Category: When to visit

There are many factors when deciding what time of year to visit Colombia. Do you prefer traveling when the weather is the best? Or, do you prefer traveling during the low season, when the weather may not be perfect, but there are no crowds? Thankfully, Colombia’s climate is very tropical, so you will experience pleasant temperatures no matter when you visit! Colombia does experience some wet and dry seasons, but this just means that certain months experience more rain than others. The rainy seasons should not be completely discouraging when booking your trip to Colombia, all you need to do is pack a raincoat and an umbrella!

When visiting the Amazon, it is important to note the high water season, versus the low water season. The high water season means the water levels of the Amazon river rise greatly, which can affect accessibility, traveling, and spotting wildlife. 

Check out our guide to decide what is the best month to visit Colombia!

Colombia in January

Avg. Temperature: 24.5°C / 76.1°F	Avg. Sun: 8 hrs per day (sunshine) / 12 hrs per day (daylight)
Avg. Rain: 70 mm	Avg. Humidity: 64.2%

Happy new year! The beginning of the new year is always a time for celebration, and that’s no exception in Colombia. With the beautiful dry weather, there will be parties and celebrations on every block. This is also a perfect time to head to the Caribbean coast and relax on one of the great beaches of Cartagena, Barranquilla, or Santa Marta. If you’re in for more than just relaxing on the beach, head to one of the national parks (Tayrona or Chicaque) to go hiking, bird-watching, and observing Colombia’s beautiful native flora and fauna. Colombia in January is the perfect time to visit Colombia, so you can expect many tourists and crowds enjoying the Colombian scenery with you.  Read more

Colombia in February

Avg. Temperature:	24.7°C / 76.4°F	Avg. Sun:	8 hrs per day (sunshine) / 12.5 hrs per day (daylight)
Avg. Rain:	97 mm	Avg. Humidity:	66%

Colombia in February still has many warm days, as the wet season will begin the following month. People will travel from all over to visit Colombia in February due to the carnival festivals in Barranquilla. It takes place in the four days leading up to Ash Wednesday each year and is Colombia’s most famous festival – and the country’s biggest street party – attracting over 1.5 million visitors every year. In 2003, UNESCO declared the Carnival of Barranquilla a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity! Visiting Barrquilla isn’t the only thing to do in Colombia in February, visiting the beach and the major cities are all still pleasant experiences with the weather still proving to be extremely pleasant. Read more

Colombia in March

Avg. Temperature:	26.6°C / 79.9°F	Avg. Sun:	~3 hrs direct sunlight per day
Avg. Rain:	91 mm	Avg. Humidity:	75%

The peak season is over, as Colombia in March begins, the tourists start to clear out. The weather is still pleasant enough, but most of the visitors from the northern hemisphere have migrated back to their homes for the start of spring. As the majority of Colombia’s population is very pious, there is a very popular Holy celebration that happens in March. The ‘Semana Santa’, or Holy Week, is a huge event in all corners of the country. There are grand processions and a lot of iconography and celebration, it can be a surreal, interesting, and fun experience! Read more

Colombia in April

Avg. Temperature:	20.1°C / 68.2°F	Avg. Sun:	~3 hrs direct sunlight per day
Avg. Rain:	135 mm	Avg. Humidity:	77%

Colombia’s tropical climate means spring temperatures all year round! Even Medellin is known as the ‘eternal spring.’ However, the only thing to watch out for is if you are venturing to the Amazonian region. The high water season in April means that the water levels in the Amazon rise dramatically which can be problematic for visiting the rainforest and seeing the wildlife. Plan on visiting one of the major cities, or even one of the pueblas in the Coffee Triangle! Visiting Colombia in April is the shoulder season which means you can expect some reduced prices in high tourist areas, and if you’re lucky, on flights as well! Read more

Colombia in May

Avg. Temperature:	19.0°C / 66.2.2°F	Avg. Sun:	~2.5 hrs of direct sunlight per day
Avg. Rain:	120 mm	Avg. Humidity:	77%

Colombia in May means that you won’t experience the last of the last chance spring showers, as nothing is really defined by season here! Only by altitude and topography. The Caribbean coast is always hot and humid, and Bogota will have a bit of a crisp mildness high up in the Andes. May in Colombia is a unique time to visit because although summer begins in May, the entire month tends to experience a low season. Whether you want to step out to the beach every morning or take a rainforest excursion, Colombia in this month can offer the best of leisure and curiosity for everyone! Read more

Colombia in June

Avg. Temperature:	19.2°C / 66.6°F	Avg. Sun:	~3 hrs direct sunlight per day
Avg. Rain:	54 mm	Avg. Humidity:	75%

June is the advent of the summer travel season, and with this comes the tourist rush. Where better to spend this summer season than Colombia? Vibrant cities, tropical beaches, rainforests, this country is completely packed with activities, and opportunities to just sit back and relax! Although the weather does not change for most of the year, the climate of Colombia depends almost entirely on the altitude and topography of the location that you visit. Airfares and hotel prices tend to trend towards peak season pricing at this time, so if you’re thinking of visiting Colombia in June, we suggest booking early! Read more

