Cartagena in May
In May, Cartagena averages 32°C (90°F) during the day and 25°C (77°F) at night, with around 9 days of rain (105 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
May in Cartagena is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How May compares to the rest of the year in Cartagena
May is one of the warmest months in Cartagena (2nd of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (31°C). May runs roughly the same as April (32°C) and stays flat into June.
May sunrise & sunset in Cartagena
Times shown for Cartagena local time (America/Bogota), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cartagena — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Cartagena's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cartagena in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Cartagena's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Cartagena
Cartagena is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Cartagena
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Cartagena — May
Across the year Cartagena's sea swings from 28.1°C (February) to 30.6°C (September) — May sits at 29.8°C.
Cartagena in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| February | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| March | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| April | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 25 mm | 3 | 0 |
| May | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 105 mm | 9 | 0 |
| June | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 105 mm | 12 | 0 |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 105 mm | 12 | 0 |
| August | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 130 mm | 14 | 0 |
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 175 mm | 16 | 0 |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 220 mm | 17 | 0 |
| November | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 95 mm | 11 | 0 |
| December | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 25 mm | 3 | 0 |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cartagena in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cartagena in May?
In May, Cartagena averages a high of 32°C (90°F) and a low of 25°C (77°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Cartagena in May?
May sees occasional rain in Cartagena, with about 9 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Cartagena?
May is hot. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Cartagena in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full May packing list for Cartagena for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.