When is the Best Time to Visit Colombia?
Published on: March 15th, 2024
Last modified: March 18th, 2024
The best time to visit Colombia is from December to March, when rain is least likely across most of the country. Considered the high season, this is the perfect time to go to the coast or the Coffee Triangle and to experience local celebrations like Carnival in Barranquilla and Easter across Colombia.
Because Colombia is on the equator, temperatures are fairly consistent in each region throughout the year. How warm or cold it is depends mainly on location, and specifically altitude, rather than the season. With that in mind, the best time to travel to Colombia depends on whether you’re headed to the cities, the mountains, the jungle, the cloud forests or the coast.
When is the rainy season in Colombia?
The rainy season in Colombia lasts from April to November, although the amount of rainfall can vary greatly depending on where you are. For example, the Andes experience a mini dry season in July and August, Cartagena sees the most rain in October, and the Amazon tends to be rainiest in March.
It’s still entirely possible to visit Colombia in the wet season, as the rain doesn’t usually get in the way of most activities. Even during the rainiest months you’re likely to enjoy some sunny days and dry periods – and temperatures will stay warm and pleasant throughout it all.
Colombia Month-by-Month Weather Guide
Colombia is truly a year-round destination. Temperatures vary more by region than by month, and some places are better to visit at certain times of year. But no matter when you choose to go, the weather isn’t likely to pose too much of an issue. That said, here’s a month-by-month climate guide to Colombia to help you decide when to visit, where to go and what to do.
Colombia in January
Best for sunny skies
January is one of the most popular months to visit Colombia, as it promises little rainfall in pretty much every part of the country. If you’re hoping to escape the cold, Cartagena and the coffee triangle are among the best destinations in Latin America for winter sun. It’s also the perfect time to go hiking in the north or explore Bogotá, where highs hover around 20ºC (68ºF).
Colombia in February
Best for Carnival celebrations
Colombia remains relatively dry throughout February, with just a slightly higher chance of rain than in January. This is a fantastic time to visit Barranquilla, which hosts one of the world’s largest Carnival celebrations on the four days leading up to Lent. Expect parades, dancing, traditional music and wonderful weather, with highs around 32ºC (89ºF).
Colombia in March
Best for clear weather without the crowds
March marks the end of Colombia’s main dry season, as well as the peak tourism period. This means it’s a great time to take advantage of the lovely weather while avoiding the busiest months. Temperatures may rise just a bit in Cartagena and Medellín, but usually not to a noticeable degree. Overall, March is ideal for exploring any region of the country.
Colombia in April and May
Best for low-season travel
Colombia’s wet season begins in April and continues through May; if you’re travelling at this time expect some showers. That said, the rain doesn’t usually last for too long, so it’s still entirely possible to explore and enjoy the country. This may not be the best season for beach trips or hiking, but it’s a perfectly pleasant time to visit Colombia’s cities or the coffee triangle.
Colombia in June
Best for highland adventures
Colombia’s weather conditions in June can vary greatly according to the region. In Cartagena and the Tayrona Region this is one of the rainier months, but in Bogotá and Barichara it’s relatively dry. Despite generally being classified as part of the wet season, June is one of the best times of year to explore both the Andes and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Colombia in July
Best for whale watching
July tends to be somewhat rainy in the Andes, but it’s one of the drier months of the year in the Amazon. It’s a fantastic time to visit the country’s Pacific coast, where you can spot humpback whales on their annual migration route. July is also a great time to go surfing on the Pacific coast, though it’s not the best time to catch waves on the Caribbean side of the country.
Colombia in August
Best for sunshine and festivals
This month brings a mini dry season to parts of Colombia, including the Andes and the Amazon. But one of the main reasons to go to Colombia in August is to attend Medellín’s gorgeous Feria de las Flores, or Flower Festival, which takes place in the first half of the month. The colonial town of Villa de Leyva also celebrates the three-day Wind and Kite Festival in mid-August.
Colombia in September
Best for avoiding the crowds
September marks the start of another low season in terms of tourism, which makes it an excellent time to visit Colombia without large crowds. Rainfall is low to moderate in most regions, so it’s unlikely for the weather to interfere with your plans. Temperatures in Cartagena peak at around 31ºC (88ºF) and in Bogotá at around 19ºC (66ºF).