Colombia in July

Avg. Temperature:	25.0°C / 77.0°F	Avg. Sun:	~3.5 hrs direct sunlight per day
Avg. Rain:	35 mm per month	Avg. Humidity:	74%

The great thing about Colombia in July is that the weather is not unstable and you are able to access all parts of the country without any problems. This is due to the fact that the weather is not dictated by seasons rather than altitude and topography. For example, Bogota tends to be milder than the Caribbean all year round because of its location in the Andes. This being said, the entire country will tend to be in a better equilibrium in warmth, meaning you can definitely bring your shades to all corners of Colombia! Read more

Colombia in August

Avg. Temperature:	18.8°C / 65.8°F	Avg. Sun:	~3.5 hrs direct sunlight per day
Avg. Rain:	45 mm per month	Avg. Humidity:	74%

August in Colombia is the perfect time to experience the dog days by the sea, or escape the thermometer in the Andes. Colombia is the best place to experience the best of both worlds. Colombia’s location near the equator accommodates a season-less climate. The temperature and overall climate of this country depends on the altitude and topography of wherever you choose to visit. This means that it will be significantly hotter in Cartagena by the Caribbean coast compared to Bogota up in the Andes Mountain Range. If you’re not keen on heat, you will still be able to experience the best of what Colombia has to offer by going to Medellin or Cali for a lively urban experience, or to the south of the country for some good brew or the Amazon region expedition. August is the perfect time to experience anything in Colombia! Read more

Colombia in September

Avg. Temperature:	25°C / 77°F	Avg. Sun:	7 hrs per day (sunshine) / 11 hrs per day (daylight)
Avg. Rain:	117 mm per month	Avg. Humidity:	80%

While the driest months are between December and March, if you’re visiting Colombia in September you’ll be pleased to hear that the country is experiencing a mini dry-season! The temperature in Colombia in September is pleasant with sunny days and warm weather sweeping the country so it’s the perfect time to explore the cities or relax on the beaches along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. There is a lull in the amount of tourists during September, so you usually find a deal or two! Read more

Colombia in October

Avg. Temperature:	20°C (high)/ 11°C (low)	Avg. Sun:	~4 (sunshine hours- more including daylight)
Avg. Rain:	159 mm	Avg. Humidity:	74%

Visiting Colombia in October usually means traveling during the wet season. The rain that occurs during the ‘rainy season’ does not occur often enough to discourage traveling. The average temperatures make for a cooler stroll through cities, which increase your ability to cover more ground. And, if you travel towards the end of October, you will experience less rain, and more of the parties and holidays that occur. Due to this being a kind of lower season than the peak (December-March), flights are usually a little less expensive, and you can find a few deals when booking accommodation. At first thought, many wouldn’t think to venture to Colombia in October, but they just don’t know what they’re missing. Read more

Colombia in November

Avg. Temperature:	19.6°C / 67.3°F	Avg. Sun:	~3.5 hrs direct sunlight perday
Avg. Rain:	127 mm per month	Avg. Humidity:	77%

November is an interesting month in Colombia for travelers. The tourist crowd that once filled the beaches during the summer and fall months have completely disappeared and will not return until the Christmas season. This creates the perfect environment to cavort up and down the country without any worries or limitations. Due to the country’s location close to the equator, the season-less climate of Colombia provides the perfect atmosphere to vacation any time. The climate of Colombia depends on the topography and altitude of wherever you choose to visit. This means what is warmer in the Caribbean would be significantly cooler in Bogota. This country is your oyster in November. Read more

Colombia in December

Avg. Temperature:	19.9°C / 67.8°F	Avg. Sun:	~4.5 hrs direct sunlight per day
Avg. Rain:	81 mm per month	Avg. Humidity:	76%

Are you dreaming of a not White Christmas? Are you trying to escape the biting cold and want to sink into the sand and sun? Colombia is the best place to take your relaxing vacation but never feel short of the festivities and the non-stop celebrations that Christmas brings all around the world. Colombia is a devout Roman Catholic country, this means that Colombians go big on Christmas all around the country. December is known as ‘Dia de las Velitas’ or Day of the Little Candles. Candles and lanterns are adorned around people’s houses and in the streets and shops creating a picturesque setting for the beautiful Christmas season. This can also mean peak season crowds and prices, but closures of attractions and restaurants on the holidays, themselves. Read more

FAQs

When is the rainy season in Colombia?

There are two brief rainy seasons in Colombia, from April to May and from October to November. This means that you are more likely to experience some rainfall during the day while in Colombia, so don’t forget to pack a rain jacket and umbrella! 

What is the Cheapest Month to Fly to Colombia?

Cheaper flights to Colombia are offered more during the rainy season. This means the months of April/May and October/November will have cheaper flight offers, as it is also considered the ‘low’ season. This also means there are less tourists traveling to Colombia at this time.

Do I Need a Visa for Colombia?

