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Cartagena or Medellin?
Both are culture, food and nightlife destinations in South America. Cartagena adds history and islands. Medellin adds mountains.
| Cartagena | Medellin | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Colombia | Colombia |
| Cost of a week | mid-priced | mid-priced |
| Crowds at peak | medium | medium |
| Best months | Jan, Feb, Dec | Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug, Dec |
| Warmest month | January, 32°C | July, 27°C |
| Coolest month | October, 29°C | January, 25°C |
| Known for | Castillo San Felipe, Walled City, Islas del Rosario, Getsemaní, Clock Tower | Plaza Botero, Comuna 13, Metrocable, Jardín Botánico, Provenza |
Month by month, side by side
| Month | Cartagena | Medellin |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32°C | 25°C |
| Feb | 32°C | 26°C |
| Mar | 32°C | 25°C |
| Apr | 31°C | 25°C |
| May | 31°C | 26°C |
| Jun | 30°C | 25°C |
| Jul | 31°C | 27°C |
| Aug | 30°C | 26°C |
| Sep | 30°C | 27°C |
| Oct | 29°C | 25°C |
| Nov | 29°C | 25°C |
| Dec | 31°C | 26°C |
So which one?
Pick Cartagena if…
you want history and islands. It suits couples and luxury particularly well.
Pick Medellin if…
you want mountains. It suits solo travellers and backpackers particularly well. It also works in July, August.
Both are at their best in January, February, December.
Book whichever wins
Common questions
Is Cartagena or Medellin cheaper?
Cartagena is mid-priced for a week, Medellin is mid-priced.
Which is warmer, Cartagena or Medellin?
Cartagena peaks at 32°C in January; Medellin peaks at 27°C in July.
Can you do both in one trip?
Yes — they are in the same country, so combining them is straightforward.
Temperatures are measured averages (ERA5, Open-Meteo). Hotel links are partner links — your price is unchanged.