August is when Medellín carries its flowers down the mountain and the whole city follows.
Weather#
| Typical | |
|---|---|
| Days | ~28°C / 82°F, sunny |
| Nights | ~17°C / 63°F |
| Rain | Little |
The Feria de las Flores#
About ten days in the first half of the month:
- Desfile de Silleteros: the climax, farmers from Santa Elena carrying flower frames down the route, a parade since 1957. Arrive hours early or buy a grandstand seat.
- Desfile de Autos Clásicos: hundreds of vintage cars through the city.
- Cabalgata: the horse parade, when it's held.
- Orchid, bird and flower show at the Botanical Garden; free concerts in the parks; tablados (neighbourhood stages) every night; fondas on every corner.
- Santa Elena: visit a silletero family's finca in the days before to see the frames being built.
Prices and crowds#
The year's peak for the fair: hotels sell out months ahead, flights rise, El Poblado is full. The second half of August drops back to normal with the same weather.
What to do#
The fair, then everything outdoors: Guatapé, Arví, Comuna 13, the hikes. Things to do, the 4-day itinerary, where to stay, on a budget (the second half).
Pack#
Light clothes, a hat and sunscreen for parade days, a layer for nights, comfortable shoes for standing. First time in Medellín.
The fair with a paisa#
The Feria is a neighbourhood party and a paisa knows which tablado, which fonda and which corner of the parade route. Post your dates on Roavi Community and a Local Friend can take you. Travellers in town for the fair appear there too.
Medellín for the Flower Fair? See it with someone who grew up in it.
Meet a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
When is the Feria de las Flores?
About ten days in the first half of August, with the Desfile de Silleteros as the climax on the final Sunday or a day near it. Dates are announced each year by the city; check them before booking flights.What is the Desfile de Silleteros?
The parade of flower growers from Santa Elena, above the city, carrying elaborate arrangements (silletas) weighing up to 70 kilos on their backs along the route, a tradition from the days they carried produce to market. Hundreds of silleteros, a route lined with hundreds of thousands. Get a spot early or buy a grandstand seat.Is August a good time to visit Medellín?
The best weather and the biggest festival, so yes, if you book early and accept crowds and peak prices for the fair. The second half of the month is dry, calm and good value.What is the weather like in Medellín in August?
Dry, sunny and breezy: highs around 28°C (82°F), lows around 17°C (63°F), little rain. The mid-year dry season at its best.