The majority of countries do not need a visa to enter Colombia. However, depending on the purpose of your trip, as well as the company you are traveling from, this may change. To know if you will need a visa when entering Colombia, you can visit the official government travel website of Colombia, by clicking here. On this website, you just enter your nationality and purpose of your trip, and you will receive information on visa requirements. 

Best time to visit Colombia: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Colombia weather in September

Avg. temperature: 25°C / 77°F	Sun: 7 Hrs per day (sunshine) / 11 Hrs per day (daylight)
Rain: 117 mm per month	Avg. humidity: 80%

Visiting Colombia in September

While the driest months are between December and March, if you’re visiting Colombia in September you’ll be pleased to hear that the country is experiencing a mini dry-season! 

The temperature in Colombia in September is a pleasant average of 25°C / 77°F. Sunny days and warm weather sweep the country so it’s the perfect time to explore the cities or relax on the beaches along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

Things to do in Colombia in September

Salsa ‘til the sun goes down in Cali

Vibrant Cali is known as the “Rumba Capital of Colombia” and, more impressively, the “Salsa Capital of the World”. An energetic city with an infectious buzzing culture, the warm people of Cali are famed for their devotion to dance in a place where there’s music playing on every corner you turn, from shops and grocery stores to the rural suburbs of the Cauca Valley.

If you’re visiting in September, you will be just in time for the annual World Salsa Festival, which is held in Cali in the middle of the month. National and international Salsa stars perform at the festival alongside bands and musical artists as the city comes together to celebrate the dance that makes it famous. More than 5,000 performers take to the stage for the 45,000 plus attendees over the course of four days. Expect flamboyant costumes, passionate performances and wonderful workshops throughout the event, and unleash your inner dancer in an experience like no other!

Whale away the time on the Pacific coast

Between June and November Colombia’s Pacific coast is rife with humpback whales, which thrive in the warmth of the waves and come here to give birth to their young. Having travelled more than 8,000 km from the South Pole, thousands of visitors come from far and wide to experience the natural wonder and sight large groups of whales who perform by jumping majestically in the water for all to see.

If you’re visiting Colombia in September, this is the ideal time for whale watching. Some of the best places to make sightings are in more remote areas, including Nuquí, one of the most biodiverse places in the world, and Chocó, nestled on the north Pacific coast.

Watch baby sea turtles take their first steps

Also in the Chocó region is Estación Septiembre, located just 5km from El Valle. A turtle nesting station where, between June and December, sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs (up to 80 eggs per turtle!). Best observed at night, they arrive in their hundreds which makes for a truly spectacular sight. From September, the turtles begin to hatch and make their first steps off the shore and into the Pacific Ocean. 

Accommodation in Colombia in September

September in Colombia is the time when most tourists have retreated and are unaware of this ‘min-dry’ season. This means that the costs for flights and accommodation become a little more reduced than normal. Choose your accommodations of choice and experience a lighter city atmosphere without the the crowds. Tours will be less populated, and restaurants won’t be as packed as the dry/high season. September is truly an underrated time to visit Colombia and should definitely be considered when planning your trip to Colombia.

Best time to visit Colombia: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Colombia weather in October

Avg. temperature: 20°C (high)/ 11°C (low)	Sun: 4 (sunshine Hrs- more including daylight)
Rain: 159mm	Avg. humidity: 74%

Visiting Colombia in October

Due to Colombia’s tropical climate, it is a country you can visit year round. Colombia has two seasons: the wet season and the dry season, although depending on your location in Colombia, you are able to dodge the rains and enjoy more sunshine. The dry seasons normally fall in December through March, making other times of the year more rainy. The only region to be wary of the Pacific region, and it receives rain year round and seems to always be wet. 

Visiting Colombia in October usually means travelling during the wet season. The rain that occurs during the ‘rainy season’ does not occur often enough to discourage traveling. The average temperatures make for a cooler stroll through cities, which increase your ability to cover more ground. And, if you travel towards the end of October, you will experience less rain, and more of the parties and holidays that occur. Due to this being a kind of lower season than the peak (December-March), flights are usually a little less expensive, and you can find a few deals when booking accommodation. At first thought, many wouldn’t think to venture to Colombia in October, but they just don’t know what they’re missing. 

Things to do in Colombia in October

Due to the frequent rain, this is the perfect time to explore Colombia’s many museums, restaurants, and nightlife! Depending on which city you’re in, you’re bound to find many spaces that provide some cultural insight to Colombia’s past and present. Once the storm passes (which it will) you can head outside and enjoy a cool stroll around the city, one thing’s for sure, you won’t get too hot! While street vendors selling arepas and all kinds of goodies are always enjoyable, now is the chance to really sit down, relax and enjoy an authentic Colombia meal. No matter which city you find yourself in, Colombia boasts a fantastic food experience, from classic dishes to international comfort food, you’ll never be disappointed. Don’t forget your salsa shoes! This is the perfect time to be in Colombia if you want to focus on your salsa, you can take lessons and bring your newfound knowledge to one of the many salsa clubs to dance the night away! As there is no ‘salsa season’ it is the perfect activity year round! 

