What is the weather like in Cartagena in May?

Expect temperatures between 25°C and 30°C with 68% average rain probability and about 8 hours of sunshine daily.

What is the weather like in Cartagena in May?

Cartagena in May scores 55/100 based on 30 years of climate data. Worthwhile timing with some trade-offs.

Who should visit Cartagena in May?

May in Cartagena is ideal for: Business travelers.

Cartagena Weather in May | 30-Year Forecast

Avg High

30°C

Hottest around day 12

Avg Low

25°C

Coolest around day 29

Rainy Days

31days

68% avg rain chance

Sunshine

8hrs/day

Spring season

Sea Temperature in May

Caribbean Sea(Mar Caribe)

29.8°C

Monthly Average

Water Feel

🌴Tropical

Perfect for swimming and water sports

Swim Rating

✅Excellent for swimming

Based on average sea surface temperature

Body of Water

Caribbean Sea

Mar Caribe

Cartagena coastline

Essential Travel Info for Cartagena

🗓️ Best Time to Visit 📖 Travel Guide 🍴 Food Guide

Currency

COP

$ Colombian peso

Language

Spanish

Driving

Right side

Safety

Travel Precautions

GPI: 2.729

Travel Intelligence

Exclusive flight analytics & health data for Cartagena

Smart Flight Estimator

Airport-to-Airport Logistics

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Flight Connectivity Analysis

Airport traffic data & seasonal patterns

Low Traffic

36/ 100

Traffic Index

Quieter airport

Peak Daily Arrivals

slots per day

Peak

Apr

Low

Aug

Monthly Traffic Distribution

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Traffic Level

Low Season

Key Connections

Bogotá El Dorado (BOG)

Rionegro Jose Maria Córdova (MDE)

Tocumen (PTY)

Santiago de Cali Alfonso Bonilla Aragon (CLO)

San Andrés Gustavo Rojas Pinilla (ADZ)

Health & Safety Advisory

CDC travel health recommendations

9 Recommendations

COVID-19

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please seeYour COVID-19 Vaccinationfor more information.

Chikungunya

There iselevated chikungunya riskin Colombia.Chikungunya vaccinationmay be considered for people traveling or moving to this location if they are planning to stay for an extended period of time (for example, 6 months or more).

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Colombia.Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, are immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Colombia. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Colombia.

Malaria

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Colombia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.Transmission areasAll areas <1,700 m (<5,600 ft) elevationNo malaria transmission in the cities of Bogotá (the capital), Cartagena, or MedellínDrug resistanceChloroquineSpeciesP. falciparum(50%)P. vivax(50%)Recommended chemoprophylaxisAtovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine2Updated April 23, 2025See footnotes

Measles

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according toCDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.

+3 more

Source: CDC Travelers' Health

View Complete Health Guide

Is May a Good Time to Visit Cartagena?

👌Worthwhile timing with some trade-offs(55/100)

Short Answer

May isn't Cartagena's most comfortable season - 30°C and sticky 86% humidity will challenge most visitors. Consider air-conditioned tours and plan for afternoon breaks.

Decision Factors

Oppressive heat and humidity

30.2°C with 86% humidity - challenging conditions

High rainfall period

68% rain probability, 5.3mm average

Vaccinations required

Yellow Fever

Feels significantly hotter than 30.2°C

Heat index: 40°C due to 86% humidity

Warm tropical seas

29.8°C sea temperature - Hot Soup

Peak tourist season

97% of annual peak - expect crowds and peak prices

Good For

💼
Business travelers
Climate-controlled meetings unaffected by weather

Who Should Avoid

💰
Budget travelers
Peak season means premium prices everywhere
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Families with children
40°C heat index dangerous for children
👴
Elderly travelers
Heat index of 40°C poses health risks
🥾
Outdoor enthusiasts
68% rain probability disrupts outdoor activities

"According to 30YearWeather's analysis of 30 years of NASA POWER satellite data,Cartagena in May averages 30°C with 68% precipitation probability."

📊 Source: 30YearWeather.com🛰️ Data: NASA POWER (1991-2021)View Methodology →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cartagena in May

What are the temperatures in Cartagena in May?

Daytime highs average 30°C, nights drop to 25°C. Temperatures remain fairly consistent.

How many rainy days in Cartagena in May?

Expect around 31 days with measurable rainfall. Definitely pack rain gear.

What to wear in Cartagena in May?

Light, breathable fabrics. Don't forget sunglasses and a hat.

Is May peak season in Cartagena?

This is off-peak season. Expect lower prices and fewer crowds.

Cartagena Weather in May