Planning your Colombian adventure but unsure when to go? With its tropical climate and diverse landscapes, Colombia offers incredible experiences year-round. But if you want to make the most of sunshine while avoiding heavy downpours, here’s everything you need to know about the best time to visit Colombia.
Colombia Travel: Quick Weather Guide
- Prime travel window: December-March and July-August for clear skies and ideal conditions
- Rainy seasons to note: April-June and September-November bring heavier showers
- Peak crowds & prices: Expect December-February to be busiest, especially around major holidays
- Special consideration: Semana Santa (Holy Week before Easter) sees major domestic tourism spikes
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg temp. (°C) | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Avg rain (mm) | 40 | 42 | 70 | 110 | 120 | 100 | 70 | 80 | 110 | 140 | 110 | 60 |
Ready to craft your perfect Colombia itinerary? Our local travel specialists can design a personalized trip that matches your dream Colombian experience while working around the seasons.
Guatape, Colombia © Barna Tanko/Shutterstock
Colombia’s Weather Patterns Explained
Unlike many destinations where seasons dramatically change temperatures, Colombia’s equatorial location keeps things pleasantly stable. You’ll typically enjoy 24°C (75°F) along the coasts, while higher inland areas offer cooler mountain air ranging from 7-17°C (45-63°F).
The real seasonal difference comes in rainfall patterns. Colombia experiences two dry seasons (December-March and July-August) interspersed with two wetter periods. Here’s the breakdown you need to plan smartly:
Why Dry Season Reigns Supreme (Dec-Mar & Jul-Aug)
Sun worshippers and adventure seekers will thrive during these windows. The Andean regions, Amazon basin, and northern beaches all become more accessible and enjoyable. July and August particularly shine for Caribbean exploration.
Rainy Season Reality Check (Apr-Jun & Sep-Nov)
While you can still have an amazing trip, be prepared for potential disruptions. Heavy rainfall might:
- Cause flooding in certain areas
- Make mountain trails slippery or inaccessible
- Increase humidity along the Caribbean coast (Sep-Nov)
Travel pro tip: If visiting during rainy months, pack waterproof gear and build flexibility into your itinerary for weather changes.
The best time to visit Colombia is during the dry seasons. Guatape image © Jess Kraft/Shutterstock
Month-by-Month Colombia Highlights
Each month brings unique opportunities to experience Colombia. Here’s what makes every season special:
January: Literary Festivals & Caribbean Bliss
Combine Cartagena’s colonial charm with intellectual stimulation at the internationally renowned Hay Festival. The weather is perfect for:
- Exploring UNESCO-listed old town architecture
- Snorkeling the crystal-clear Rosario Islands
- Attending fascinating talks with global authors (typically late Jan-early Feb)
January sees Cartagena host the international Hay Festival © Shutterstock
The Best Times to Visit Colombia by Month
Colombia is a country that shines year-round, but certain months offer unique experiences you won’t want to miss. From wild carnivals to stargazing in the desert, here’s your month-by-month guide to Colombia’s must-see events and destinations.
February: Get Lost in Barranquilla’s Carnival Magic
Forget what you know about carnival celebrations—Barranquilla’s carnival is a hidden gem that rivals even Rio’s famed festivities. Starting in mid-January, the city bursts to life with vibrant costumes, electrifying music, and streets transformed into one giant celebration.
The “Battle of the Flowers” parade kicks things off, followed by the mesmerizing “Dance of the Caiman.” Whether you’re swaying to salsa beats or soaking up the infectious energy, February on Colombia’s Caribbean coast is a perfect mix of warm weather and fewer crowds, making it ideal for combining carnival fun with coastal exploration.
Travel tip: Pair your carnival visit with a trip to Cartagena—only a short journey away.
March: Stargazing Under the Tatacoa Desert’s Skies
If you’ve ever dreamed of an otherworldly escape, the Tatacoa Desert delivers. March’s clear skies create unbeatable conditions for stargazing near the observatory, where constellations shine bright over the surreal red rock formations known as the Laberintos de Cusco.
Take the 45-minute trail through this labyrinth of cracked earth and towering cacti—it’s like stepping onto another planet.
Must-do: Visit the desert at night for a celestial show that’ll leave you speechless.
