Last updated: August 21, 2025
May in Cartagena, Colombia offers a vibrant tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity. With daily maximums reaching up to 34°C (93°F) and an average temperature of 28°C (83°F), visitors can expect balmy conditions perfect for exploring the city's rich history and beautiful coastlines. However, May also brings significant rainfall, with 170 mm (6.7 in) spread across approximately 25 days, making it one of the wetter months. Despite the frequent showers, the lush landscapes and vibrant atmosphere of Cartagena thrive, inviting tourists to experience its unique charm and culture.
In May, Cartagena, Colombia, embraces pleasantly warm weather with minimum temperatures around 25°C (76°F), while the average hovers at a comfortable 28°C (83°F). The maximum temperature typically reaches 34°C (93°F), creating ideal conditions for those seeking sun-soaked adventures by the coast. This month marks a subtle increase from April, where maximums peaked at 35°C (94°F), indicating a gradual transition into the warmer and more humid months ahead. Overall, May offers a brilliant blend of warmth and seaside charm, making it a fantastic time to explore the city's vibrant culture and stunning landscapes.
May brings a significant increase in precipitation to Cartagena, Colombia, marking a transition into the heart of the wet season. With an impressive 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain spread over 25 days, May stands out as a month of nearly constant moisture, setting the stage for the rainiest period of the year. This surge follows April's more moderate 65 mm (2.6 in), highlighting a sharp escalation in rainfall as the climate shifts. As spring fades, the city's lush landscapes thrive under a near-daily drizzle, paving the way for the even heavier showers to come in June and the subsequent months. The weather pattern not only transforms the environment but also invites visitors to experience the unique beauty of Cartagena, where every rain-soaked street tells a story of vitality and growth.
In May, Cartagena experiences a notable shift in its coastal climate, with humidity levels peaking at 79%, mirroring the trend set in April. This slight increase reflects the onset of the wetter season as the city transitions toward the sweltering summer months. Although not as humid as the peak months of July and June, where humidity escalates to 87% and 85% respectively, May’s consistent humidity foreshadows the thick, tropical air that defines Cartagena’s weather, creating a lively atmosphere enriched by the surrounding Caribbean charm. As the year progresses, the humidity remains a defining characteristic, drawing visitors into the city’s vibrant culture amidst its sultry climate.
In May, Cartagena continues to bask in the sun with a UV Index of 13, maintaining an extreme exposure category akin to the prior months. This reflects a trend of consistently high UV levels from January through April, where the index peaked at 15 in April, indicating the need for serious sun protection. As the month rolls on, the burn time remains a brief 10 minutes, reminding both locals and visitors to take extra precautions in this tropical paradise. With similar values extending into June, it's crucial to stay vigilant against the sun's rays. For more detailed information on UV levels throughout the year, check out Cartagena UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In May, Cartagena, Colombia, basks in an average of 285 hours of sunshine, marking a gradual dip from the sun-soaked days of March, which boasts a peak of 339 hours. This month sees slightly less sun compared to April's 312 hours, returning to a level reminiscent of the early months of the year, yet it maintains a vibrant glow compared to the cloudier days of June. Interestingly, May's sunshine serves as a gentle transition into the summer months, as July's 308 hours promise more brightness ahead. Overall, while May may not shine the brightest in Cartagena's annual forecast, it certainly contributes to the city's warm and inviting allure.
When it comes to May in Cartagena, Colombia, the likelihood of sunny weather takes a noticeable dip, with only a 16% chance of sunshine gracing the city. This trend emerges after a vibrant start to the year, where January and February boast significantly higher probabilities of sunny days at 60% and 72%, respectively. As the months progress into the spring, the sun seems to retreat, reaching its lowest point in April with just a 17% chance, and May continues this pattern. With the transition into the later months, the sunshine begins to make a gradual comeback, although still remaining modest. Travelers should prepare for a mix of weather, and perhaps consider the drier months earlier in the year for more guaranteed sunshine.