If you don’t want to spend all of your time in the city, then head to the Amazonian region of Colombia, where the rain is a little less abundant, but the rainforest is as beautiful as ever. This is the perfect time to visit the nature reserves, go for a hike, and explore the amazon! The small town of Leticia is a great place to check out, as it is a beautiful amazonian town surrounded with wildlife…and two other countries!

While there aren’t many holidays in Colombia in October, Colombians do celebrate a little bit of Halloween, bridging to All Saints Day on the first of November. Children do not usually trick or treat on Halloween, but there are many costume parties and events at local clubs and discotheques. As All Saints Day is the day after Halloween, many people will take off a day or two to celebrate these autumnal holidays. 

Hotels in Colombia in October

If you are visiting Colombia in October, you can take advantage of some low season perks! Due to the more rainy, and considered ‘low’ season, flights to Colombia are a lot cheaper than they would be during the high season. This also means more availability in popular hotels, resorts, and places to rent. More availability, as well as lower prices, if you get lucky! Traveling to Colombia in October, is an understated pleasure!

Best time to visit Colombia: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Colombia weather in December

Avg. temperature: 19.9°C / 67.8°F	Sun: 138 Hrs per month
Rain: 81 mm per month	Avg. humidity: 76%

Visiting Colombia in December

Are you dreaming of a not White Christmas? Are you trying to escape the biting cold and want to sink into the sand and sun? Colombia is the best place to take your relaxing vacation but never feel short of the festivities and the non-stop celebrations that Christmas brings all around the world. Colombia is a devout Roman Catholic country, this means that Colombians go big on Christmas all around the country. December is known as ‘Dia de las Velitas’ or Day of the Little Candles. Candles and lanterns are adorned around people’s houses and in the streets and shops creating a picturesque setting for the beautiful Christmas season. 

From the 16th to the 24th of December, families gather in ‘novenas’ to pray, sing carols and decorate on the days leading up to Christmas. Other than Christmas trees and candles, people traditionally decorate their own versions or designs of the Nativity Scenes, which create an attraction of their own with their individualistic stylisms. Enjoy delicious Colombian Christmas fare! Try festive treats like Natilla, a Christmas flan as well as Bunuelos, Colombian fried doughnut balls, and Manjar Blanco, a rice pudding dish with sugar and cinnamon. 

Another interesting Christmas tradition is the 28th of December, which is Innocents Day. This is Colombia’s answer to April Fools Day, where families and friends play pranks and jokes on each other, TV stations and street comedy performances are also common on this day. 

Colombia’s seasonless climate is thanks to its position close to the equator. Colombia’s weather patterns are determined by the topography and altitude of wherever you choose to visit. Although it may be colder in Bogota high up in the Andes in comparison to the hot tropical climate in Cartagena, Bogota and other higher altitude cities will experience slightly hotter and drier climates as the heat from the Southern Hemisphere traces throughout the country. 

The friendly disposition of the Colombian people and the vibrance of every city in every corner will be sure to bring as much holiday joy for you as much as it would at home!

Things to do in Colombia in December

Dia de las Velitas & Light Festivals

Little Candles Day on December 7th commences the Christmas season in Colombia. This is when Colombians light little candles and put them in paper lanterns to free them into the sky with their wishes and prayers, as well as placing them on windowsills and on terraces. Bogota shuts down during the evening to allow families to decorate the roads, plazas and parks. Cerro Monserrate peak in Bogota lights up in pure extravagance and splendor. In the Caribbean, people light their candles in the early morning on December 8th, as it marks the day of the Immaculate Conception, and families in Cali light their candles along the Cali River. The banks of the river as well as the river itself luminates through the night in a grand spectacle. 

Medellin is famous for its Christmas lights and are put up well in advance in the holiday season. The hundreds of parks are lit up in a beautiful display of light as well as streets, avenues and arteries are lined with lights and candles and other decorations. This is a municipality-sponsored event, with millions in the budget to keep the tradition alive no matter what. 

Festival de Luces

In the town of Villa de Leyva, the city is also filled with lights, but with a twist. A celebration of lights is put on with an extravagant display of fireworks. The festival is put on by the local firework companies and other national fireworks producers to bring the country together with fireworks. Villa de Leyva is a beautiful colonial town with the largest solely cobbled plaza in South America. Sprinkled with beautiful haciendas and not short of many attractions, like the statue of Jesus Christ overlooking the city, countless museums and homages to independence figures with cathedrals towering over the town. Take a nature walk to La Periquera waterfall, with its terraced flows and unique foliage. 

Feria de Cali

Cali comes alive with the salsa festival in the last week of December. The Cali Fair is one of the most important cultural celebrations in the city. Everything synonymous with the culture of the region is amplified with horse riding, dance parties and parades. The Salsa Marathon portion of the festival will bring even the worst dancer to put on their dance shoes! Every year has different additions, but some additions have attracted Samba schools from Brazil, horseback racing, bullfights (cruelty-free) and athletic events. For you Salsa geeks and record enthusiasts, the Encuentro de Melomanos y Coleccionistas is an event in the fair for vinyl collectors, which is a local pastime. Bring some easy shoes, sunglasses and a cocktail and take in this exciting atmosphere! 

