Things to Do in Colombia in May

May Weather in Colombia

28°C (82°F) High Temp

19°C (66°F) Low Temp

120mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect visibility for Andean hiking - clear mornings before afternoon clouds roll in, ideal for 5am-11am treks to avoid the 2pm-4pm cloud cover that blocks mountain views
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 20-30% less than June-August peak season, with fewer crowds at major attractions like Machu Picchu and Salt Cathedral
Optimal weather for coffee farm visits in the Coffee Triangle - harvest season just ended, farmers are processing beans, and you can see the full production cycle with comfortable 24°C (75°F) temperatures
Last weeks of whale watching season on Pacific coast - humpback whales still migrating through Nuquí and Bahía Málaga waters until mid-May, with calmer seas than March-April

Considerations

Transition period weather - mornings start sunny but afternoon rain showers begin appearing 60% of days, requiring flexible indoor backup plans after 2pm
Caribbean coast enters wet season - Cartagena and Santa Marta see increased rainfall (180mm/7.1 inches) making beach days unpredictable, especially second half of May
Road conditions deteriorate - unpaved mountain roads to places like Cocora Valley become muddy and potentially impassable after heavy rains, requiring 4WD vehicles

Best Activities in May

Medellín Urban Innovation Tours

May's mild 26°C (79°F) temperatures make walking through Comuna 13 and riding the cable cars comfortable all day. The city's transformation story is best experienced before rainy season limits outdoor exploration. Morning tours avoid afternoon showers that start appearing mid-May.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified community guides, typically $25-40 per person for 4-hour tours. Look for guides certified by the Mayor's Office. Check current options in the booking section below.

Cocora Valley Palm Forest Hiking

Last optimal month before June rains make trails muddy and dangerous. May mornings offer crystal clear views of the world's tallest palm trees against Andean backdrop. Temperatures perfect at 18°C (64°F) for the 3-hour round-trip hike. Afternoon clouds provide natural shade.

Booking Tip: Start before 8am to avoid afternoon weather changes. Transport from Salento costs $8-12 per person. Guided hikes range $20-35. Book jeep transport night before as morning availability is limited.

Bogotá Cultural District Exploration

May's cooler 20°C (68°F) temperatures make walking La Candelaria and museum-hopping comfortable. Avoid the crushing crowds of June-July school holidays while experiencing Gold Museum, Botero Museum, and street art tours. Afternoon rain provides perfect excuse for indoor cultural sites.

Booking Tip: Museums offer combination tickets for $15-25. Walking tours typically $20-30 per person for 3-4 hours. Book afternoon indoor activities as backup for rainy days. See current cultural tour options below.

Coffee Farm Experiences in Armenia

Post-harvest season means farmers are available for in-depth tours showing bean processing, roasting, and cupping. May's 24°C (75°F) temperatures and 70% humidity create perfect conditions for walking plantation trails. Morning fog burns off by 9am revealing spectacular mountain coffee landscapes.

Booking Tip: Full-day farm visits cost $45-70 including lunch and transportation. Book 5-7 days ahead during shoulder season. Look for UNESCO World Heritage certified farms. Multi-day packages available through local operators.

Cartagena Colonial Architecture Tours

Explore Old Town's UNESCO sites during May's final weeks of manageable heat before oppressive summer humidity arrives. Early morning tours at 7am beat both crowds and afternoon rain showers. Golden hour photography opportunities at city walls before 6pm storms.

Booking Tip: Historic center walking tours range $25-45 for 3 hours. Book early morning slots (7am-10am) to avoid heat and rain. Evening tours often cancelled due to weather - morning slots more reliable.

Guatapé Rock Climbing and Lake Tours

Ideal weather window for climbing El Peñón's 740 stairs - morning temperatures at 22°C (72°F) before afternoon heat builds. Lake Guatapé boat tours benefit from calm morning waters before afternoon wind picks up. Clear visibility for panoramic photography.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Medellín cost $35-50 including transport and boat ride. Climb opens at 8am - arrive early for best photos and cooler temperatures. Combination packages with lake activities save 20-25%.

May Events & Festivals

Throughout May

Feria de las Flores Preparation Season

While the main festival is in August, May marks when Medellín's flower farmers begin intensive cultivation. Visit flower farms in Santa Elena to see silleteros (flower carriers) preparing displays and learn traditional techniques passed down through generations.

Early to Mid May

Coffee Cultural Landscape Harvest Festivals

Small town celebrations across Quindío, Risaralda, and Caldas departments celebrate the end of main harvest season. Local festivals feature traditional bamboo architecture displays, coffee competitions, and folk music performances.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - afternoon showers last 30-45 minutes and arrive suddenly, especially in Andean regions

Layers for temperature variation - morning temperatures can be 10°C (18°F) cooler than afternoon highs, particularly in Bogotá and mountain areas

Quick-dry pants and shirts - 70% humidity means cotton takes hours to dry, synthetic fabrics essential for comfort

Waterproof daypack cover - protects electronics and documents during unexpected rain showers while hiking or exploring

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 at high altitudes requires reapplication every 2 hours, especially in Coffee Triangle

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - morning dew and occasional rain make cobblestones in Cartagena and Bogotá slippery

Portable umbrella - more practical than rain jacket for city exploration and quick afternoon showers

Insect repellent with DEET - increased humidity brings mosquitoes, particularly important for Caribbean coast visits

Power bank - frequent afternoon rain can knock out power temporarily, especially in smaller towns

Dry bags for electronics - essential for any outdoor activities as weather can change rapidly in mountainous regions

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights for early morning departures - afternoon weather delays increase significantly in May, especially flights to/from smaller mountain airports like Armenia

Carry small bills (5,000 and 10,000 peso notes) - afternoon rain drives everyone indoors, creating rush on small vendors who often can't change large bills

Download offline maps before heading to rural areas - cell towers in mountain regions lose power during storms, GPS becomes unreliable

Locals eat lunch early (11:30am-12:30pm) to finish before afternoon rains - restaurants get crowded quickly, make reservations or eat before noon

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning afternoon outdoor activities after 2pm - this is when daily rain showers typically begin, ruining hiking and sightseeing plans

Packing only for warm weather - mountain regions and Bogotá can drop to 15°C (59°F) in mornings, catch tourists off-guard without layers

Booking Caribbean coast hotels without checking refund policies - May rain can wash out entire beach days, flexible bookings essential