April: Coffee, Birds, and Hot Springs in Zona Cafetera
Colombia’s coffee country is lush year-round, but April brings something special—coffee flowers in full bloom before the rainy season sets in. Tour world-famous plantations like Hacienda Venecia, learn about bean-to-cup craftsmanship, and sample some of the finest brews on earth.
It’s also prime time for birdwatching—keep an eye out for colorful toucans and hummingbirds. And don’t miss the rejuvenating hot springs near Santa Rosa de Cabal, where steaming waters meet jungle views.
Coffee plantation in Manizales, Colombia © Fotos593/Shutterstock
May: Celebrate Vallenato Music in Valledupar
Rain may be falling, but May is the perfect month to dive into authentic Colombian folk culture. The Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata in Valledupar is a UNESCO-listed celebration of Vallenato music—soulful accordion melodies and poetic lyrics that tell Colombia’s stories.
Join the dancing, cheer on the musicians in heated competitions, and let the rhythm carry you away.
June: Dive into the Rosario Islands’ Pristine Waters
June brings warm Caribbean waters with crystal-clear visibility—ideal for snorkeling or diving around the Rosario Islands. While showers may pop up, they’re short-lived, leaving plenty of sunshine to enjoy the coral reefs without the crowds.
Don’t miss: A sunset boat tour to witness glowing bioluminescent plankton—nature’s own light show.
July: Hike the Andes in Perfect Conditions
July is prime hiking season in Colombia’s Andean region. Medellín’s mild “Eternal Spring” temperatures (around 75°F / 24°C) make it the perfect base before venturing into Antioquia’s cloud forests and mountain trails.
Pro tip: For epic views, hike to Parque Arví’s miradores—the landscapes are breathtaking.
Medellin, Colombia — gateway to outdoor adventures © Shutterstock
August: Festival Fever
August is when Colombia’s cultural calendar really heats up. From the Feria de las Flores in Medellín—think parades of flower-laden silleteros—to Bucaramanga’s folkloric festivals, this month is packed with color, music, and tradition.
Whether you’re dancing in the streets or marveling at floral masterpieces, Colombia in August is pure joy.
Welcome to Medellín in August — when the city truly earns its nickname, the “City of Eternal Spring,” but with bursts of color you won’t believe. The Feria de Flores, or Flower Festival, is one of Colombia’s brightest spectacles, transforming the streets into a living botanical gallery.
Throughout the first two weeks of the month, local harvesters, proudly wearing traditional attire, parade intricate flower arrangements known as silleteros, some as towering and elaborate as sculptures. But it’s not just flowers — the festival pulses with music, street parties, and a joyous energy that captures the soul of the region.
If you love lifting your eyes to the sky, Villa de Leyva hosts its Festival del Viento y de los Cometas on the windiest weekend in August. Against a backdrop of colonial architecture and sweeping landscapes, the sky fills with colorful creative kites — a magical sight for visitors of all ages.
September: Best for Amazon Adventures
Thinking of a trip into the Amazon? September offers a special window. Yes, it’s the rainforest, so you’ll likely encounter showers. But the rain is often lighter than in other months, with temperatures a pleasant 73°F to 88°F (23°C to 31°C).
What makes September stand out is the water levels. After months of heavy rain, rivers begin to recede slightly — still high enough for canoe trips deep into flooded forests, but low enough to reveal riverbanks where wildlife emerges. This is your chance to spot caimans sunning themselves or exotic birds along the water’s edge.
October: Best for Pacific Coast Whale-Watching
Pack a raincoat — October along Colombia’s Pacific Coast can be wet, but the reward is an unforgettable wildlife encounter. This is the peak of humpback whale season in destinations like Nuquí.
Between June and November, thousands of humpback whales migrate to these warm waters to give birth and nurture their young. By October, you can witness mothers gently guiding their calves through the waves — an awe-inspiring experience that makes a little rain completely worthwhile.
Humpback whale in Colombia © Shutterstock
November: Best for Walks on the Wild Side in Tayrona National Park
November brings a special tranquility to Tayrona National Park. The rainy season is winding down, so while afternoon showers are still possible, they tend to be brief, leaving the jungle lush and vibrant.
Trails can be slippery, but with good shoes and a sense of adventure, you’ll be rewarded with incredible wildlife sightings and a sense of peaceful seclusion before the December crowds arrive. One of the most popular hikes leads to El Pueblito, an ancient indigenous village nestled in the heart of the park. And let’s not forget the beaches — pristine stretches of sand backed by dense forest and dramatic rock formations.
