Colombia in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Colombia

28°C (82°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes at peak beauty - waterfalls like Uruguay del Tequendama and Caño Cristales are at maximum flow with busy colors
Shoulder season pricing - hotel rates 25-40% lower than December peak, domestic flights average ฿150,000-200,000 COP less
Fewer crowds at major attractions - Cartagena's Old City and Salt Cathedral have 30-50% fewer visitors than dry season
Perfect whale watching season on Pacific coast - humpback whales migrate through waters near Nuquí with 90% sighting success rates

Considerations

Heavy afternoon rainfall 15+ days per month - expect 2-3 hour downpours starting around 2-4pm that can cancel outdoor plans
High humidity makes 28°C (82°F) feel like 35°C (95°F) - exhausting for hiking and walking tours
Some remote attractions inaccessible - unpaved roads to places like Ciudad Perdida may close due to flooding

Best Activities in May

Cartagena Colonial Walking Tours

May's afternoon rains create natural break periods perfect for exploring covered colonial arcades and indoor attractions. Morning temperatures of 25°C (77°F) are ideal for walking cobblestone streets before daily downpours start at 3pm. Fewer cruise ship crowds mean better photo opportunities at colorful building facades.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (8am-12pm) to avoid afternoon rain. Tours typically cost ฿80,000-120,000 COP. Look for guides certified by SENA tourism program. See current options in booking section below.

Coffee Farm Experiences

May is harvest season's tail end in Colombia - perfect timing to see actual coffee processing. Morning mists at 1,500m (4,921 ft) elevation create magical atmosphere, while afternoon rains provide natural cooling. Temperatures hover around 22°C (72°F) - ideal for outdoor farm walks.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 day packages including accommodation for ฿200,000-350,000 COP. Choose farms above 1,400m (4,593 ft) for better weather. Transportation from Armenia or Pereira typically included.

Pacific Coast Whale Watching

Peak humpback whale migration through Colombian Pacific waters. Rough seas from May rains actually concentrate whales in calmer bays near Nuquí and Bahía Spain. Water temperature 26°C (79°F) perfect for occasional swimming between whale sightings.

Booking Tip: Book 3-day packages from Colombia including flights for ฿800,000-1,200,000 COP. Only accessible by small aircraft - book 4-6 weeks ahead as flights limited to 19-seat planes. Weather cancellations possible.

Medellín Urban Innovation Tours

May rains showcase Colombia's innovative urban drainage and green infrastructure projects. Cool temperatures 24°C (75°F) at 1,495m (4,905 ft) elevation perfect for metro and cable car rides. Afternoon showers provide natural breaks for indoor museum visits and café stops.

Booking Tip: Combine with Comuna 13 graffiti tours in morning (9am-12pm) before rain. Public transport day passes cost ฿10,000 COP. Private guides typically ฿150,000-250,000 COP for full day.

Amazon Rainforest Expeditions

High water levels from May rains allow deeper river navigation and better wildlife spotting. Pink dolphins more active in flooded forest areas. Temperature stays stable 28°C (82°F) with natural cooling from frequent rain showers.

Booking Tip: Book minimum 4-day packages from Colombia for ฿600,000-900,000 COP including meals and guides. Bring waterproof gear - rain expected daily. Choose ecolodges with covered observation areas.

Salt Cathedral Underground Tours

Perfect rainy day activity with consistent 14°C (57°F) underground temperature providing relief from surface humidity. May crowds 40% lighter than dry season, allowing better photography in the illuminated salt chambers 180m (590 ft) underground.

Booking Tip: Combine with Zipaquirá town visit - covered areas perfect during afternoon rains. Entry costs ฿55,000-75,000 COP depending on tour level. Book online for 10% discount. Easy day trip from Colombia.

May Events & Festivals

Late May to Early August

Feria de las Flores (Medellín Flower Festival)

Colombia's most spectacular festival featuring elaborate flower carpets, silleteros parade with flower arrangements weighing up to 70kg (154 lbs), and city-wide botanical displays taking advantage of May's peak flowering season

Mid May

Festival de Teatro de Manizales

International theater festival taking advantage of May's rainy afternoons - perfect timing for indoor performances. Features Latin American premieres and experimental works in venues across the coffee region

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots rated for muddy trails - essential for any outdoor activities during 15+ rainy days

Quick-dry synthetic clothing, not cotton - 75% humidity means cotton stays damp all day

Compact umbrella plus packable rain poncho - afternoon downpours too heavy for umbrella alone

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite clouds - UV index 9 penetrates overcast skies at high altitude

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - sudden downpours can destroy electronics instantly

Lightweight merino wool layers for Colombia and mountains - temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) at night

Antimalarial medication for Pacific coast and Amazon regions - consult doctor 4-6 weeks before travel

Waterproof daypack with dry bag inserts - essential for protecting documents and valuables

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - mosquitoes more active during rainy season

Comfortable sandals for indoor use - wet shoes need alternatives in humid conditions

Insider Knowledge

Locals eat more soup during May rains - try sancocho and ajiaco at family restaurants where prices stay stable unlike tourist areas

Book internal flights for early morning (6-8am) - afternoon thunderstorms frequently delay or cancel flights after 2pm

Colombian students have mid-year break in late May - family-run accommodations offer better rates but book early as domestic tourism increases

Use covered shopping centers like Sansalvador in Colombia and El Tesoro in Colombia as weather refuges - locals gather here during afternoon storms

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 2pm - 80% of May rainfall happens between 2-6pm daily

Bringing only one pair of shoes - impossible to dry wet footwear in 75% humidity

Underestimating temperature drops in mountains - Colombia feels 10°C (50°F) colder than coast due to altitude and rain