higher-ground neighborhoods — El Poblado and Laureles drain faster after rain than lower barrios
- Book Parque Arví cable car early — services suspend during electrical storms; morning slots are safest
- Don’t judge the month by one bad afternoon — what it’s like in Medellin in November mornings is genuinely pleasant; most first-timers are surprised by how workable the days are
Weather Hazards in Medellín in November
Flooding: Heavy downpours can flood pedestrian underpasses and low-lying streets within minutes. Stick to main roads during peak rain.
Landslides: After extended rainfall, hillside comunas face landslide risk. Tourists in central districts are rarely directly affected, but it’s worth monitoring local news.
Electrical storms: Lightning activity increases in November. Cable car services, outdoor pools, and rooftop areas typically shut down during active storms. Wind speed can spike sharply during these events.
Altitude adjustment: At nearly 1,500m, some visitors experience mild fatigue in the first 24 hours — not dangerous, but avoid heavy physical activity on arrival day if coming from sea level.
For official risk monitoring, refer to IDEAM, Colombia’s national meteorological authority.
Key Takeaways
- The weather in Medellin in November means heavy afternoon rainfall — plan outdoor activities in the morning
- Average high temperature sits around 26–27°C; average temperature across the day is roughly 21–22°C; nights cool considerably once darkness falls
- Moisture levels are high but Medellín’s altitude makes conditions more bearable than coastal Colombia
- Not among the peak crowd months — prices are softer and major sites are quieter
- Temperatures remain warm; the city’s character holds even in the rainy season
- A flexible itinerary built around the early morning hours makes this month very workable
FAQs
Does it rain every day in Medellín in November?
Most days see some rainfall, typically in the afternoon or evening. However, full-day rain is uncommon. Mornings are usually clear, giving travelers a reliable outdoor window based on consistent weather data from Antioquia weather stations.
Is November a good time for a trip to Medellin?
It depends on your priorities. Visiting Medellín in November offers lower prices, thinner crowds, and lush scenery. The trade-off is frequent afternoon rain and cloudy skies. Flexible itineraries work well; rigid ones don’t.
What is the average temperature in Medellín in November?
Daytime average high temperatures reach 26–27°C (79–81°F), with lows dropping noticeably by evening — particularly in hillside neighborhoods. The average temperature across the full day sits around 21–22°C. Evenings require a light layer.
How should I dress for Medellín in November?
Light, breathable clothing works for daytime. Bring a packable rain jacket and a light layer for evenings. Waterproof footwear is strongly recommended — sidewalks flood quickly after heavy rainfall.
Are there any major festivals in Medellín in November?
November is a quieter month for festivals. The city begins setting up its famous Alumbrados light displays in late November, with some neighborhoods illuminated by the final week. The full festival season kicks off in December.
