When is the best time to visit Colombia? From December to March: this is the main dry season in the Andes (Bogotá, Medellín, the Coffee Region) and on the Caribbean coast (Cartagena, Santa Marta, Tayrona park). July and August form a second, shorter favorable window, with fairly dry weather in the Andes, but already showers on the coast.
Colombia is a tropical country close to the equator: temperatures vary very little from one month to the next. What changes is altitude (you go from 31 °C (88 °F) in Cartagena to 19 °C (66 °F) in Bogotá on the same day) and the rhythm of the rains. In the Andes, there are two dry seasons and two rainy seasons a year. On the Caribbean coast, a long dry season from December to April precedes a wet season that peaks in October. All the figures below are official 1991–2020 normals from IDEAM, the Colombian meteorological institute.
Our travel deals for Colombia
Affiliate links: we earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
FlightsKiwi.comCompare flights and airline combinations to Colombia.Compare flights- eSIMSailyAnother eSIM plan to compare: data, validity, network.See Saily plans
Safety and weather notes
- The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 15 October 2026, read on 26 October 2026) advises against all but essential travel to several regions, including the Venezuela border areas (all of Norte de Santander including Cúcuta, all of Arauca), parts of the Pacific coast (Chocó except Quibdó, Nuquí, Bahía Solano and Capurganá; the western part of Valle del Cauca including Buenaventura) and parts of the south near the Ecuador border and in Putumayo. It also advises against all travel to Venezuela’s border regions with Colombia and says not to use the Colombia-Venezuela land crossings.
- The FCDO says express kidnappings are common, often around ATMs and at night (use ATMs during business hours, inside a bank, supermarket or shopping center), and warns of criminals using drugs such as scopolamine to subdue victims.
- The FCDO says the Colombian government has officially declared an El Niño phenomenon, with a high probability of strong to very strong intensity until at least March 2027, which may bring unusually heavy rainfall, flooding and landslides, as well as higher temperatures, drought and wildfires.
- The situation can change: check the latest official advice before booking and during your trip.
When to go to Colombia at a glance
- Best overall period December to March, dry in the Andes and on the Caribbean coast
- Second window July–August, fairly dry in Bogotá, Medellín and Cali; the Caribbean coast starts to get showers
- Rainy seasons in the Andes roughly April–May and October–November
- Caribbean coast almost no rain from December to March; wettest month: October (236 mm (9.3 in) in Cartagena)
- Temperatures stable all year, about 19 to 20 °C (66 to 68 °F) in the afternoon in Bogotá, 27 to 29 °C (81 to 84 °F) in Medellín, 31 to 32 °C (88 to 90 °F) in Cartagena
- Peak season and high prices mid-December to mid-January, Holy Week, June–July (Colombian holidays)
- Safety whatever the season, check official advice for the areas you plan to visit (see the notes above)
When to go to Colombia by priority
- Best weather: January and February, the main dry season in the Andes and on the Caribbean coast
- Cheapest: May and September to November, the low-price months
- Fewest crowds: September, fairly dry in Bogotá, with few people and low prices
- Events: Barranquilla carnival in February or March, Holy Week in March or April, Feria de las Flores in Medellín in early August, Feria de Cali in late December
Colombia: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: January, February, June, July, August, September, December
Climate in Colombia month by month
The following table gives the normals for Bogotá (El Dorado airport, 2,547 m (8,356 ft) above sea level), where most international flights arrive. It reflects the rhythm of the Andes well: two dry seasons (December–February and June–September) and two rainy seasons. The Caribbean coast follows a different calendar, detailed further down.