Beachside Fun

If you want to just relax and enjoy the warm escape, Santa Marta is a great place to spend a quiet Christmas season. Santa Marta is the oldest town in Colombia and the first Spanish settlement in South America. Take a stroll along the corniche along the harbour where you can revel at the beauty of the Caribbean, and taste the local cuisine with one of the many vending stands dotted along the corniche. If you want an island excursion, Isla San Andres is a great location for some snorkel and sun. The beaches are known as ‘Mar de Siete Colores’ which means the Sea of Seven Colours. This refers to the beautiful multicoloured reefs that create perfect snorkeling opportunities. 

Hotels in Colombia in December

December falls into the holiday season, which coincides with festivals and off times for not only international travellers, but also the local population as well. This means that it will be a peak season for travel. You will most likely be contending with local vacationers as well as foreign tourists. Flights and hotels will have an increase in price, and hotels will enforce a minimum night stay policy during this season, but prices for admissions for tourist destinations and museums as well as food will not change. Do not let this steer you away as Colombia is a very large country and there is something for everybody. Every corner of the country has a different culture, different history and a different set of attractions and experiences to offer. 

Best time to visit Colombia: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Colombia weather in November

Avg. temperature: 19.6°C / 67.3°F	Sun: 103 hrs per month
Rain: 127 mm per month	Avg. humidity: 77%

Visiting Colombia in November

November is an interesting month in Colombia for travelers. The tourist crowd that once filled the beaches during the summer and fall months have completely disappeared and will not return until the Christmas season. This creates the perfect environment to cavort up and down the country without any worries or limitations. Due to the country’s location close to the equator, the season-less climate of Colombia provides the perfect atmosphere to vacation any time. The climate of Colombia depends on the topography and altitude of wherever you choose to visit. This means what is warmer in the Caribbean would be significantly cooler in Bogota. This country is your oyster in November. 

Things to do in Colombia in November

Curious Cali

Santiago de Cali is the place you can put on your dancing shoes and salsa the night (or nights) away. This energetic and young southwestern city is the famous capital of Salsa music. With the beautiful mixes of Spanish, Indigenous and Caribbean influences, the streets fill up with the rhythm and spice of this unique and widely loved genre of music. You will encounter many life performances, live forums with artists and many small festivals. If you want to skip the dancing, you will be surprised to find that there are many parks and recreation areas to explore in this city. The Plaza de Cayzedo is the main square, and the heart of the city. You can experience the unique street-vending culture and indulge on some street snack like Cholado (a cup of mixed fruit with condensed milk). Live the Bohemian lifestyle by kicking back at the Barrio San Antonio. This neighborhood is great for visiting theatres, cafes and historical buildings. 

Independence in Cartagena

November 11, 1811 was the day when Cartagena became the first city in Colombia to gain independence from the Spanish Colonial powers. The first two weeks of November are billowing  with parties, light shows, street parties, pageants, and parades! Most notable about the Independence Day extravaganza is the beauty pageants that they hold. This national event is held with the intention of uniting the country with the world renowned beauty of Colombian women. Contestants from the Amazon to Cali to Venezuelan border regions come to compete and show their elaborate costumes and show off their talents to gain exposure nationally and win prizes. While this is all happening, you can take trips around the region to sleepier beach towns like Santa Marta, where you can experience the surf and sun and the mostly empty beaches during this slow month! 

Glorious Guatape

Not far from Medellin is the colour capital of Colombia — Guatape! Climb El Penol for an amazing view of the beautiful dotted islands on this massive expanse of water that was ejected into the landscape after an industrial flood in the 1970s. If you’re not into a hike, don’t worry. It does not take much walking to see how colourful and absolutely wondrous the streets of this village is. Enjoy a rich coffee in the Plaza de Zocalos, have some empanadas by the main square. In Guatape, you will experience Colombia at its finest with locals wearing traditional clothes like ponchos and indigenous garb, adding more to the colour of this already bursting town! 

Hotels in Colombia in November

November is a prime season to get good deals on flights and accommodation because time between both summer and winter peak seasons are devoid of tourists as well as domestic travelers not taking work off in this month. You can obtain up to 30 percent lower prices in accommodations, scan the choices occasionally, and book whenever you please! 

Best time to visit Colombia: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Colombia weather in August

Avg. temperature: 18.8°C / 65.8°F	Sun: 117 Hrs per month
Rain: 45 mm per month	Avg. humidity: 74%

Visiting Colombia in August

Whether you want to experience the dog days by the sea, or to escape the thermometer in the Andes, Colombia is the place to experience the best of both worlds. Colombia’s location near the equator accommodates a season-less climate. The temperature and overall climate of this country depends on the altitude and topography of wherever you choose to visit. This means that it will be significantly hotter in Cartagena by the Caribbean coast compared to Bogota up in the Andes Mountain Range. 