December: Best for Salsa Celebrations and Island Bliss
In December, Colombia knows how to celebrate. Cali, the salsa capital of the world, hosts the electrifying Feria de Cali from December 25th to 30th. The city comes alive with concerts, parades, and non-stop dancing.
If you prefer sun and sea, December is also the perfect time to escape to the islands of San Andres and Providencia. Crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and endless sunshine make it a tropical paradise — just remember, it’s peak season, so book early!
Johnny Cay, San Andres Island, Colombia © Shutterstock
When Is Rainy Season in Colombia?
Colombia’s climate varies by region, but generally, there are two main rainy seasons:
- First Rainy Season: April to June brings frequent and often heavy rainfall across most of the country.
- Second Rainy Season: October to November sees intense rainfall, especially in the Andean and Pacific regions.
The Amazon stays relatively wet year-round, but these months are noticeably rainier. Meanwhile, the Caribbean coast — including Cartagena and Santa Marta — enjoys a more defined dry season and milder rainy periods.
Bogota, Colombia © mehdi33300/Shutterstock
Festivals and Events in Colombia
Colombia’s calendar is packed with celebrations. Here’s a glimpse of some of the standout festivals throughout the year.
January
The Carnaval de Blancos y Negros, held in Pasto from December 28th to January 6th, is a UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure. Rooted in Andean and Hispanic traditions, the carnival brims with vivid parades, music, and symbolic celebrations of unity.
February
Join the party in Barranquilla for the second-largest carnival in South America. Weeks of dancing, vibrant costumes, and infectious rhythms take over the streets in a spectacle you won’t forget.
March
Semana Santa (Holy Week) is observed with deep reverence across Colombia. Especially moving are the nighttime processions, where communities gather to commemorate this sacred time.
Colombia’s Festive Spirit: A Month-by-Month Celebration Guide
From dynamic cities to pueblo mágicos, Colombia bursts with color and rhythm year-round. Let us show you when to catch the most unforgettable celebrations across this vibrant nation.
June: Folkloric Beats and Electric Riffs
As summer begins, Neiva transforms into a living showcase of Colombian heritage during the Festival Folclórico y Reinado Nacional del Bambuco. Late June brings streets alive with swirling skirts, traditional bamboo instruments, and dazzling beauty pageants celebrating Andean culture.
Meanwhile in Bogotá, headbangers rejoice! Rock al Parque electrifies the capital in June or July with some of Latin America’s most explosive rock performances – completely free of charge.
Golden treasures at Bogotá’s Museo del Oro © Milosz Maslanka/Shutterstock
July: Freedom Fever
Every July 20th, the entire country erupts in red, yellow, and blue for Colombia’s Independence Day. From Cartagena’s colonial plazas to Medellín’s modern streets, expect military parades, folk dancing, and contagious national pride.
August: City of Flowers in Full Bloom
Medellín earns its “City of Eternal Spring” nickname during the Feria de las Flores. August streets become floral wonderlands featuring the iconic silleteros parade – farmers carrying elaborate flower arrangements on their backs.
September-October: Jazz Riffs and Saintly Revelry
When September’s cool breezes arrive, Bogotá’s parks swing to life with internationally acclaimed musicians at Jazz al Parque. Don’t miss this open-air celebration of improvisation and rhythm.
As leaves turn gold in October, Quibdó erupts in the UNESCO-honored Feast of San Pacho (September 3-5). This Afro-Colombian cultural explosion features vibrant processions honoring St. Francis of Assisi.
November: Caribbean Color Explosion
Cartagena’s November 11th Independence celebrations will sear themselves into your memory. The Grand Parade transforms the walled city into a moving canvas of folkloric costumes, African drumbeats, and salsa rhythms.
December: Salsa Till Sunrise
Cap your year at the Feria de Cali – South America’s undisputed salsa capital. From December 25-30, the streets pulse with dance battles, live orchestras, and parties that welcome the new year with infectious energy.
Cartagena’s UNESCO-listed Old Town © Shutterstock
Need more Colombia inspiration? Discover top experiences across the country with our expert guides. For deeper exploration, grab a copy of The Rough Guide to Colombia or design your dream trip with our customizable itineraries.
Adventurous souls shouldn’t miss our essential guide to backpacking Colombia – your ticket to authentic pueblos, hidden beaches, and life-changing encounters.
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