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20.1 °C (68 °F) | 6.4 °C (44 °F) | 33 mm (1.3 in) | High | High in early January | The driest month ✅ |
| February | 20.2 °C (68 °F) | 7.6 °C (46 °F) | 51 mm (2.0 in) | Moderate | Moderate | Dry and sunny ✅ |
| March | 19.8 °C (68 °F) | 8.6 °C (47 °F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | Moderate (Holy Week in some years) | Moderate | Rains gradually returning ⚠️ |
| April | 19.5 °C (67 °F) | 9.6 °C (49 °F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | Moderate | Moderate | The wettest month ⚠️ |
| May | 19.4 °C (67 °F) | 9.6 °C (49 °F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) | Low | Low | Still rainy ⚠️ |
| June | 18.9 °C (66 °F) | 9.1 °C (48 °F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | High (Colombian holidays) | High | Less rain ✅ |
| July | 18.5 °C (65 °F) | 8.6 °C (47 °F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | High | High | Fairly dry, European holidays ✅ |
| August | 18.8 °C (66 °F) | 8.4 °C (47 °F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | Moderate | Moderate | Fairly dry, Medellín festival ✅ |
| September | 19.2 °C (67 °F) | 7.8 °C (46 °F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | Low | Low | Good compromise, few crowds ✅ |
| October | 19.4 °C (67 °F) | 8.3 °C (47 °F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) | Low | Low | Second rainy season ⚠️ |
| November | 19.4 °C (67 °F) | 8.6 °C (47 °F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | Low | Low | Rainy ⚠️ |
| December | 19.8 °C (68 °F) | 7.5 °C (46 °F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | Very high (holidays) | Very high | Start of the dry season ✅ |
In Bogotá, nights are cool all year (lows of 6 to 10 °C (43 to 50 °F)): bring a sweater and a rain jacket, even in the dry season. In the Andes, showers often fall in the afternoon; mornings generally remain usable for sightseeing.
The seasons in Colombia: pros and cons
There is no summer or winter in the European sense. Colombians speak of « verano » for dry periods and « invierno » for rainy periods. Their calendar depends on the region, but two main periods stand out for a trip combining the Andes and the Caribbean.
Main dry season (December to March): the peak season
This is the only period when almost the whole country is dry at the same time. In Cartagena, less than 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain falls a month from January to March, and barely more in Santa Marta. In the Andes, January is the driest month in Bogotá (33 mm (1.3 in)) and Cali (48 mm (1.9 in)).
- Pros: clear skies on the coast, calm sea, good conditions for Tayrona park and the Ciudad Perdida trek, mountain roads less exposed to landslides
- Cons: prices and crowds at their highest from mid-December to mid-January (Colombian school holidays), Cartagena accommodation full early
- Good to know: Holy Week (March or April depending on the year) is also a period of strong domestic demand
- Our tip: February and early March offer the same climate as January, with fewer people
Second dry season in the Andes (June to September)
In the Andes, rain drops markedly from June to September: 44 mm (1.7 in) to 57 mm (2.2 in) a month in Bogotá, and around 55 mm (2.2 in) in Medellín in July–August. On the Caribbean coast, the wet season has begun (more than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month in Cartagena from May), but the rain often comes as short storms.
- Pros: a good period for Bogotá, Medellín and Cali, coinciding with the northern summer holidays
- Cons: muggy heat and showers on the coast, crowds from Colombian holidays in June–July
- Who is it for? Travelers who can only go in summer and who favor the Andean cities and the Coffee Region
Rainy seasons (April–May and October–November)
These are the wettest months in the Andes: nearly 300 mm (11.8 in) in April and more than 320 mm (12.6 in) in November in Medellín, more than 250 mm (9.8 in) in Pereira from April to May and from October to November. On the Caribbean coast, October is the rainfall peak (236 mm (9.3 in) in Cartagena, 127 mm (5.0 in) in Santa Marta).