In Cartagena, Colombia, the daylight duration showcases a fascinating rhythm throughout the year. Starting the year with approximately 11 hours of daylight in January and February, the days gradually stretch into ^12 hours by March, signaling the arrival of longer, sun-drenched days. This trend persists through the wet months of April and May, where the steady 12 hours of daylight provide a vibrant backdrop for both locals and tourists alike. As summer rolls in, June through September maintains this generous duration, offering plenty of time to enjoy the city's stunning landscapes and rich culture. In contrast, from October to December, daylight shortens back to 11 hours, wrapping up the year with a nostalgic return to the earlier months. This cyclical pattern not only reflects the tropical climate of Cartagena but also enhances the allure of its year-round charm.
In Cartagena, Colombia, the month of May marks a noticeable shift in wind patterns, characterized by a decrease in average wind speed to 3.1 m/s (7 mph). This reduction follows a trend observed from April's moderate winds of 3.8 m/s (9 mph), setting the stage for the calmer conditions that typically prevail during the early part of the rainy season. As the months progress into June and July, wind speeds further diminish, with June recording the year's lowest at 2.3 m/s (5 mph). This decline indicates a transition to a more tranquil atmosphere, ideal for those seeking to bask in Cartagena's vibrant coastal charm and indulge in its stunning beaches without the distraction of prevailing winds. Overall, May serves as a pivotal juncture where breezes soften, heralding the onset of a more humid climate while still retaining enough vitality for refreshing seaside adventures.
Weather in Cartagena varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Cartagena, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present distinct weather profiles, showcasing the transitional climate of the region. In May, temperatures are slightly warmer, with a minimum of 25°C (76°F), an average of 28°C (83°F), and a maximum of 34°C (93°F). However, May also brings significant rainfall, accumulating 170 mm (6.7 in) over 25 days, which contributes to a higher humidity level at 79%. In contrast, January tends to be drier and cooler, with minimum temperatures of 23°C (74°F), an average of 27°C (82°F), and a maximum of 33°C (92°F). Precipitation in January is minimal at just 12 mm (0.5 in) over 3 days, accompanied by a slightly lower humidity of 77%. For more details on January weather, visit Cartagena weather in January.
When comparing the weather in February and May, it is evident that both months share similar average temperatures, hovering around 28°C (82°F). However, May experiences significantly higher rainfall, with 170 mm (6.7 in) spread over 25 days, while February sees minimal precipitation of just 3 mm (0.1 in) without a single rainy day. Additionally, the humidity remains slightly higher in May at 79% compared to February's 77%. This contrast highlights May as a much wetter and more humid month, drawing a distinct difference from February's drier and more stable conditions. For more details, you can check Cartagena weather in February.
May and March both exhibit warm temperatures, but May tends to be slightly hotter with maximums reaching up to 34°C (93°F), compared to March's high of 33°C (92°F). While the average temperatures in both months are quite similar, May is characterized by significantly more rainfall, with 170 mm (6.7 in) over 25 days, in contrast to the mere 14 mm (0.6 in) over just 3 days in March. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in May at 79%, compared to March's 77%, contributing to a more humid and potentially uncomfortable atmosphere. For more detailed insights on March weather, you can visit Cartagena weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, both months exhibit similar average temperatures, maintaining a comfortable range of around 28°C (83°F). However, May tends to be slightly warmer at night, with a minimum temperature of 25°C (76°F) compared to April's 24°C (76°F). Notably, April experiences more extreme highs, reaching up to 35°C (94°F), whereas May has a maximum of 34°C (93°F). Precipitation also varies significantly; April sees only 65 mm (2.6 in) over 14 days, while May is much wetter, accumulating 170 mm (6.7 in) over 25 days. Both months share the same humidity level of 79%, contributing to the tropical climate. For more detailed weather insights, check out Cartagena weather in April.
