November in Medellin falls in the second rainy season, and the rain is the first thing you need to know. Expect precipitation on roughly 26 of 30 days, with about 219mm falling mostly as sharp afternoon downpours between 2 and 4 PM. Mornings tend to start clear and warm at around 25°C (78°F), and you'll get a few good hours before the clouds stack up over the Aburrá Valley. By evening the rain usually passes, leaving the air smelling of wet concrete and tropical soil. The temperature drops to about 16°C (61°F) at night, cool enough that you might want a light layer for dinner in Laureles.
The month does have one card worth playing. EPM's Alumbrados, Medellin's famous Christmas light installation along the Río Medellín and through Parque Norte, typically opens in the last week of November. The display stretches several kilometers with millions of LED fixtures, and inauguration night draws families from across the Aburrá Valley. If you time your trip for those final days of November, you might catch something special. The riverbanks fill with food vendors selling buñuelos and natilla, kids run between light tunnels, and the wet pavement reflects the colors in ways that, to be fair, actually work with the rain.
Outside of the Alumbrados window, November is a quiet month for tourism. Hotel rates in El Poblado and Laureles sit below December's peak. You can walk through Plaza Botero or ride the Metrocable without competing for space. But if you want dry days for hiking Parque Arví or exploring the open-air murals of Comuna 13 without an umbrella, January at 93mm of rain or July at 110mm are stronger months.
Why visit in November
- EPM's Alumbrados Christmas lights typically open in late November, with millions of LED installations stretching several kilometers along the Río Medellín and through Parque Norte
- Hotel rates in El Poblado and Laureles sit 20-30% below the December-January peak, with better availability across most price ranges
- Two national holidays (November 1 and November 11) create long weekends that send many locals out of the city, leaving sites like Museo de Antioquia and the Metrocable noticeably quieter
- The heavy rain makes surrounding hillsides and the Aburrá Valley intensely green, and waterfalls near San Rafael and Guatapé run at full volume
Worth knowing
- Rain falls on roughly 26 of 30 days, with 219mm of total precipitation, making November one of Medellin's four wettest months
- 88% average humidity means clothes, towels, and shoes take a long time to dry, and the damp clings to everything
- Afternoon downpours regularly disrupt outdoor plans, especially hikes in Parque Arví and open-air walking tours in Comuna 13
- Overcast skies reduce visibility from the city's viewpoints like Cerro Nutibara, particularly after midday
Best for
Think twice if
November sits in the second rainy season. The Aburrá Valley traps moisture at 1,500 meters elevation, and you'll feel the 88% humidity the moment you step outside. Mornings typically start partly clear, with temperatures near 25°C (78°F), before clouds gather and release sharp downpours between 2 and 4 PM. The 219mm of monthly rainfall arrives over roughly 26 days, though most individual showers last under an hour. Evenings cool to around 16°C (61°F), enough that locals pull on a light jacket for dinner. The persistent dampness is the real story. Even when it is not actively raining, surfaces stay wet and the air feels heavy on your skin.
Seasonal caution
- Heavy afternoon downpours can trigger flash flooding in the quebradas (streams) that run through the city. Avoid walking near creek beds during or immediately after intense rain.
- Landslide risk rises in hillside areas during sustained rain. Stick to established paths in neighborhoods like Comuna 13 and in Parque Arví.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26 | 16 | 93 |
| Feb | 26 | 16 | 144 |
| Mar | 26 | 16 | 211 |
| Apr | 26 | 17 | 270 |
| May | 26 | 17 | 260 |
| Jun | 26 | 16 | 224 |
| Jul | 27 | 16 | 110 |
| Aug | 27 | 16 | 177 |
| Sep | 27 | 16 | 179 |
| Oct | 26 | 16 | 259 |
| Nov | 25 | 16 | 219 |
| Dec | 26 | 16 | 114 |
Headline events
Alumbrados de Navidad EPM
Late November to mid-January (inauguration varies by year, usually last week of November or first days of December)
Medellin's signature Christmas light display, organized by EPM, runs several kilometers along the Río Medellín and through Parque Norte. The inauguration draws families from across the Aburrá Valley and marks the unofficial start of the Colombian holiday season. Millions of LED lights form tunnels, arches, and animated figures. Opening night fills the riverbanks with food vendors, live music, and a citywide energy that cuts through the wet weather. The display stays up through mid-January.