- Pros: very green landscapes, lower prices, fewer tourists
- Cons: mountain roads sometimes cut by rockfalls or landslides (the UK FCDO advises getting local advice before travelling on mountain roads after heavy rain), muddy hikes, less clear sea on the coast
- Who is it for? Flexible travelers, ready to adapt their itinerary day by day
When to go to Colombia by region
Altitude explains most of the temperature differences; position relative to the Andes and the sea explains rainfall. Here is a comparison of the normals for four much-visited cities:
| Month | Bogotá (2,547 m (8,356 ft)) | Medellín (1,490 m (4,888 ft)) | Pereira (Coffee Region) | Cartagena (Caribbean coast) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20.1 °C (68 °F) / 33 mm (1.3 in) | 27.9 °C (82 °F) / 141 mm (5.6 in) | 27.2 °C (81 °F) / 128 mm (5.0 in) | 31.1 °C (88 °F) / 0.5 mm (0.02 in) |
| February | 20.2 °C (68 °F) / 51 mm (2.0 in) | 28.3 °C (83 °F) / 149 mm (5.9 in) | 27.4 °C (81 °F) / 151 mm (5.9 in) | 31.1 °C (88 °F) / 0.3 mm (0.01 in) |
| March | 19.8 °C (68 °F) / 83 mm (3.3 in) | 28.2 °C (83 °F) / 251 mm (9.9 in) | 27.0 °C (81 °F) / 245 mm (9.6 in) | 31.2 °C (88 °F) / 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| April | 19.5 °C (67 °F) / 117 mm (4.6 in) | 27.8 °C (82 °F) / 300 mm (11.8 in) | 26.4 °C (80 °F) / 255 mm (10.0 in) | 31.7 °C (89 °F) / 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| May | 19.4 °C (67 °F) / 109 mm (4.3 in) | 27.9 °C (82 °F) / 239 mm (9.4 in) | 26.1 °C (79 °F) / 261 mm (10.3 in) | 32.0 °C (90 °F) / 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| June | 18.9 °C (66 °F) / 57 mm (2.2 in) | 28.3 °C (83 °F) / 87 mm (3.4 in) | 26.3 °C (79 °F) / 199 mm (7.8 in) | 32.3 °C (90 °F) / 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| July | 18.5 °C (65 °F) / 49 mm (1.9 in) | 28.6 °C (83 °F) / 56 mm (2.2 in) | 26.9 °C (80 °F) / 129 mm (5.1 in) | 32.2 °C (90 °F) / 121 mm (4.8 in) |
| August | 18.8 °C (66 °F) / 44 mm (1.7 in) | 28.7 °C (84 °F) / 53 mm (2.1 in) | 27.3 °C (81 °F) / 129 mm (5.1 in) | 32.2 °C (90 °F) / 128 mm (5.0 in) |
| September | 19.2 °C (67 °F) / 57 mm (2.2 in) | 28.1 °C (83 °F) / 115 mm (4.5 in) | 27.0 °C (81 °F) / 174 mm (6.9 in) | 32.1 °C (90 °F) / 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| October | 19.4 °C (67 °F) / 108 mm (4.3 in) | 27.3 °C (81 °F) / 276 mm (10.9 in) | 26.2 °C (79 °F) / 282 mm (11.1 in) | 31.7 °C (89 °F) / 237 mm (9.3 in) |
| November | 19.4 °C (67 °F) / 107 mm (4.2 in) | 27.1 °C (81 °F) / 327 mm (12.9 in) | 25.9 °C (79 °F) / 302 mm (11.9 in) | 31.5 °C (89 °F) / 178 mm (7.0 in) |
| December | 19.8 °C (68 °F) / 61 mm (2.4 in) | 27.3 °C (81 °F) / 244 mm (9.6 in) | 26.4 °C (80 °F) / 206 mm (8.1 in) | 31.4 °C (89 °F) / 45 mm (1.8 in) |
Bogotá and the Altiplano
Cool mountain climate: about 19 to 20 °C (66 to 68 °F) in the afternoon, 6 to 10 °C (43 to 50 °F) at night, all year. The driest periods are December to February and June to September. April–May and October–November exceed 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain a month, without making the city unusable. Villa de Leyva and Zipaquirá, a few hours away by road, have a similar climate.
Medellín and Antioquia
Medellín owes its nickname « city of eternal spring » to highs of 27 to 29 °C (81 to 84 °F) and lows around 17 to 18 °C (63 to 64 °F) all year. It does rain a lot there, though: more than 2000 mm (78.7 in) a year. The driest months are June to August (less than 90 mm (3.5 in)) then December to February; April, October and November are the wettest. The village of Guatapé, about two hours away by road, follows the same rhythm.