If you’re not keen on heat, you will still be able to experience the best of what Colombia has to offer by going to Medellin or Cali for a lively urban experience, or to the south of the country for some good brew or the Amazon region expedition. There are endless possibilities in this dynamic country.

Things to do in Colombia in August

Flourishing Flowers

Medellin, also known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ boasts a yearly extravaganza during the first two weeks of August. Farmers from all around Colombia line the streets with a beautiful display of flower stands. This is one of the most well known festivals in the country as the colour of the city comes alive and attracts not only bees, but people from all over the world. Concerts and street performances also characterize this grand display of beauty. 

If you have a pollen allergy, or just not much of a green-thumb, Medellin is an exceptional city in other regards. Its mild climate makes it easy to spend hours wandering around its winding streets, trying delicious Colombian food and admiring the unique street art. For a one-of-a-kind experience, take the Metrocable by the many quarters of the city. For a low cost, you will be able to revel at the magnificent views of Medellin and the surrounding areas, with a beautiful finish to the ride — the famous Arvi Park! You can stroll through the forested areas, or have a nice picnic with the whole city under you. This is a city not to ignore at any point of the year. 

Winding Winds

Villa de Levya holds one of the largest kite running events in the world with their Festival Viento y de los Cometas. This festival does not have a fixed date other than the fact that they choose the windiest weekend in August and hold this fun fest for three days. You can see the contests over the kites’ aerial prowess, or a pageant of the best and prettiest kite. One thing to note is that all of these kites are handmade by the children who fly them! 

The festival is held at the main square, considered to be the largest in South America, which is the next best reason to visit this town. The historical significance and the preservation of its Colonial and Pre-Colonial past is quite impressive as you can experience a time-warp with its paths, beautiful architecture and towering cathedrals. 

Astonishing Amazon

During the Summer, the Colombian portion of the Amazon rainforest brings forth the low-water season. This is when the Amazon river-waters lower drastically and the animals tend to be out of hiding more. This creates the perfect opportunity for wildlife spotting and admiring the Amazon rainforest’s greatly diverse ecosystem. Another good thing about the low-water season is that the paths through the trails are more predictable and are easier to book tours further in advance. 

Hotels in Colombia in August

Although August technically falls into the high season, you will find that the peak season prices tend to fall after June and July, as August marks the end of the high season. This creates the perfect opportunity to snag some good hotel deals and lower airfare prices. Make sure to inquire with hotels about minimum night stays, especially in major cities. 

Best time to visit Colombia: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Colombia weather in July

Avg. temperature: 25.0°C / 77.0°F	Sun: 114 hours per month
Rain: 35 mm per month	Avg. Humidity: 74%

Visiting Colombia in July

It’s summertime and you’re deciding on where you want to go. You would like to be a beach bum, scuba dive, but at the same time you want to go on a bit of an Amazon expedition and a climb in the mountains! You notice that Colombia checks all these boxes, and for a good reason. 

The great thing about Colombia in July is that the weather is not unstable and you are able to access all parts of the country without any problems. This is due to the fact that the weather is not dictated by seasons rather than altitude and topography. For example, Bogota tends to be milder than the Caribbean all year round because of its location in the Andes. This being said, the entire country will tend to be in a better equilibrium in warmth, meaning you can definitely bring your shades to all corners of Colombia! 

Things to do in Colombia in July

Boomin’ Bogota

If you are mainly wanting to experience a milder climate to escape the heat at home, you will definitely be pleasantly surprised by the country’s capital, Bogota. Located in the Andes Mountains, this historical capital will stay at a temperature comfortable enough to not have to bring a coat and at the same time, a sweatband. Bogota is a dynamic city with many sights to see. Take a gander at the glitz and glam of the Gold Museum, home to the largest collection of South American gold artifacts in the world. Or you can take in the beautiful view of the city by taking a cable car up to the Cerro Monserrate, close to the beautiful La Candelaria Colonial district. 

Beautiful Beasts

A path less traveled by in Colombia is the Pacific Coast, this is mostly uninhabited land filled with protected ecosystems and vast biodiversity. If you happen to be in Colombia in July, you can take advantage of a hidden gem that happens only during this month — Whale watching! Every year, these wondrous creatures swim up from Antarctica in search of warmer waters to procreate. This is a rare occurrence anywhere else in the world. 

The easiest way to get to this hidden place is to drive from Cali the town of Buenaventura and then reach any of the common beaches by boat (Malaga Bay, Gorgona). These boat rides may take some time, but the sightseeing opportunities on the way are endless. 

Amazin’ Amazon

Another nice option is that Amazon reaches its best time in July. This is when the river waters lower and the weather is a lot drier. This creates predictability in tours and accessibility in the region. The possibilities are endless. The low water season is when you are able to see the wonders of this impenetrable forest and with the decreased water levels, comes better wildlife watching opportunities. 

