A rooftop in the rain sounds, to a lot of people, like a canceled plan, but that assumption rarely holds up once you actually visit. At Etro Rooftop, it isn’t. The 16th floor of Binn Hotel was built precisely so that Medellín’s weather, with its sudden swings between sun and downpour, doesn’t interrupt the experience. Before canceling a reservation over a forecast, it’s worth understanding how the space actually works when it rains.
Why rain isn’t a problem at Etro
Etro Rooftop combines open areas with covered sections, and the floor-to-ceiling windows let you keep watching the Aburrá Valley even when the weather turns gray. The 16th floor’s structure was designed so that, in case of a downpour, bar and kitchen service keeps running without interruption and without guests needing to move tables. That makes a real difference compared to other rooftops in the city that depend almost entirely on open-air areas.
What Medellín’s weather is actually like
Medellín doesn’t have sharply defined seasons like other cities do, but it does have rainier months than others, generally concentrated in the first and last weeks of the year, plus a few months in the middle of the calendar. During these stretches, the usual pattern is clear mornings, a stable midday, and rain arriving mostly between 3:00 and 7:00 p.m., right when a lot of people plan their sunset visit.
That doesn’t mean you should avoid Etro during those months. It means it’s worth adjusting expectations and, above all, adjusting the time of your reservation.
The midday plan: the safest bet during rainy season
If the forecast calls for afternoon rain, booking the midday slot tends to be the smarter call. At this hour, clear skies are more likely, light comes straight through the windows, and you can enjoy the view calmly before the afternoon’s shifting weather kicks in. It’s also a good time to try the small-plates menu, like the Tuna Tartar ($45,000 COP) or the Fish Ceviche ($65,000 COP), both built for sharing over an unhurried conversation.
What to order when it rains: cocktails that match the mood
Rain changes the mood of an afternoon, and Etro’s menu has options to match that shift. The Niebla ($60,000 COP), made with Ojo de Tigre mezcal from 8-year-old espadín agave, has a smoky character that pairs well with a gray sky and raindrops against the glass. The Silencio ($38,000 COP), with vodka infused in coconut oil and thyme syrup, offers a lighter alternative for anyone who prefers something soft while watching the rain fall over the city. If the plan is to warm up, an Old Fashioned ($50,000 COP) or a Boulevardier ($56,000 COP) make good company.
What to wear on a rainy day
Etro’s dress code stays the same no matter the weather: elegant casual, no need for a full suit, but no athletic wear or beachwear either. On rainy days, it’s simply worth adding a light jacket or a blazer, since the covered areas of the rooftop keep a pleasant temperature, but the walk from the parking area or main entrance can mean a few minutes outdoors. You can check more on the recommended dress code before your visit to avoid surprises, especially if you’re coming straight from a work meeting or a formal event.
Booking ahead matters even more during rainy season
When the forecast calls for rain, a lot of people shift their reservation from the sunset slot to midday, which creates more demand than usual in that window. That’s why booking a couple of days ahead is worth doing even for midday during these months. If you’re after a more private experience or a specific table near the window, it’s worth learning about how to book a VIP reservation, which secures location and priority service without depending on the day’s availability.
The advantage of a covered rooftop: safety without losing the view
One of the most common mistakes is assuming “rooftop” automatically means “no roof.” At Etro, a good part of the space has structural coverage that protects against direct rain without blocking the panoramic view. That means, even during a heavy downpour, you can keep watching the city lights, the mountains of eastern Antioquia, and the movement of El Poblado from a dry table.
What happens if your reservation coincides with heavy rain
If you arrive at Etro and the weather suddenly worsens, the rooftop team can move your table to a more sheltered area without needing to cancel the plan. This applies to individual tables as well as group reservations or private events. The recommendation is simply to mention, at the time of booking, if you’d prefer a covered location from the start, especially during the months with the highest chance of rain.
Pairing the plan with La Makha if the weather doesn’t clear up
If the rain stretches on longer than expected, another option is to cut the Etro visit short and head down earlier than planned to La Makha, Binn Hotel’s restaurant on the first floor. This flexibility is one of the advantages of staying within the same hotel: the plan doesn’t depend exclusively on the weather on the 16th floor, and there’s always the option to continue the experience under cover, with a menu built on Colombian ingredients and a wine list that pairs well with a rainy afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
Does Etro Rooftop have covered areas?
Yes. The space combines open areas with covered sections that let you enjoy the view even if it rains.
Which months have the highest chance of rain in Medellín?
Generally the first and last months of the year, plus a few months in the middle, though weather can vary from year to year.
Should I cancel my reservation if the forecast calls for rain?
Not necessary. The rooftop is built to operate normally in the rain, and the team can move tables to covered areas if needed.
Does the dress code change on rainy days?
No, the same elegant casual code applies, though it’s worth adding a light jacket for the walk in.
Can I request a covered table specifically?
Yes, just ask for it when booking, and it’s one of the advantages of coordinating ahead, especially if you opt for a VIP reservation.
Does the rain affect the food and drink service?
No. Kitchen and bar service continue as usual regardless of weather, since both areas of the rooftop are equipped to operate under cover.
Picking the right time and the right kind of table is what separates a plan ruined by weather from a memorable afternoon overlooking the Aburrá Valley, rain or not, and once you know Etro is built for exactly this kind of weather, there’s really no reason to reschedule.
Book your table at Etro Rooftop and enjoy the experience without depending on the forecast.