The Coffee Region (Pereira, Salento, Armenia, Manizales)
The coffee-growing region is the wettest of the major Andean tourist areas: even the « dry » months receive more than 120 mm (4.7 in) at Pereira. Aim for July–August or December to February for hiking in the Cocora Valley in better conditions. The main coffee harvest generally takes place in the last quarter of the year; ask the fincas if you want to see it. Get local advice before leaving the usual tourist routes.
The Caribbean coast (Cartagena, Santa Marta, Tayrona)
Hot all year (afternoon highs of 31 to 32 °C (88 to 90 °F) at Cartagena). The dry season is very clear-cut: from January to April, it barely rains in Cartagena or Santa Marta (45 mm (1.8 in) in December, the transition month), and the trade winds make the heat more bearable. The rains arrive in May and peak in October. Hurricanes and tropical storms are uncommon but can affect the Caribbean coast (UK FCDO, GOV.UK). For the Ciudad Perdida trek in the Sierra Nevada, the FCDO says to go only as part of an organized tour. Check current access and opening dates with Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia, the national parks authority, before booking Tayrona.
Which region of Colombia for which month?
This table summarizes the best period for each major region, based on the IDEAM normals and the advice detailed above.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogotá and the Altiplano | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ |
| Medellín and Antioquia | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ❌ | ⚠️ |
| Coffee Region | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ |
| Caribbean coast (Cartagena, Santa Marta) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ⚠️ | ✅ |
To plan your circuit, see our Colombia travel guide.
When to go to Colombia by trip type
| Trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| First trip (Andes and Caribbean) | December to March | Bogotá, Medellín, Coffee Region, Cartagena |
| Beach and Caribbean sea | December to April | Cartagena, Rosario Islands, Santa Marta, Tayrona |
| Summer trip (July–August) | July–August | Bogotá, Medellín, Coffee Region; coast as a complement |
| Hiking (Cocora, Ciudad Perdida) | December to March; July–August for the Andes | Salento, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta |
| Cities and culture | All year, avoiding April and October–November if possible | Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena |
| Budget | September to November (outside holidays) | Andes; Caribbean coast with rain |
| Festivals | January (Cali), February–March (Barranquilla), August (Medellín) | See the events table |
| Honeymoon | January to March | Cartagena, Rosario Islands, Coffee Region |
Major events in Colombia
| Period | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Late December | Feria de Cali (salsa, parades) | Cali |
| Early January | Black and White Carnival | Pasto (Nariño department; check current travel advice) |
| February or March, the four days before Ash Wednesday | Barranquilla carnival | Barranquilla |
| March or April | Holy Week (processions) | Popayán, Mompox, nationwide |
| Early August | Feria de las Flores (silletero parade) | Medellín |
| Late December – early January | Year-end holidays, Colombian holidays | Nationwide, especially the coast |
Colombia month by month: what to expect
Colombia in January: The driest month in the Andes (33 mm (1.3 in) in Bogotá) and on the coast (less than 1 mm (0.04 in) in Cartagena). Ideal, but the start of the month is still in high demand after the holidays.
Colombia in February: Excellent everywhere: dry on the coast, still little rain in the Andes. Barranquilla carnival falls in February in some years.
Colombia in March: Still dry on the Caribbean coast. Rains gradually return in the Andes (nearly 250 mm (9.8 in) in Medellín). Holy Week can fall in late March.
Colombia in April: The wettest month in Bogotá and Medellín. The coast stays decent early in the month. Prices falling after Easter.
Colombia in May: Rainy in the Andes and the start of the wet season on the coast (117 mm (4.6 in) in Cartagena). Few tourists.
Colombia in June: Rains decrease markedly in the Andes. Start of the Colombian holidays late in the month.
Colombia in July: A good month for Bogotá, Medellín and Cali. On the coast, heat and showers (about 120 mm (4.7 in) in Cartagena). Holiday crowds.
Colombia in August: Among the driest months in Medellín (53 mm (2.1 in)) and Bogotá (44 mm (1.7 in)), with the Feria de las Flores in Medellín. Hot, stormy coast.
Colombia in September: Still fairly dry in Bogotá and Cali, few people, gentle prices. Rains increase on the coast.