Hotels in Colombia in July

While all the exploration and sightseeing and great weather will have you packing your bags already, there is one thing. July is the peak month of tourism in Colombia, as with anywhere else in the world. Everybody is having their summer vacation and are clamoring to go anywhere they can on this planet. While prices may be high and there are minimum night stays, don’t fret. Colombia is a huge country and has many different places for different tastes. While Cartagena may be crowded, try to travel east on the coast to cities like Santa Marta or towns like Palomino with equally great beach opportunities and leeway to travel. 

Further, Bogota, Medellin and Cali are great places to spend your summer in as they are well connected, milder in climate and are so big that you will not have much of an issue to book a stay and pay high prices at all!

Best time to visit Colombia: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Colombia weather in June

Avg. temperature: 19.2°C / 66.6°F	Sun: 94 hrs per month
Rain: 54 mm per month	Avg. Humidity: 75%

Visiting Colombia in June

June is the advent of the summer travel season, and with this comes the tourist rush. Where better to spend this summer season than Colombia? Deserts, tropical beaches, savanna, rainforests, this country is completely packed with activities, and opportunities to just sit back and relax! Although the weather does not change for most of the year, the climate of Colombia depends almost entirely on the altitude and topography of the location that you visit. 

If you are not very keen on going to a crowded beach or completely filled up city plazas, don’t fret! Colombia is a very large country with a diverse population and dynamic culture. There is something for everybody and there is always space to breathe. 

Things to do in Colombia in June

Spring Escape

The heat in Colombia’s Caribbean coast can become quite oppressive on some days. If you want to skip the bikini tan and dress comfortably with a milder climate, go to the City of Eternal Spring — Medellin! This city has had a colourful past, but the air of young optimism, historical significance and the springtime climate brings people from all over to this location. 

Take the famous metrocable to take in the beautiful views of the city for a very low cost. At the end of the line, you will reach the famous Arvi Park. Here you can stroll through the forested wonderland, take a few snapshots of the city, or have a relaxing picnic. To see the city’s eternal spring in full force, go to the Joaquin Antonio Uriba Botanical Park to view the local flora and fauna. Medellin is filled with restaurants, tree-lined parks and great shopping opportunities for a low budget. During June, is the International Tango Festival in Medellin. This host city comes alive with live performances, forums and artistic candor. 

Candascent Cali

Santiago de Cali — the name of this city alone will have you thinking of shaking your hips and dancing the night away! Cali is considered the capital of Salsa. The many clubs and bars that line the streets of this energetic city brings together people from all over the world for a night (or multiple) of parties, drink and delicious food. If nightlife is not your thing, Cali offers beautiful excursions like the savanna, where the drying water sources during the dry season brings out the wildlife and makes for great animal sighting by the watering holes. After a night of partying, or just for a little detour, visit the beautiful colonial city of Popayan for a history fix and a local experience. Its signature white washed buildings, open plazas and the bridges will take you to the likes of Europe, without that annoying long flight to Spain. 

Rest and Relaxation

To get to the beach without fighting through crowds, Santa Marta will be your haven. Colombia’s oldest city and the first Spanish settlement in South America boasts beautiful beaches without the hustle and bustle, beautiful promenades at the Corniche, and a great street-vending culture. What Santa Marta is best known for is its lost city in the Tayrona National Park. Take an overnight rustic rest at the national park by renting a hammock or tent and revel in the beauty of Colombia’s nature. 

Hotels in Colombia in June

As June is the advent of the peak season, airfares and hotel prices are to be more expensive than other times of the year. Make sure to inquire with hotels, particularly in Cartagena, about minimum night stays. The good thing is that there is no real price hike in tourist attraction admissions and national parks. All of this being said, Colombia is a cheaper country than most of the other Caribbean countries, and these price increases are not drastic. 

Best time to visit Colombia: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Colombia weather in May

Avg. temperature: 19.0°C / 66.2.2°F	Sun: 83 hrs per month
Rain: 120 mm per month	Avg. Humidity: 77%

Visiting Colombia in May

As springtime comes to a close and summer is in the air, you also think of vacations, but you wince at the thought of crowds. May in Colombia is a prime month to solve this conundrum. Its close position to the equator means that you won’t experience the last of the last chance spring showers, and nothing is really defined by season here! Only by altitude and topography. The Caribbean coast is always hot and humid, and Bogota will have a bit of a crisp mildness high up in the Andes. 

May in Colombia is a unique time to visit because although summer begins in May, the entire month tends to experience a low season. Whether you want to step out to the beach every morning or take a savanna excursion, Colombia in this month can offer the best of leisure and curiosity for everyone!