Best things to do in November
Alumbrados Opening Night Walk
culturalWalk the Alumbrados route along the Río Medellín from Parque Norte through La Candelaria on inauguration night. Millions of LED lights reflect off the wet pavement, and food vendors line the route with buñuelos, empanadas, and hot chocolate. The atmosphere is family-oriented, warm despite the rain, and unlike anything else in the city's calendar.
The inauguration typically falls in the last week of November, the one window to see the lights at their freshest before the December crowds arrive.Booking tipNo tickets needed. The display is free. Go on a weeknight in the first few days after opening to avoid the heaviest crowds.
Eje Cafetero coffee harvest day trip
day tripVisit a working coffee finca near Jardín, about 3 hours south of Medellin, during the mitaca (secondary) coffee harvest. You can pick ripe cherries alongside workers and see the wet-processing method from fruit to dried parchment. The smell of fermenting coffee pulp is sharp and sweet at the same time.
November is the tail end of the mitaca harvest, which runs October through November. The cherries are at peak ripeness and the processing facilities are running at full capacity.Booking tipBook finca tours at least a week ahead. Many smaller farms only accept visitors with advance arrangements through local tour operators.
Morning Metrocable to Parque Arví cloud forest
natureTake the Metrocable from Acevedo station to Santo Domingo, then transfer to the cable car up to Parque Arví. The 1,600-hectare cloud forest reserve sits above the city at about 2,500 meters. November's rain makes the forest intensely green, and the trails are lined with bromeliads and orchids pushing into bloom. Mist drifts through the canopy, and the air smells of damp earth and moss.
The rainy season pushes the cloud forest into its most lush state. Orchids and bromeliads flower more prolifically, and the forest canopy drips with moisture, creating the full cloud-forest atmosphere that drier months lack.Booking tipGo before 10 AM to beat the afternoon rain. The Metrocable gets crowded on weekends, so aim for Tuesday through Thursday.
Bird watching for Nearctic migrants
natureNovember marks the arrival of North American migratory warblers, tanagers, and flycatchers in the Aburrá Valley. Jardín Botánico and the forest edges around Parque Arví are productive spots. Species like Blackburnian Warbler and Cerulean Warbler move through the valley's forest remnants, joining dozens of resident Andean species.
November is peak arrival time for Nearctic migrants passing through the northern Andes. The combination of resident and migratory species makes the species count higher than in drier months.Booking tipThe Sociedad Antioqueña de Ornitología runs guided group outings. Weekend morning walks at Jardín Botánico are a good entry point.
Waterfall day trips to San Rafael
natureThe rivers and waterfalls within a 2-3 hour drive east of Medellin run at full force in November. San Rafael, a small town in the Antioqueño highlands, sits near several falls and natural swimming pools fed by rain-swollen streams. The volume of water is dramatic after weeks of daily downpours.
November's 219mm of rainfall pushes water volume to near-peak levels. The falls are at their most powerful, and the surrounding forest is at its densest green.Booking tipHire a local guide in San Rafael. Trail conditions get slippery and some access points require local knowledge. Go on a weekday to avoid domestic long-weekend crowds.
Museo de Antioquia and Plaza Botero afternoon loop
cultureWhen the afternoon rain hits, duck into Museo de Antioquia in La Candelaria. The museum holds a substantial collection of works by Fernando Botero and a strong survey of Antioqueño art. Outside, 23 Botero bronze sculptures fill Plaza Botero. The plaza empties out during downpours, giving you an unhurried look at the pieces with rain streaming off the bronze curves.
November's predictable afternoon rain makes indoor-outdoor cultural loops ideal. The plaza clears during downpours, and the museum is rarely crowded outside the December-January peak.Jardín Botánico orchid walk
natureThe Jardín Botánico de Medellín, near Universidad metro station, holds one of Colombia's largest living orchid collections. The Orquideorama structure shelters hundreds of specimens under a wooden lattice canopy. November's humidity and rain push many species into bloom, and the air inside the structure is thick with the faint scent of damp wood and flower.
November's 88% humidity and frequent rain trigger flowering in dozens of orchid species. The collection is noticeably more colorful than during the drier months of January or July.Booking tipEntry to the garden is free. Go early on a weekday morning for the best light inside the Orquideorama.
What to eat in November
In season: fruit
Lulo
This tart, citrusy fruit hits peak supply in Colombian markets around October and November. Lulo juice, served cold and sweetened with sugar, costs a fraction at the Minorista market compared to tourist-facing cafes in El Poblado. The flavor sits somewhere between lime and rhubarb.
