Medellín's spring-like weather holds all year, so there is no bad time, but the driest stretches (December to early March and July to August) are easiest for day trips and paragliding. Afternoon showers are common in the wetter months of April-May and September-November, though they usually pass quickly. Time a visit around the Feria de las Flores in early August, the city's biggest celebration with the famous silleteros flower parade, or the Alumbrados, the dazzling Christmas light displays along the river from late November through December. Book accommodation well ahead for both.

Most international flights land at José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) in Rionegro, about 45 minutes to an hour from the city by taxi or van (roughly 90,000-120,000 COP by official taxi; shared vans are cheaper). The smaller Olaya Herrera (EOH) handles regional flights and sits in town. Once here, the clean, cheap Metro (around 3,000 COP a ride) plus its Metrocable gondolas are the easiest and safest way to move, and many areas like El Poblado and Laureles are walkable. Use the Uber, Cabify, or DiDi apps rather than hailing taxis on the street, and avoid flashing phones in crowds.