Best time to visit Colombia

Understanding Colombia’s Climate: Beyond a Single Season

Colombia’s proximity to the equator means it does not experience four distinct seasons like North America or Europe. Instead, the country’s weather is defined by altitude and alternating wet and dry periods. This creates a mosaic of microclimates where you can find vastly different conditions on the same day, simply by traveling a few hours.

The Two Main Seasons: Dry vs. Wet

• Dry Season (Verano): December to March & July to August.
  These periods are characterized by sunnier days and significantly less rainfall. This is generally considered the peak travel season, offering ideal conditions for most outdoor activities.
• Wet Season (Invierno): April to May & September to November.
  This season brings more overcast skies and frequent afternoon showers. However, “wet” rarely means constant, all-day rain. It is often a predictable downpour for an hour or two, after which the sun may return. The landscapes are often at their most lush and green during this time.

The Altitude Factor: A Country of Microclimates

While seasonal rainfall varies, the temperature in any given Colombian location is remarkably consistent year-round. The primary determinant of temperature is not the time of year, but your elevation above sea level.

• Tierra Caliente (Hot Land): 0 – 1,000m (e.g., Cartagena, Santa Marta, Cali). Expect hot, tropical weather throughout the year, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F).
• Tierra Templada (Temperate Land): 1,000 – 2,000m (e.g., Medellín, Coffee Axis). Here you will find pleasant, spring-like weather year-round. Medellín is famously known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for this reason.
• Tierra Fría (Cold Land): 2,000 – 3,000m (e.g., Bogotá). Expect cool, crisp conditions similar to autumn. Days are mild, but evenings and nights are chilly, requiring a jacket or sweater.

A Region-by-Region Guide to the Best Travel Times

The Andean Region (Bogotá, Medellín, Coffee Axis)

• Best Time: The two dry seasons (December-March and July-August) are ideal for visiting this mountainous heartland.
• What to Expect:
  In Medellín and the Coffee Axis, you’ll find warm, sunny days perfect for exploring city parks, coffee farms, and scenic valleys. In Bogotá, these months bring clearer blue skies and a lower chance of rain, making it the most pleasant time to explore the capital, though evenings remain chilly.
• Travel Tip: The “shoulder months” of the wet season, such as April or October, can be a wonderful time to visit. You’ll encounter fewer crowds and see the landscapes in their most vibrant green state, as long as you pack a rain jacket for the predictable afternoon showers.

The Caribbean Coast (Cartagena, Santa Marta, Tayrona Park)

• Best Time: The primary dry season from December to April is the most popular time for beach activities and exploring the historic cities.
• What to Expect: Prepare for hot, sunny, and humid days, often tempered by a refreshing sea breeze. This is the high season, so expect more visitors and a lively atmosphere in places like Cartagena.
• Important Note: The wet season runs from May to November, which sees higher humidity and short, intense downpours, usually in the afternoon. September and October are typically the wettest months and can experience more persistent rain.
• Tayrona National Park Closure: The park typically closes to visitors three times a year for environmental restoration and for the local indigenous communities to perform spiritual cleansing rituals. These periods usually begin on February 1st, June 1st, and October 19th, each lasting for about two weeks. Please verify the exact dates on the official national parks website before planning your visit.

The Pacific Coast (Nuquí, Bahía Solano)

• Best Time: July to October for the magnificent spectacle of Humpback Whale Watching.
• What to Expect: This is one of the wettest regions on Earth, and rain is a daily occurrence year-round. Here, the “best time” is dictated by wildlife calendars, not by weather. The experience of watching massive humpback whales breach against a backdrop of misty, rain-soaked jungle is truly unforgettable.

The Amazon Rainforest (Leticia)

• Best Time (High Water – Dec to May): During these months, the rivers and tributaries swell, allowing for deep exploration of the flooded jungle (the várzea) by boat. This brings you closer to canopy wildlife like monkeys and birds.
• Best Time (Low Water – Jun to Nov): As the water levels recede, jungle trails are revealed, making it the ideal time for hiking. It is also easier to spot caimans and other reptiles sunning themselves on the newly exposed riverbanks.
• What to Expect: It is always hot, humid, and rainy in the Amazon. Your choice of when to go should depend on whether you prefer river-based exploration or jungle trekking.

Planning Around Peak Seasons & Major Events

High Season vs. Low Season

• High Season:
  The main high seasons are mid-December through January, Semana Santa (Holy Week, the week before Easter), and mid-June through July.
  Impact: Expect higher prices for flights and accommodations, and larger crowds at popular sites. It is essential to book your arrangements well in advance if traveling during these times.
• Low Season:
  The main low seasons are from April to early June and again from September to November.
  Impact: This is a great time to find better value on lodging and tours and to experience popular destinations with fewer people. Be prepared for more frequent rainfall, especially in the Andean and Pacific regions.

Key Festivals That Impact Travel

Traveling during a major festival offers a vibrant and unforgettable cultural experience. However, it requires careful advance planning, as cities become very crowded, hotels sell out, and local transport can be disrupted.

• Barranquilla’s Carnival (February/March): As Colombia’s biggest celebration and one of the world’s largest carnivals, this is a spectacular event. It is critical to book accommodation and flights up to a year in advance for Barranquilla.
• Medellín’s Flower Festival (Feria de las Flores – early August): A beautiful, week-long celebration of Antioquian culture, featuring stunning flower parades and events. The city of Medellín will be very busy, so book accordingly.
• Christmas & New Year’s (December/January): This is a festive but extremely busy period nationwide. Many Colombians are on vacation, and popular destinations like Cartagena, Santa Marta, and the Coffee Axis see a major influx of domestic and international travelers.