On menus now
Mazamorra con panela
A corn-based drink-dessert made from hominy and sweetened with raw panela sugar. November's cool, rainy evenings make it especially appealing. You'll find it at Mercado del Río and at neighborhood tiendas in Laureles, usually served in a tall glass with a side of warm milk.
Street food peaks
Empanadas antioqueñas
Corn-flour empanadas filled with seasoned beef and potato, fried to order on the street. Available year-round, but the combination of rainy afternoons and hot, crispy empanadas from vendors in Laureles and La Candelaria makes November feel made for them. Listen for the call of 'empanadas, empanadas' echoing off wet walls.
Festival food
Natilla
This cornstarch and panela custard appears in bakeries and at street stalls across Medellin starting in late November. It is the opening signal of the Colombian Christmas season, and vendors in La Candelaria sell it warm alongside buñuelos. The texture is dense and slightly grainy, nothing like European custard.
Buñuelos
Deep-fried cheese balls made with fresh queso costeño show up at Alumbrados food stalls and at the Minorista market in late November. The smell of frying dough follows you along the riverbank route. They pair with hot chocolate or black coffee.
Regular events in November
Día de Todos los SantosFree
National holiday observed across Colombia. Cemeteries in Medellin see families visiting with flowers and food offerings. Many businesses and government offices close for the day, and some areas feel noticeably quieter.
November 1 (observed on the nearest Monday under Colombia's Ley de Puentes)Independencia de CartagenaFree
National holiday marking Cartagena's 1811 declaration of independence from Spain. Not a major celebration in Medellin specifically, but it creates a long weekend that many Paisas use to leave the city, making museums and restaurants less crowded than usual.
November 11 (observed on the nearest Monday under Colombia's Ley de Puentes)Best places this November
Parque Norte and Río Medellín Alumbrados route
parkThe primary Alumbrados corridor stretches along the Río Medellín and through Parque Norte. In late November, either the installation crews are finishing their work or the lights are freshly switched on. The route is flat, paved, and walkable for several kilometers. Even before inauguration, watching the crews assemble the massive light structures is worth a walk.
La CandelariaJardín Botánico de Medellín
parkFree-entry botanical garden near Universidad metro station. November's rain brings the orchid collection inside the Orquideorama into heavy bloom. The garden's mature tree canopy provides natural shelter during lighter showers, and the cool, damp paths make a pleasant contrast to the concrete of the city center.
Zona NorteCerro Nutibara (Pueblito Paisa)
viewpointA small hill rising from the floor of the Aburrá Valley with a replica Antioquian village at the summit. On clear November mornings, the 360-degree view of the rain-green valley is at its most vivid. The climb takes about 15 minutes from the base. Go before 10 AM for the best visibility.
BelénMercado del Río
marketA covered food hall in the Ciudad del Río district with dozens of stalls serving Antioquian and international cuisine. It is an ideal rainy-afternoon destination. November's quieter tourism season means you can usually find seating without the wait that December and January bring.
El PobladoComuna 13 (San Javier)
neighborhoodThe hillside neighborhood known for its outdoor escalators and street-art murals. In November, go in the morning before the rain starts. The graffiti tour guides at the base of the escalators operate rain or shine, but the murals photograph better in the soft, diffused pre-rain light. The steep concrete pathways get slippery when wet.
San JavierParque Arví
nature reserveA 1,600-hectare cloud forest reserve accessible by Metrocable from Santo Domingo station. November's rain intensifies the cloud-forest atmosphere. Mist, dripping ferns, and orchids line the marked trails. The Sunday artisan market near the Metrocable arrival point sells local honey, preserves, and crafts.
Santa ElenaPlaza Botero
cultural landmarkThe open-air plaza in La Candelaria holds 23 bronze sculptures by Fernando Botero. November afternoons often empty the plaza during downpours, which is actually ideal for photographing the sculptures without crowds. Museo de Antioquia sits directly on the plaza's edge, making it easy to duck between indoor and outdoor.
La Candelaria
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Insider tips
The rain follows a clock in November. Most days stay dry until about 2 PM, rain hard for 30 to 60 minutes, then clear by 5 or 6 PM. Plan outdoor activities before noon and save indoor or food-focused plans for the afternoon gap.
A Metrocable ride right after a rain shower gives the clearest views of the Aburrá Valley. The rain washes the haze out of the air, and for about 30 minutes the surrounding ridgelines look sharp enough to photograph from the cable car between Acevedo and Santo Domingo stations.
Lulo juice at the Minorista market in La Candelaria costs about a third of what you would pay at a cafe in El Poblado. The market can feel chaotic on the ground floor, but the fruit stalls on the upper level are worth the detour.