Colombia in October: Second rainy season in the Andes and rainfall peak on the Caribbean coast (236 mm (9.3 in) in Cartagena). The least favorable month for a full circuit.
Colombia in November: Very rainy in Medellín (327 mm (12.9 in)) and the Coffee Region; the coast starts to dry out late in the month.
Colombia in December: Start of the dry season everywhere. Festive atmosphere, but prices at their highest from mid-December.
When to book your trip to Colombia
For the Christmas to New Year period and for Holy Week, book your flights 4 to 6 months ahead: these are also Colombian holidays, and accommodation in Cartagena and Santa Marta fills up quickly. The same logic applies to July. Outside these periods, 2 to 3 months is generally enough. For domestic travel, also book flights ahead. Bogotá, Cartagena and the coffee region are shown on our map of Colombia.
Planning your trip to Colombia
- Entry requirements: rules vary by nationality. See our entry requirements for Colombia.
- Time difference: Colombia is on UTC−5 all year, with no daylight saving time.
- Currency: the Colombian peso (COP). Use our currency converter to estimate your budget.
- Health: the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 15 October 2026) lists yellow fever, Zika, malaria, dengue and chikungunya among the health risks in Colombia, and says altitude sickness is a risk in parts of the country, including Bogotá. It also says you must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from certain countries with a transmission risk, and may be asked to show it if travelling to areas considered high risk. Check the latest recommendations before you go.
- Altitude: Bogotá is at more than 2,500 m (8,202 ft). Plan a quiet first day and drink plenty of water.
- Emergencies: the emergency number for ambulance and police is 123 (UK FCDO, GOV.UK).
To go further, see our complete Colombia travel guide. To compare with another Andean country, see also when to go to Peru.
Still undecided on the date? Compare with our selections where to go in December, in January and in August, or with the best time to visit Bolivia if you extend your trip in the Andes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Colombia?
January and February are the most favorable months for a circuit combining the Andes and the Caribbean coast: this is the main dry season in both regions. February also avoids the heavy crowds of the year-end holidays.
Can you go to Colombia in July or August?
Yes. This is the second dry season in the Andes: Bogotá and Medellín then receive less than 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain a month. On the Caribbean coast, it is hot and storms break out regularly, without preventing a stay.
When should you go to Cartagena?
From December to April, when it hardly rains (45 mm (1.8 in) in December, then less than 20 mm (0.8 in) a month from January to April according to the IDEAM normals). October is the wettest month, with about 236 mm (9.3 in).
When is the rainy season in Colombia?
In the Andes, there are two rainy seasons: roughly April–May and October–November. On the Caribbean coast, the wet season runs from May to November, with a peak in October.
Is it cold in Bogotá?
It is cool: about 19 to 20 °C (66 to 68 °F) in the afternoon and 6 to 10 °C (43 to 50 °F) at night, all year, because of the altitude (more than 2,500 m (8,202 ft)). Bring a sweater and a waterproof jacket.
What is the cheapest time to go to Colombia?
September to November (outside long weekends and holidays) and the period after Easter, outside the Colombian holidays. Prices are at their highest from mid-December to mid-January.
Is going to Colombia in December a good idea?
Yes for the weather: it is the start of the dry season in the Andes and on the Caribbean coast. But prices are at their highest from mid-December to mid-January: book early.
What is the weather like in Colombia in October and November?
These are the wettest months: October marks the rainfall peak on the Caribbean coast (236 mm (9.3 in) in Cartagena) and November is very rainy in Medellín (327 mm (12.9 in)) and the Coffee Region. It is the least favorable period for a full circuit.
Our sources
- Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales (IDEAM): 1991–2020 climate normals for the stations of Bogotá (El Dorado), Medellín (Olaya Herrera), Pereira (Matecaña), Cartagena (Rafael Núñez), Santa Marta (Simón Bolívar) and Cali (Alfonso Bonilla Aragón), consulted through the Wikipedia climate tables that cite them
- Safety, health, weather and emergency information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Colombia (GOV.UK, updated 15 October 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
