Colombia

When to go to Colombia

In Colombia, the climate is determined more by area than the season. Generally speaking, the best time to travel to Colombia is from December to Easter, which are the drier months. However, they are the busiest. July to October is also a good time to go to Colombia. It remains warm throughout most of the country, and any rain is in the form of short afternoon or evening showers.

The Amazon is, of course, wet and humid all year round and in the highlands, the climate can be variable with cool nights. The lowland areas have their wettest months between April to June and October to November.

Cartagena hovers around 30° all year, with high humidity. Bogota averages 18°, and Medellin, being slightly lower, is known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ and is usually warm and dry all year round. In other words, take warm layers, thin cotton tops, beachwear, and definitely waterproofs!

January

High season throughout Colombia due to dry days and milder temperatures (although please remember this is still the tropics!). Busy with visitors making availability an issue – book ahead. Prices are also slightly higher. Cool evenings in the highlands.

February

High season throughout Colombia due to dry days and milder temperatures (although please remember this is still the tropics!). Cool evenings in the highlands. This is also carnival season, which means it is very busy with visitors – book ahead. Prices are also slightly higher. Tayrona National Park is often closed this month due to indigenous communities performing ceremonies here.

March

An excellent time to travel – towards the end of peak season yet still dry. The rains are beginning to appear in Los Llanos so activities and transfers will be adapted to suit conditions. Cool evenings in the highlands.

April

The wet season is starting to arrive. Both highlands and lowlands will experience some rain – although this is generally not persistent. Easter is widely celebrated making availability an issue.

May

The wet season. Both highlands and lowlands will experience rain – although this is generally not persistent.

June

The wet season. Both highlands and lowlands will experience rain, although this is generally not persistent. Tayrona National Park is often closed this month due to indigenous communities performing ceremonies here.

July

Known as the mini-dry season. Rain eases off in the highlands although it remains wet in Los Llanos (activities will be adapted). The Caribbean Coast is still a good option as any rain will be intermittent and it is beautifully hot. Alternatively head to the Pacific Coast when Humpback whales migrate here from Antarctica to mate and give birth.

August

Known as the mini-dry season, though still wet in Los Llanos (activities will be adapted). August is the month for Medellin’s famous flower festival – an incredible 10-day spectacle. The Caribbean Coast is still a good option as any rain will be intermittent and it is beautifully hot. Alternatively head to the Pacific Coast when Humpback whales migrate here from Antarctica to mate and give birth.

September

Generally drier with intermittent late afternoon showers. Still warm, this is considered low season, meaning fewer crowds and a quieter travel experience. Both Tayrona National Park and the Lost City Trail are closed this month due to indigenous communities performing ceremonies here. Humpback whales can be spotted from the Pacific shoreline.

October

Generally drier with intermittent late afternoon showers. This is considered low season, meaning fewer crowds and a quieter travel experience. On the Caribbean coast, it can get quite hot, often exceeding 28°C – great for relaxing on a beautiful beach. Humpback whales can be spotted from the Pacific shoreline.

November

Slightly wetter with any downpours occurring in the afternoon or evening. Still warm, this is considered low season, meaning fewer crowds and a quieter travel experience. Humpback whales can be spotted from the Pacific shoreline.

December

The start of the dry season. It is peak season throughout Colombia making availability an issue – book ahead. Prices are also slightly higher. Milder temperatures mean cool evenings in the highlands. An ideal time to travel.