Colombia Cartagena Weather in May — Climate Guide
May in Cartagena is moderate
Cartagena Weather in May — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 32° / 25°
- Rainfall
- 95mm · 9 days
- Crowds
- Moderate
As of 2026, Cartagena in May averages a high of 32°C and low of 25°C with 95mm of rain over about 9 days. Hot, humid, and wetter — around 32°C/25°C (90°F/77°F). Light, loose, quick-drying clothing, a light rain jacket or umbrella for afternoon downpours, sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+, and water. Swimwear for sunny spells.
May is moderate for Cartagena.
May marks the start of the wetter season — around 32°C/25°C (90°F/77°F) with rising humidity and regular afternoon downpours (about 95mm over the month). The pattern is typically sunny mornings giving way to heavy but short late-afternoon storms.
There's no major festival, and prices sit below the winter peak, making it a quieter, better-value time if you don't mind planning around the rain.
Travel score
Cartagena May Weather Stats
Avg High
32°C
Avg Low
25°C
Rainy Days
9
95mm total
Sunshine
7h
Daily avg
Humidity
80%
very humid
UV Index
11
Extreme
Wind
14 km/h
Gusts 28
Sea Temp
28°C
Avg water temp
Crowds
Moderate
At attractions
May Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
15 μg/m³
PM10
29 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
39°C
Nighttime
27°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
14 km/h
Max gust 28 km/h
Activities Recommended for May
May Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lower prices than the winter peak
- Sunny mornings for sightseeing
- Warm, swimmable sea
- Quieter than high season
Cons
- Afternoon downpours return
- Stickier, higher humidity
- Storms can disrupt boat trips
- Constant heat
May Events & Festivals
- Wet season begins — afternoon downpours
- Sunny mornings, stormy late afternoons
- Lower prices than the winter peak
- Warm sea, still swimmable
Cartagena in May — Full Picture
May marks the start of the wetter season — around 32°C/25°C (90°F/77°F) with rising humidity and regular afternoon downpours (about 95mm over the month). The pattern is typically sunny mornings giving way to heavy but short late-afternoon storms.
There's no major festival, and prices sit below the winter peak, making it a quieter, better-value time if you don't mind planning around the rain.
The mornings are still good for island trips and sightseeing, and the warm sea stays perfectly swimmable. Build flexibility into your days and you can still enjoy plenty of Cartagena.
Note: the humidity is noticeably stickier now, and storms can disrupt boat trips. Do the islands and exposed sights in the morning, carry a rain layer, and confirm strong air conditioning where you stay.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Hot, humid, and wetter — around 32°C/25°C (90°F/77°F). Light, loose, quick-drying clothing, a light rain jacket or umbrella for afternoon downpours, sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+, and water. Swimwear for sunny spells.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
Current31.7°C
24.7°C
4.7/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
32°C
25°C
8.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
31°C
25°C
12.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
31°C
24°C
1.3/mo
Cartagena Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Best) | 31° | 24° | 1d·2mm | 9h | 78% | 11 | Very busy | Peak |
| February (Best) | 31° | 24° | 0d·1mm | 9h | 77% | 11 | Busy | Peak |
| March (Best) | 31° | 24° | 1d·3mm | 9h | 77% | 12 | Busy | Peak |
| April (Best) | 32° | 25° | 4d·25mm | 8h | 78% | 12 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| 32° | 25° | 9d·95mm | 7h | 80% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 25° | 8d·80mm | 7h | 79% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 25° | 7d·65mm | 8h | 78% | 11 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 25° | 10d·110mm | 7h | 80% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 25° | 12d·130mm | 6h | 81% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 25° | 13d·140mm | 6h | 82% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 25° | 12d·130mm | 6h | 81% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| December (Best) | 31° | 24° | 3d·15mm | 8h | 79% | 11 | Very busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Cartagena May Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May a good time to visit Cartagena?
Cartagena in May is moderate. Tourist crowds are moderate and flight/hotel prices are shoulder.
What's the average temperature in Cartagena in May?
Cartagena May averages a high of 32°C and a low of 25°C.
Does it rain much in Cartagena in May?
Cartagena May averages 95mm of rainfall over about 9 rainy days.
What should I wear in Cartagena in May?
Hot, humid, and wetter — around 32°C/25°C (90°F/77°F). Light, loose, quick-drying clothing, a light rain jacket or umbrella for afternoon downpours, sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+, and water. Swimwear for sunny spells.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Cartagena in May?
Cartagena May sunrise is 05:50 and sunset is 18:10, with 12h 20min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Cartagena in May?
Cartagena May air quality (AQI) averages 41, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 15μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Cartagena in May?
In May, Cartagena is great for Morning island & beach trips, Old City walks (morning), Indoor museums & forts on stormy afternoons.
Is May peak season in Cartagena?
Cartagena May crowds are moderate and prices are shoulder. You can travel relatively comfortably without long queues.
Best Months to Visit Cartagena
View Other Months
Planning a May trip to Cartagena?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.