Weather in Manizales

Find out what weather awaits you in the city of Manizales right now. Below, we have gathered current data, charts, and a detailed forecast to help you better plan your time and prepare for your outing.

The climate of Manizales can be characterised as a mild tropical highland climate, often referred to as an "eternal spring." Thanks to the city's location in the Andes at a significant altitude, remarkable temperature stability prevails here. Throughout the year, the average temperature hovers around +17°C, with daytime highs of up to +22°C and cool nights around +12°C. There is no sweltering heat or pronounced cold, making the weather comfortable for travellers in any month.

A characteristic feature of the weather in this region is high humidity and the frequent presence of precipitation. In Manizales, there is practically no clear distinction between dry and wet seasons: rain or drizzle can be observed from 26 to 31 days a month all year round. However, judging by the total amount of precipitation, it often takes the form of light rain or mist, which is typical for the cloud forest zone.

Tourists should expect the weather to be predominantly cloudy and fresh. Since the temperature background remains steady from January to December, choosing a time to travel depends not on a warm or cold season, but on your readiness for frequent, though usually not too heavy, rainfall. An umbrella and a light jacket will be indispensable items in your luggage, allowing you to enjoy the evergreen landscapes of Colombia in any weather.

The climate in Manizales is distinguished by amazing stability, earning the city the title of a place of "eternal spring." An analysis of temperature indicators shows that throughout the year, the average air temperature stays within a very narrow range — from 17.0°C to 17.8°C. There are practically no pronounced seasonal fluctuations characteristic of temperate latitudes: the warmest month, May, differs only slightly from August, which is formally considered the coolest period.

Instead of the familiar change of winter and summer, the weather here is defined by the daily cycle. During the day, the air usually warms up to a comfortable 21–22°C, creating ideal conditions for walking without exhausting heat. However, travellers should take into account the palpable contrast between daytime warmth and nighttime freshness: after sunset, the thermometer steadily drops to 12–13°C. This temperature difference makes the evenings crisp and requires warm clothing in your luggage.

Concepts of "winter cold" or "summer heat" do not apply to Manizales. Both in January and in July, the temperature regime remains mild and moderate. Maximum readings rarely exceed 22.2°C, and minimums practically never fall below 12°C. This absence of extreme temperatures makes the city attractive to visit at any time of year, guaranteeing the absence of severe frosts or stifling humid heat.

The climate of Manizales is characterised by high humidity and regular precipitation throughout the year, so a clearly defined dry season is not observed here. Due to its location in the mountainous terrain of Colombia, rain is a frequent occurrence here, sustaining the eternal greenery of the coffee region. Travellers should be prepared for the fact that precipitation can fall almost daily, often in the form of fine drizzle or short-term showers.

The beginning and end of the year can be called a conditionally more favourable period for a visit. January, February, and December show the lowest figures for precipitation amounts (on average 16–19 mm), and the number of rainy days decreases slightly in these months (to 26–28 days). At this time, the probability of catching a clear sky is slightly higher than in other seasons.

The period from April to November is characterised by increased humidity. May, June, and July are considered the rainiest months: precipitation levels reach their peak (about 35–36 mm), and it can rain almost every day (up to 31 days a month). Despite the high frequency of rain, the total volume of precipitation remains moderate, which indicates a prevalence of light but frequent rains rather than powerful tropical downpours.

The climate in Manizales is often called "eternal spring," so when packing your suitcase, it is best to focus on the principle of layering. The air temperature here is surprisingly stable throughout the year: during the day it usually stays in a comfortable range from +17°C to +22°C, and at night it drops to a crisp +12°C. The basis of your wardrobe should be T-shirts, jeans, or heavy trousers, as well as a warm sweater, hoodie, or fleece jacket that can be easily put on in the evening or taken off on a sunny afternoon.

Special attention should be paid to protection from moisture, as precipitation falls very often in this region — statistics show from 26 to 31 rainy days per month year-round. Be sure to take a light waterproof jacket, a windbreaker with a hood, or a high-quality raincoat. An umbrella can be useful in the city, but for excursions, it is more convenient to have your hands free. Footwear should be closed-toe, comfortable for walking on hilly terrain, and preferably water-repellent; trekking boots or leather trainers will suit better than canvas shoes.

Despite the high probability of cloudiness and rain, do not forget that the city is located in the highlands of the Andes, where the sun can be deceptive. Be sure to pack sunscreen with a high protection factor, sunglasses, and a cap. A light scarf to protect your neck from the wind and a small backpack (preferably with a rain cover) to carry water, documents, and a change of clothes while walking through the picturesque surroundings will also come in handy.