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Cartagena Weather in May
May in Cartagena brings very high temperatures, with highs of 31°C (88°F) and nights dropping to 26°C (79°F). Rainfall is on the higher side this month, averaging around 176 mm (6.9 in), so keep a rain jacket handy.
Rainfall in Cartagena in May
Rain is expected on roughly 10 days, totalling around 176 mm (6.9 in) for the month. When showers do arrive, they tend to be on the heavier side. Worth being prepared even if rain days are not that numerous.
Temperature in Cartagena in May
Daytime highs in Cartagena in May reach 31°C (88°F), with nights around 26°C (79°F). If you're spending a lot of time outdoors, it helps to plan around the warmer part of the day. At 26°C (79°F) overnight, the heat doesn't let up much after dark. If you're staying somewhere without air conditioning, a cold shower before bed and keeping the air moving can help.
Sunshine in Cartagena in May
Expect a lot of sunshine this month, with about 192 hours of sun. These sunny conditions add to the overall experience.If your ideal day consists of dry skies and pleasant temperatures, January, February and March typically offer the best circumstances for Cartagena.
Cartagena Temperature in May
Min Temperature
26°C (79°F)
Max Temperature
31°C (88°F)
Chance of Rain
33%
Precipitation
176 mm (6.9 in)
Rainy days
10 days
Humidity
82%
Sunshine
192 hours
Percentage Sunshine
48%
Cartagena Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Cartagena - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
48-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Cartagena typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 31°C (88°F). Nights are warm, with lows around 26°C (79°F).
Average temperatures in May
Historical weather records for Cartagena in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Cartagena spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Cartagena historical weather extremes in May
According to our 26 years of weather records for Cartagena, the following extremes were recorded between 2000 and 2026.
- The hottest May day on record in Cartagena reached 39°C (102°F) (May 16, 2024).
- The lowest daytime temperature in May was 27°C (81°F), recorded on May 22, 2013.
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 23°C (73°F) on May 28, 2022, marking the coldest May night on record.
Best Places in Colombia in May
Find out more about the weather in Colombia and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Colombia in May →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).
What to Wear in Cartagena in May
Warm temperatures in May make for comfortable sightseeing weather. Pack breathable fabrics like cotton shirts, knee-length shorts or skirts, and comfortable walking shoes. A thin long sleeve for indoor spaces is handy. Heavy rain is guaranteed, please bring a good poncho and waterproof everything! Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.
What To Do in Cartagena in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming7/10 -
Cycling7/10 -
Walking7/10 -
Camping7/10 -
Outdoor sports7/10
Cartagena 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Cartagena
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Cartagena climate overview or explore weather in Colombia.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Cartagena
31°C (88°F) Santa Marta29°C (84°F) San Andrés29°C (84°F) Cali27°C (81°F) Medellín25°C (77°F) Pereira24°C (75°F) Bogotá20°C (68°F) Villa de Leyva20°C (68°F) Bucket list
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