Things to do in Colombia in May

Cosmopolitan Cartagena

Declared a UNESCO world heritage site, Cartagena boasts one of the best preserved examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in Latin America. Spread beautifully along the Caribbean coast, this old but vibrant city has the perfect mix of old town charm with its fortified Old City District, as well as the eccentric young energy with Salsa music filling the streets creating this city to the likes of New Orleans! Its prime location allows a beautiful mix of Caribbean, Indigenous and European cultures to truly shine in its unique local cuisine. If you want a more modern and hip beach vacation, a short walk out of the Old City, is the Bocagrande Harbor. This ode to Copacabana was once a symbol of easy modern Colombian life during the 1950s, but now has become a chic tourist spot for beachgoers and glamour geeks alike! Cartagena has something for everyone, and May is the best time to experience Summer in this city as it is not strapped tight with tourists during this time! 

Beach Blanket Bingo

Want a more rustic experience of the Colombian Caribbean? Just take a short trip out of Cartagena! Palomino and Cabo de La Vela are the perfect beach village for you to just lay back and bask in the sun, or to revel in the many ocean activities without seeing so much of the urban expanse. Palomino is known for its beautiful beaches and its great offshore surfing opportunities. Cabo de La Vela is geographically positioned to create a prime location for windsurfing. If you’re interested in what’s under these villages, you can obtain a scuba license and admire the beautiful ecosystems in the deep blue. If you’re of the more relaxed bunch, put out a towel, get a cocktail and just lay back in the sun and marvel at the beauty of the Caribbean.

Spectacular Savanna

Santiago de Cali is situated in the southwest of the country, where the Pacific isn’t too far away and is the frontier land of a very unique geographical location — The Savanna. Yes, if you want to view some of the wildlife of the grasslands, but can’t be bothered for the long trip to Kenya, or Tanzania, Colombia is the perfect place to take a tour around the landscapes, watch the animals gather around water sources and gallop through the plains, all for a small cost! 

Hotels in Colombia in May

May is a unique month of the year in Colombia. Although summer begins, there are no major holidays in Colombia and the summer tourist rush has not started yet. Luckily for you, this means you can expect low hotel prices, no minimum night stays and lower airfare. This is especially true for Cartagena, which can be oppressively crowded during the summer rush. Peak season doesn’t begin until early to mid-June, so book whenever you please! 

Best time to visit Colombia: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec

Colombia weather in April

Avg. temperature: 20.1°C / 68.2°F	Sun: 88 hrs per month
Rain: 135 mm per month	Avg. Humidity: 77%

Visiting Colombia in April

April is the perfect month to visit Colombia. Its position close to the equator means that the weather is not defined by season, but more by topography. It’s not called the country of eternal spring for no reason! Medellin enjoys spring temperatures all year round while Bogota can be a bit chillier. With this in mind, it is worth noting that the Caribbean coast is always hot and humid and will be the perfect temperature to cozy up at the beach for hours and hours! 

During this month, the Amazon region will experience a high water period. This means the levels of the Amazon River may go up dramatically, which may create unpredictable changes to paths and wildlife watching generally is not the best as animals are on the move to higher ground and will generally stay hidden. Taking this into consideration, the great thing is that Colombia is massive, and has many varieties of natural wonders that are completely accessible and open for enjoyment all year. 

Things to do in Colombia in April

Springtime Serenity

If you’re looking for a mild climate with an urban experience and lots of springtime activity, Medellin and its surroundings is just the place. Its famous metrocable transport system will give you wonderful views of this extraordinary city and will lead you to the Arvi Park, with its beautiful trails and great picnic opportunities. The Joaquin Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden is in full bloom as it offers its beautiful sights and smells to tantalize your senses. Take a small trip to Guatape where you can experience traditional village life in Colombia and hike the El Penol rock to see the views of the beautiful Colombian countryside. 

Pick Me Up

To get a true Southern Colombia experience, head down to the Coffee Country for a quick coffee break in the city of Manizales in the foothills of the countryside. You have the great choice of getting low cost accommodation in one of the many hotels, or you can wake up to your favorite smell at a working coffee farm. Manizales is well connected to the rest of the surrounding countryside with the town of Salento nearby to offer you hikes and its famous wax palms in full bloom in April. Not only are the activities sure to keep you up, the coffee will too!

Musical Magnificence 

In the warm Northeast in the country, you can experience something unique off the beaten track. Valledupar, Colombia is a city coming out from the shadows of obscurity to show its blossoming beauty, rivers flowing through, and best of all, its music festival. 

The Fiesta Leyends Vallenta began in 1968 as a multi-day vallenato festival. Vallenato is a style of folk music native to the area that combines the Spanish Colonial inflections with the heavy Carribean influence, with a beautiful touch of the indigenous culture. A four-day party with heavy crowds in Plaza Alfonso Lopez to celebrate, dance, drink and pay homage to the vibrant culture Valledupar has to offer. 

Hotels in Colombia in April

April in Colombia is what is considered the shoulder season to travel. This means that you have the advantage of avoiding huge influxes of tourists. This also means that you can avoid high prices in the tourism sector, and even airfare! You can best take advantage of this by visiting the Carribean coast, which can be crowded during peak season. The rest of the country is docile during this time with everything still being open for tourism. 

Best time to visit Colombia: Jan • Feb • Mar • Apr • May • Jun • Jul • Aug • Sep • Oct • Nov • Dec