Guatapé weather: temperature, rainy season and the best time to visit
Published on October 22, 2026
Guatapé sits at about 1,900 metres above sea level in eastern Antioquia, and that sets its weather: mild by day, cool at night and green all year round. There are no four seasons; instead, rainy and dry periods repeat every year with reliable timing.
This guide answers what travellers ask before booking: how warm it gets, when it rains, what to wear and which months are best for climbing El Peñol rock and enjoying the reservoir.
How warm is Guatapé?
Daytime temperatures in Guatapé stay between 18 and 24 °C (64 to 75 °F) nearly all year, dropping to 12 to 16 °C (54 to 61 °F) at night. At midday, with the sun bouncing off the water, it feels hotter, especially on a boat or on the rock's staircase. After sunset it cools quickly and a light jacket stops being optional.
Compared with Medellín, at 1,500 metres, Guatapé is two or three degrees cooler. Compared with Colombia's Caribbean coast it is a different country: here you sleep under a blanket.
When does it rain in Guatapé?
Antioquia has two rainy and two dry seasons, and Guatapé follows them closely:
- December to March: the driest stretch. Clear mornings, a breeze over the reservoir and long sunsets. This is peak season.
- April and May: first rainy season. Rain usually arrives in the afternoon or at night; mornings are almost always clear.
- June to August: the "veranillo", a dry break in the middle of the year, with July the most stable month.
- September to November: second rainy season, heaviest in October and November. Even then, a typical day has several hours of sun before the downpour.
Rain in Guatapé does not mean a lost day. It comes in the afternoon, lasts an hour or two and leaves the air clean and the reservoir still. The practical rule is simple: whatever you want to do outdoors, do it in the morning.
The best time to visit Guatapé
It depends on what you are after:
| Priority | Best time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sun and photos from the rock | December to March, July and August | Fewer clouds, best visibility over the reservoir |
| Prices and quiet | April, May, September and October | Fewer visitors, lower midweek rates |
| Swimming in the reservoir | January to March | Still water in the morning, wind in the afternoon |
| Avoiding crowds | Any month, Sunday to Thursday | Saturdays and long weekends fill the town and the staircase |
If you can only pick one, the winning combination is a weekday in the dry season: no queue on the rock, an empty waterfront and the reservoir to yourself.
What to pack for Guatapé
The ideal bag covers three moments of the day:
- Morning and midday: light clothes, sunscreen, a cap and closed shoes with good grip for the 740 steps of El Peñol rock.
- Afternoon: a waterproof jacket or windbreaker. In the rainy season a small umbrella helps more than you would think.
- Night: a sweater or mid-weight jacket. In the lakeside villas the breeze is real, although the jacuzzi makes up for it.
Always pack a swimsuit, even in the rainy season: the reservoir is swimmable all year and a private jacuzzi does not care about the weather.
Can you climb El Peñol rock in the rain?
Yes, the staircase stays open in the rain, but the steps get slippery and clouds close the view from the top. The best plan is to climb before 11 am, when visibility is at its best and the sun is not yet hitting you head-on. Hours, prices and tips are in our El Peñol rock guide.
The weather at Atma Villas
Atma sits on the shore of the reservoir in Vereda El Uvital, 15 minutes by boat from Marina Navegar. The villas have a private jacuzzi and a covered terrace, so a rainy afternoon becomes the best part of the day: hot water, a view of the lake and rain on the roof. In the morning, under a clean sky, it is time for the boat and a swim in the reservoir.
If you travel in the rainy season, ask our team for the afternoon boat schedule and leave the reservoir for the morning. And if you come midweek, ask about our Sunday-to-Thursday rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot does it get in Guatapé?
Between 18 and 24 °C by day and 12 to 16 °C at night, all year. It feels warmer in direct sun and cools fast after sunset.
Which is the rainiest month in Guatapé?
October and November usually bring the most rain, followed by April and May. Even in those months, mornings tend to be clear.
When is the best time to visit Guatapé?
December to March for dry weather, and July and August for the mid-year dry spell. For fewer people and better prices, any month from Sunday to Thursday.
Is Guatapé cold at night?
Yes, it drops to 12 to 14 °C. Bring a sweater or light jacket for the evening and early morning.
Does it rain all day in the rainy season?
Almost never. The usual pattern is a clear morning, a one- or two-hour downpour in the afternoon and a calm night.