May and June exhibit similar temperature patterns, with both months registering an average temperature of 28°C (83°F). However, May tends to be slightly warmer, with a maximum temperature of 34°C (93°F) compared to June’s maximum of 33°C (92°F). In terms of precipitation, June experiences slightly more rain, with 181 mm (7.1 in) over 26 days, compared to May's 170 mm (6.7 in) over 25 days. Additionally, June has a higher humidity level at 85%, up from May's 79%. For more specifics on June weather, you can visit Cartagena weather in June.
In May, the weather features a warm range of temperatures, with a minimum of 25°C (76°F), an average of 28°C (83°F), and a maximum of 34°C (93°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 170 mm (6.7 in) over 25 days, with humidity levels averaging around 79%. In comparison, July maintains a similar temperature profile, with a minimum of 25°C (76°F), an average of 28°C (83°F), and a slightly lower maximum of 33°C (92°F). Precipitation in July is slightly less at 151 mm (5.9 in) over 24 days, but humidity rises to 87%. For more detailed insights on July's climate, visit Cartagena weather in July.
In comparing the weather between May and August, we find that both months share similar temperature ranges, with a minimum of 25°C (76°F) in May and 24°C (75°F) in August, an average of 28°C (82°F), and a maximum of 34°C (93°F). However, August experiences slightly higher humidity at 85% compared to May's 79%, contributing to a more humid feel. Additionally, August sees an increase in precipitation, with 205 mm (8.1 in) over 28 days, compared to May's 170 mm (6.7 in) across 25 days. This makes August generally wetter and more humid than May, emphasizing the tropical climate. For detailed insights, you can visit Cartagena weather in August.
May and September share similar temperature ranges, both starting with minimums around 25°C (76°F) and averaging 28°C (82-83°F). However, September tends to be slightly cooler with a maximum of 32°C (90°F) compared to May's peak of 34°C (93°F). Precipitation is another area where these months differ, as September sees a higher total, with 194 mm (7.6 in) over 28 days, while May experiences 170 mm (6.7 in) over 25 days. Additionally, humidity levels rise slightly in September, reaching 85%, compared to May's 79%. For a deeper look at this month's weather patterns, check out Cartagena weather in September.
May and October showcase warm weather patterns, but notable differences exist between the two months. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 25°C (76°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), with an average of 28°C (83°F). The month experiences around 170 mm (6.7 in) of precipitation over approximately 25 days, resulting in a humidity level of 79%. In contrast, October is slightly cooler with temperatures fluctuating from 24°C (76°F) to 32°C (90°F) and an average of 27°C (82°F). However, it brings more rain, totaling 226 mm (8.9 in) across 28 days, contributing to a higher humidity of 83%. For a closer look at October's weather specifics, you can check out Cartagena weather in October.
May and November offer similar warm temperatures, with May slightly warmer on average. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 25°C to a maximum of 34°C, while November's range is from 24°C to 33°C. Both months experience considerable rainfall, with May receiving about 170 mm of precipitation over 25 days compared to November's 162 mm over 24 days. The humidity is also quite high in both months, at 79% in May and slightly higher at 82% in November, creating a tropical atmosphere. For more details on November weather, check out Cartagena weather in November.
May and December in Cartagena exhibit similar average temperatures, with both months hovering around 28°C (82°F). However, May is notably wetter, receiving 170 mm (6.7 in) of precipitation over 25 days, compared to December's modest 34 mm (1.3 in) over just 8 days. Despite May's higher humidity at 79%, December's humidity remains close at 78%, providing a consistently warm atmosphere throughout both months. For a detailed look at December's weather patterns, you can visit Cartagena weather in December.
As May envelops Cartagena, visitors can expect a vibrant blend of warm temperatures and high humidity, making it distinct from the cooler, drier months that precede and follow it. With average highs peaking around 28°C and persistent rainfall adding to the tropical ambiance, this month is characterized by frequent showers that can refresh the air and contribute to the overall lush landscape. While the average rainfall is significant, it also brings the lush beauty of the Caribbean to life, creating a unique atmosphere for those exploring the city's rich culture and history. For a deeper understanding of the climate dynamics, check out Cartagena Climate.