Colombia in October and November
Best for lush, green countryside (and rain)
October and November are two of the wettest months in most regions of Colombia, with intense – but usually short – rain showers likely across the country. Even so, temperatures stay about the same and most days will have periods of dry weather, so you can still enjoy the outdoors. Cartagena celebrates its own Independence Day on 11th November with lively street parties.
Colombia in December
Best for warm winter holidays
December is the beginning of the dry season in Colombia. The skies clear up and the sunshine returns in full force, drawing visitors from near and far. If you don’t mind sharing the main sites and cities with other travellers, it’s definitely one of the best times to visit Colombia. Celebrate the Christmas holidays or go earlier in the month for the Festival of Lights in Villa de Leyva.
The Best Things to Do in Colombia by Season
There are two main seasons in Colombia. Across most of the country, December to March is the dry season and April to November is the wet season. But some months are rainier or sunnier in certain regions, and temperatures in each area don’t change much throughout the year – regardless of precipitation.
When deciding what to do in Colombia, you have to take into account both location and time of year. The best time to enjoy each of these activities depends not only on the season, but also which part of the country you’re visiting.
Soar across the coffee triangle
Colombia’s coffee triangle experiences a dry season from December to March, which is also when the main coffee harvest takes place. Visit during these months to explore the undulating green hills and endless plantations under sunny skies, or hop into a hot air balloon to admire the lush landscapes from above.
Note that there’s another coffee harvest from April to June, called mitaca, but these months tend to be rainier. The region also has a second, shorter dry season in July and August.
Celebrate local festivals
Colombia celebrates plenty of holidays throughout the year, but there are a few that deserve special mention. February is when the Caribbean city of Barranquilla comes alive with its famous Carnival festivities, which last for four days. August is the month of Medellín’s legendary Flower Festival, as well as the Wind and Kite Festival in the charming town of Villa de Leyva.
Go stargazing in the Tatacoa Desert
Located southwest of Bogotá, the Tatacoa Desert is the best place in Colombia for stargazing. Visit during the dry season from June to September for clear weather and the best visibility. August usually sees the least rain, as well as the Perseid meteor shower. Visit in July to attend the annual Fiesta de Estrellas (Star Party) organised by the Tatacoa Astronomia observatory.
Go hiking in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
The dry season is the best time to go hiking in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, promising lower humidity and less chance of rain. In addition to the main dry season from December to March, there’s another dry period from June to August. These are also the best times for birdwatching in the mountains, which are home to many rare species.
Soak up the sun on beautiful beaches and islands
Colombia has its fair share of stunning sandy beaches and turquoise seas, spread across both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of the country. Although there’s lovely beach weather all year round, rainy days are less likely during the dry season – though keep in mind that this is also the busiest time of year for tourism in Cartagena, Tayrona and other coastal destinations.
To get a bit more off the beaten track, head to Isla Barú and the rest of the Islas del Rosário archipelago just south of Cartagena. Or venture even farther afield to the incredibly isolated Isla de Providencia, which is actually closer to Nicaragua than it is to Colombia’s mainland.
Spot wildlife in the Amazon
Although it’s possible to visit the Colombian Amazon all year round, the dry season from June to November provides the best wildlife viewing opportunities. During these months many animals emerge from the depths of the jungle to find water, and it’s also an optimal time for birdwatching and spotting rare caiman species. Temperatures usually stay below 31ºC (88ºF).
What is the best month to visit Medellín?
The best months to visit Medellín are December, January, July and August. The sunny and warm weather is ideal for exploring the city on foot, and these months also boast exciting celebrations – from the dazzling holiday lights and festivities of December to the famous Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival) in August.
What is the best month to visit Cartagena?
The best months to visit Cartagena are December, January, February and March, when the chance of rain is lowest. Although temperatures don’t fluctuate much throughout the year, clear skies create the best conditions for enjoying the city’s rooftop bars, outdoor live music and salsa dancing, beaches and boat trips to nearby islands.
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