Colombia (Cartagena)
Colombia · South America
The best time to visit Colombia (Cartagena) is January, February, March, and December. In summer, daytime highs average 33°C (91°F), with peaks around 34°C (93°F); in winter, nights average 25°C (77°F), dropping to around 22°C (72°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 10 hours per day — ideal for beach and outdoor activities.
Colombia (Cartagena) – What you should know
Cartagena on the Caribbean coast of Colombia has a tropical-dry climate with considerably less rain than the interior. The driest time runs from December to April: clear skies, pleasant sea breezes and temperatures of typically 28–32°C (82–90°F) make these months the ideal travel time for the UNESCO World Heritage city and the nearby Rosario Islands.
From May to November is the rainy season, though rain usually falls at night or in short showers. Beach days are largely sunny even during this period, and prices are considerably lower than in high season. The Caribbean water off Cartagena is typically 27–30°C (81–86°F) year-round and suitable for snorkelling and diving.
Colombia has a fascinating climatic diversity: while Cartagena lies in the tropical zone, Medellín (at 1,500 m (4,921 ft) altitude) enjoys eternal spring at 22–25°C (72–77°F) year-round. Bogotá (at 2,600 m (8,530 ft)) is even cooler and misty. Travellers in the country experience tropical coast, temperate highlands and tropical rainforest all within a few hours' drive.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 32° (90°)29– (84–)33 (91) | 32° (90°)29– (84–)33 (91) | 32° (90°)30– (86–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)30– (86–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)29– (84–)34 (93) | 33° (91°)29– (84–)34 (93) | 33° (91°)29– (84–)34 (93) | 33° (91°)29– (84–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)29– (84–)35 (95) | 32° (90°)28– (82–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)28– (82–)34 (93) | 32° (90°)30– (86–)33 (91) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 25° (77°)22– (72–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)23– (73–)26 (79) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)26 (79) | 26° (79°)24– (75–)27 (81) | 27° (81°)24– (75–)28 (82) | 27° (81°)24– (75–)28 (82) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)28 (82) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)28 (82) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)28 (82) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)23– (73–)27 (81) |
☀️Sunshine | 10h | 10h | 10h | 8h | 7h | 7h | 8h | 7h | 7h | 6h | 7h | 9h |
🌊Water Temp | 27° (81°) | 27° (81°) | 27° (81°) | 28° (82°) | 29° (84°) | 30° (86°) | 29° (84°) | 30° (86°) | 30° (86°) | 30° (86°) | 30° (86°) | 29° (84°) |
🌧Rain Days | 1d8mm (0.3") | 1d5mm (0.2") | 3d21mm (0.8") | 12d76mm (3.0") | 23d175mm (6.9") | 23d200mm (7.9") | 22d171mm (6.7") | 26d211mm (8.3") | 26d196mm (7.7") | 27d260mm (10.2") | 22d224mm (8.8") | 8d57mm (2.2") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
Colombia (Cartagena) has a pronounced rainy season: August, September, and October bring significantly more rainfall than the rest of the year — not ideal for a beach holiday.
April offers great weather in Colombia (Cartagena) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Colombia (Cartagena)
December – March
The best season: dry, 28–32°C (82–90°F), the colonial old town in warm light, boat trips to the Rosario Islands with clear water. Cartagena's walls and rooftop terraces in the evening sun.
April – November
Rainy season: afternoon showers, but Cartagena's Caribbean street life stays vibrant. Lower prices, fewer cruise groups, more authentic everyday life in Getsemaní.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Colombia (Cartagena)?
- The best time to visit Colombia (Cartagena) is January, February, March, and December. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Colombia (Cartagena)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Colombia (Cartagena) average 33°C (91°F), with peaks around 34°C (93°F); in winter, nights average 25°C (77°F), dropping to around 22°C (72°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Colombia (Cartagena) get?
- Colombia (Cartagena) has a pronounced rainy season: August, September, and October bring significantly more rain than the rest of the year. During the best travel period (January, February, March, and December), rainfall is much lower.
- How warm is the water in Colombia (Cartagena)?
- Water temperature in Colombia (Cartagena) ranges from 27°C (81°F) (February) to 30°C (86°F) (September). During the best travel months (January, February, March, and December), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JanFebMar
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JanFebMar
