The month in detail
What to expect in May
In May, Cartagena sees 30°C during the day with 6.2h of sunshine per day. Rain risk remains low (23% of days), leaving good room for outdoor activities. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. January (5.9/10) is significantly better if possible.
May ranks 5 out of 12 months in Cartagena. Compared to April: −2°C daytime, 16 pts more rainy days, −0.8h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
8 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
oppressive heat
25°
Sea
30°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
12.5h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 35
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Cartagena is January (5.9/10), 0.4 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Cartagena
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Cartagena
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.
Country · Colombia
🗣️LanguageSpanish
💶CurrencyPeso colombien ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘSafe · 2/5
💰Cost of living ⓘCheap · 2/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTropical
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJanuary · 32°C
❄️Coolest monthOctober · 29°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘOctober · 39%
🏝️ Tropical stay
🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep
🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar
🌀Cyclones ⓘSeason Nov-Apr
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Cartagena ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
ColombiaTropical climate with a 5.9 → 5.1 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
10.39°N · 75.51°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Cartagena?
January is the best month with 32.0°C highs, 24.0°C lows, 8.8h of sunshine and 0.0% rainy days.
How many hours of sunshine does Cartagena get in January?
Cartagena averages 8.8 sunshine hours per day in January. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 5.9/10.
What is the rainiest month in Cartagena?
October is the most unfavourable month with October has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Cartagena in January?
In January, overnight lows reach 24.0°C, while afternoon highs average 32.0°C.
Is Cartagena good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Cartagena scores 5.9/10 on average — Decent period conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains January with a score of 5.9/10.
When should you avoid Cartagena?
October is the most difficult month to visit Cartagena, with October has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Cartagena in May?
In May, the sea averages 30°C in Cartagena: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in Cartagena in May?
The average UV index reaches 8 in May in Cartagena (high), with about 12.5h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.