Colombia in May: Weather and Travel Tips
The low season month of May is a wonderful time to explore the diverse topography and climatic features of Colombia. Being a low tourist season, travelers who travel to Colombia in May can discover the country at a comfortable pace.
Take this opportunity to wander the streets of Bogotá. Relish the sights of its rich architectural heritage or meet the locals and foreigners on the weekly language exchange program—Gringo Tuesday. For a more relaxed vacation, head to the pacific coast to enjoy the balmy Caribbean coastline. Cultural enthusiasts can go to Uribia, La Guajira, to partake in the Wayúu Cultural Festival. This mammoth celebration promotes the heritage and culture of Colombia's largest indigenous group—the Wayúu.
- joe zachariah
- From USA
Colombia Weather in May
Colombia's unique location on the equator creates an incredible range of micro-climates. The weather across the country changes due to altitude rather than the season. For instance, Bogotá in the central Andes will be much cooler. Here, you can experience temperatures between 4°C and 15°C. The mercury rises as you travel lower toward the Pacific Coast and Atlantic Lowlands. The Cauca Valley enjoys a warmer savanna climate and the balmy Caribbean coastline sees lovely warm days of up to 30°C.
For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Colombia.
Weather in Colombia in May - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 19 | 18 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 18 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 9 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 67 | 65 | 67 | 65 | 65 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 65 | 67 | 68 | 65 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 49 | 45 | 50 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 50 | 50 | 49 | 47 | 45 | 43 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 30 | 40 | 50 | 90 | 80 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 70 | 110 | 70 | 50 |
| Apr | May | Jun | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 18 | 18 | 17 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 11 | 11 | 11 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 65 | 65 | 63 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 52 | 52 | 52 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 90 | 80 | 40 |
Why Visit Colombia in May
- Festival of Wayúu Culture: Colombia celebrates the heritage of its largest indigenous people, the Wayúu, to promote their culture in a festival that starts at the end of May. The festival features artisanal exhibits, theater productions, traditional dancing and drumming, horse races, beautiful hand-made costumes, and delicious tribal food.
- Cultural Exploration: The dryer weather in Bogotá allows travelers to enjoy unique cultural tours in the city. You can wander through the historic center of La Candelaria or get blown away by the Museo del Orobeautiful (gold museum). The neo-cultural aspect of Bogotá is equally appealing, with vibrant urban street art, performance art, cozy eateries, and more.
- Great Weather: Be a part of the weekly Ciclovía de Bogotá. Bogata prohibits motor vehicles allowing access only to bicycles into its boulevards and main thoroughfare areas. Cruise with locals and fellow tourists as the cool May breeze gushes past you. If you are in the colonial town of Villa de Leyva, just north of Bogotá, take time to explore the grand architecture of the city. You can stroll in Colombia’s largest plaza—Villa de Leyva Main Square—or head to the nearby site of the Battle of Boyacá to learn more about the country’s war for independence.
Hike to the Laguna de Guatavita, a forest-fringed crater in central Colombia that was once a sacred site to the Muisca people. The tranquil waters that fill the crater are a sight to behold. The surrounding forests are home to a plethora of animals and bird species. You can also enjoy some water sports at the nearby Tominé Reservoir.
Where To Go and What to Do
From the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean and the rolling grasslands of Los Llanos to the towering, snow-capped peaks of the Andes, Colombia’s varying landscapes provide exploration and recreation opportunities. There is also plenty of cities to visit in Colombia to indulge in activities that suit people of different preferences.
Take advantage of the lovely May weather and explore Colombia’s Caribbean coastline. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in northern Colombia, the Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona is home to some of the most spectacular shorelines in the country with golden sandy beaches, palm-lined coves, dense tropical forests, and gin-clear waters. Spend the day snorkeling on the colorful reefs or head into the rainforest to explore the Pueblito ruins that date back to the Tayrona civilization.
Spend a few days on a Cartagena tour, wandering around the colonial fortress city famous for its gorgeous Old Town, impressive fortress walls, beautiful colonial architecture, and rich culture. Amble along the Old Town's original fortress walls and soak up the magnificent views and take a stroll through the winding alleyways of the historic Old Town lined with colorful bougainvillea-draped houses. Also, visit the enchanting neighborhoods of San Diego and Santo Domingo, which are rich in colonial history.
From the lush rainforests of the lowlands and the spectacular sandy Colombian beaches to the cloud-coated peaks of the majestic Andes mountains, Colombia is a smörgåsbord of adventure for intrepid travelers. And what better time to explore this beautiful country than in May, when the tourist crowds at popular attractions are low and the travel fares are cheaper than in the peak season?
Not sure how to plan an ideal trip to Colombia? Check out our guide on how many days to spend in Colombia. You can also chat with our local travel experts to design a customized trip to Colombia. For more information and instant inspiration, check out our amazing tours to Colombia in May.
