Cartagena vs Medellin

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Cartagena edges ahead as the better destination in January. Cartagena offers 11 hours of daily sunshine with only 2 rain days, while Medellin sees 10 sunshine hours and 21 rain days.

Cartagena can feel quite hot at 32°C, so plan for heat. Medellin is also comfortable at 26°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Cartagena is the stronger choice in January. Cartagena receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Cartagena reaches an average high of 32°C (90°F) and drops to 24°C (75°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Medellin averages 26°C (79°F) for the high and 16°C (61°F) for the low, with a daily range of 10°C. There is a notable 6°C gap between the two cities, so expect a very different feel.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.

Cartagena receives approximately 9 mm of rainfall across 2 rain days during January. Rain is rare this month, so dry conditions are likely.

Medellin sees 133 mm over 21 rain days. That makes Cartagena the drier option by 19 rain days and 124 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.