The Best Time to Visit Colombia: Month-by-Month Travel Guide
Colombia truly is a year-round destination. Thanks to its equatorial location and diverse geography, from the Amazon rainforest to the towering Andes and the sunny Caribbean coast, Colombia doesn’t have the classic four seasons. Instead, travelers will experience regional weather patterns and microclimates that change dramatically depending on where you go.
Whether you’re hoping to explore the colorful streets of Cartagena, wander the coffee plantations of the Eje Cafetero, or venture into the untamed plains of the Orinoquía for a Safari Llanero, timing your trip can make a big difference.
In this month-by-month guide, you’ll learn:
- When the weather is best in each region
- The biggest festivals worth traveling for
- The ideal months for adventure, culture, or simply relaxing
- Tips for finding the best travel deals
Colombia’s Climate Zones Explained
Colombia’s weather is shaped by three main factors: altitude, regional geography, and rainfall patterns.
| Region | Cities & Highlights | Climate | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caribbean Coast | Cartagena, Santa Marta, Barranquilla, San Andrés | Hot and humid, avg. 28–32°C (82–90°F) | Sea level |
| Region | Cities & Highlights | Climate | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andean Highlands | Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Coffee Region | Bogotá: cool (12–19°C); Medellín: mild (21–28°C) | Bogotá ~2,600 m; Medellín ~1,500 m |
| Region | Cities & Highlights | Climate | Altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon & Orinoquía | Leticia, Casanare, Caño Cristales | Hot and humid year-round | Lowlands |
Best Time to Visit by Region
Medellín: The City of Eternal Spring
Climate: Pleasant and mild year-round, with average temperatures around 21–28°C (70–82°F). Even in wetter months (April–May and September–November), rain often comes as short afternoon showers.
Best months: December–March and July–August, when conditions are drier.
Cultural highlights: Feria de las Flores (August), Medellín Design Week, and spectacular Christmas light displays in December.
Medellín’s balanced climate, modern vibe, and traditional charm make it a reliable destination in any season.
Bogotá & the Andean Highlands.
Climate: Cool days and chilly nights, with average highs of 18–20°C (64–68°F). Weather changes quickly — sunny mornings can turn into rainy afternoons.
Best months: December–March and July–August, when rainfall is typically lower.
What to do:
- Explore Bogotá’s museums and colonial center
- Visit the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá and the cobbled town of Villa de Leyva
- Discover the San Agustín Archaeological Park in Huila, home to the largest collection of pre-Columbian stone statues in Latin America
Tip: Pack layers — a warm jacket for mornings and evenings, plus sunscreen for when the sun comes out.
San Agustín’s landscapes are especially lush after the rainy season, and fewer tourists make it a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Cartagena & the Caribbean Coast
Climate: Hot and tropical all year, with average highs around 30°C (86°F) and high humidity.
Best months: December–April is the dry season with sunny skies. From May–November, expect short but intense afternoon showers.
Cultural events: Barranquilla Carnival (February–March), Cartagena International Film Festival (March).
Even during wetter months, mornings usually stay bright and ideal for sightseeing or beach time. Hotel prices can be lower in the rainy season too.
Eje Cafetero (Coffee Region)
Climate: Warm days near 24°C (75°F) and cooler evenings. Showers keep the lush landscape green and vibrant.
Best months: December–March and July–August see lower rainfall.
Experience: Tour coffee farms, hike among the towering wax palms in Cocora Valley, and visit colorful colonial towns like Salento and Filandia.
Even in wetter months, rain rarely lasts all day, and the mist over the hills adds to the region’s charm.
Amazon & Orinoquía (Safari Llanero)
Amazon (Leticia): Best from July–September when river levels drop, making wildlife spotting easier.
Casanare & Safari Llanero: Ideal during the December–March dry season, when vast plains reveal wildlife like capybaras, caimans, giant anteaters, and countless bird species.
Other highlights: Visit Caño Cristales (June–November), “The River of Five Colors,” when aquatic plants turn the riverbed into a mosaic of red, pink, and green.
These regions especially reward adventurous travelers who time their visits with unique natural events.
| Month | Weather notes | Top events & experiences |
|---|---|---|
| January | Dry season; sunny Caribbean beaches | Blancos y Negros Carnival in Pasto |
| February | Still dry; great for cities & beaches | Barranquilla Carnival |
| March | Dry continues; Holy Week approaches | Holy Week processions |
| April | Start of rainy season in some areas | Lower prices; green landscapes |
| May | Rainier; cooler | Quiet cultural travel |
| June | Rain easing in Andes | Best time to visit Caño Cristales (starts) |
| July | Drier; great in Andes & Llanos | Feria de las Flores prep in Medellín |
| August | Drier; festival season | Medellín’s Feria de las Flores |
| September | Rainier; wildlife viewing in Amazon | Whale watching (Pacific coast) |
| October | Still rainier; lush landscapes | Whale watching continues |
| November | Rains taper; start of dry | Cartagena Independence Festival |
| December | Dry season begins; busy holidays | Christmas lights in Medellín, Bogotá, Cali |
Medellín, Bogotá & Cartagena: Great Choices All Year
These three destinations are Colombia’s most reliable options, whatever the month:
- Medellín: Mild temperatures, cultural life, modern dining, and public art.
- Bogotá: Museums, architecture, historic neighborhoods, and day trips to nearby Andean towns.
- Cartagena: Colonial beauty, Caribbean cuisine, nightlife, and nearby islands.
Rain rarely stops daily activities, and direct flights connect these cities easily.
| Festival | Month | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Carnaval de Blancos y Negros | January | Pasto |
| Barranquilla Carnival | February–March | Barranquilla |
| Holy Week processions | March–April | Popayán & nationwide |
| Feria de las Flores | August | Medellín |
| Whale watching season | July–October | Pacific Coast |
| Cartagena Independence Festival | November | Cartagena |
| Christmas light displays | December | Medellín, Bogotá, Cali |
Festivals bring cities to life — but plan ahead, as hotels fill quickly.
Final Thoughts: No Wrong Time to Visit Colombia
From Cartagena’s colonial streets to Medellín’s creative energy, Bogotá’s cultural richness, the Coffee Region’s green valleys, and the Amazon’s biodiversity, Colombia is a country of micro-seasons and surprises.
The key is to decide what matters most to you: sunniest days, cultural festivals, wildlife encounters, or the quiet calm of off-peak months.
Ready to Plan Your Colombia Trip?
Check out our curated Colombia travel packages and discover the best of Bogotá, the Coffee Region, San Agustín, Safari Llanero in Casanare, and Caño Cristales all with trusted local guides and personalized itineraries.