The Alumbrados route is less crowded on weeknight evenings during the first week after inauguration. By the second and third weeks of December, the crowds along the riverbank roughly triple.
Colombia's Ley de Puentes moves the November 1 and November 11 holidays to the nearest Monday, creating long weekends called puentes. Many Paisas leave Medellin for beach towns or the Eje Cafetero during these weekends, which means museums, restaurants, and the Metrocable are noticeably emptier for visitors who stay.
Avoid these mistakes
- Scheduling a full-day outdoor hike for the afternoon. Rain in Parque Arví typically starts between 1 and 3 PM, and the trails at 2,500 meters elevation turn muddy fast. Start any serious hike before 8 AM and plan to be back at the Metrocable station by early afternoon.
- Packing only warm-weather clothes because you read that Medellin is tropical. The 16°C (61°F) evenings combined with 88% humidity make the city feel cooler than the numbers suggest. At least one long-sleeve layer saves you from a miserable Alumbrados walk after sunset.
- Assuming a clear morning means a dry day. November mornings can be blue-sky gorgeous, and visitors leave their rain gear at the hotel. By 2 PM they are soaked. Carry rain protection every time you leave, regardless of what the sky looks like at breakfast.
- Waiting until the last week of November to book accommodation for the Alumbrados inauguration. Hotels near the route and in El Poblado fill up once EPM announces the opening date, which typically happens a few weeks in advance.
Practical tips for November
Book accommodation in El Poblado or Laureles at least 2 weeks before travel, or 3 weeks out if you want to catch the Alumbrados inauguration. November's two national holidays (the 1st and 11th, observed on the nearest Monday) create long weekends where domestic travelers fill mid-range hotels. Carry cash in smaller denominations for street food vendors and the Minorista market. The Medellin metro system runs until about 11 PM on weekdays and midnight on weekends, and the same card works for buses and the Metrocable. Dress in layers that handle 25°C mornings and 16°C evenings. Most restaurants in El Poblado and Laureles do not require reservations in November, unlike the December-January peak. Uber and InDriver work reliably across the city, though some taxi drivers still prefer cash. If you plan to visit Parque Arví, check the Metrocable schedule for the Santo Domingo to Arví line, as it sometimes closes during heavy rain or high winds.
FAQ
Is November a good time to visit Medellin?
November is a fair choice, not the best. The temperature stays in a comfortable 16-25°C (61-78°F) range, and hotel prices sit below December's peak. The trade-off is rain. Expect precipitation on 26 of 30 days, mostly as afternoon downpours lasting 30 to 60 minutes. If you structure your days around morning outdoor time and afternoon indoor plans, November works. The Alumbrados Christmas lights inauguration in late November tips the balance for some travelers. But for reliably dry weather, January at 93mm of rain or July at 110mm are stronger months.
What is the weather like in Medellin in November?
Warm mornings around 25°C (78°F) that cloud over by early afternoon. Rain falls on roughly 26 of 30 days, with 219mm total for the month. Most showers are sharp and last 30 to 60 minutes, hitting between 2 and 4 PM. Evenings cool to about 16°C (61°F). Humidity averages 88%, which makes everything feel damp even when it is not actively raining. The Aburrá Valley's 1,500-meter elevation keeps temperatures from getting hot, but the persistent moisture is the defining feature of the month.
Does it rain every day in Medellin in November?
Nearly. Historical averages show about 26 rainy days out of 30. But a rainy day in Medellin typically means a concentrated afternoon downpour, not all-day drizzle. Most mornings start dry and partly sunny, giving you a solid window for outdoor plans before noon. The rain pattern is predictable enough that locals rarely cancel plans because of it. Carry rain gear regardless of what the morning sky looks like.
When do the Medellin Christmas lights turn on?
EPM's Alumbrados inauguration date varies each year but typically falls in the last week of November or the first days of December. EPM announces the exact date a few weeks in advance. The lights then stay up through mid-January. Opening night is the busiest single evening, but the first week after inauguration is a good window to see the full display with moderate crowds. The entire route along the Río Medellín and Parque Norte is free and open to the public.
Is Medellin crowded in November?
Not particularly. November falls between the August Feria de las Flores crowds and the December-January holiday peak. The two long-weekend holidays (November 1 and November 11) send many local Paisas out of the city to beach towns or the Eje Cafetero, leaving tourist sites like Museo de Antioquia and the Metrocable less packed. The exception is the last few days of November if the Alumbrados have opened, when local families fill the riverbank route in the evenings.
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