Best Time to Visit Colombia: Complete Month-by-Month Travel Guide
Colombia is a year-round destination for tourism, and the elevation plays a large role in the weather for every region. Most people enjoy December to March, as well as July and August, because they tend to have less rainfall.
Your desired activities may be the deciding factor for when you choose to visit. Do you want to attend a certain festival, go hiking, or go during the low season to save money?
In this guide, we’ll break it all down for you:
Colombia and its changing seasons and altitudes.
The top times to travel to Colombia for its beaches, carnivals, wildlife, and cheapest flights.
A thorough analysis for each region: Colombia’s capital, Medellín, Cartagena, and the Amazon.
Highlights of each month to tell you what to expect.
Important festivals and travel secrets to help you along the way.
Let’s get started to find the perfect time for your Colombian adventure.
Colombia’s Seasons at a Glance
In many parts of the U.S., we experience four distinct seasons. In Colombia, the weather is more predictable by altitude. It has many microclimates, which contribute to its wildlife diversity.
Dry Season (Dec–March, July–Aug)
The best time to visit Colombia is during the dry season. Think December, March, July, and August. These months come with plenty of sunshine and much less rain. That makes everything easier, whether you’re
City-hopping
Relaxing on the beach
Planning a big hike
It’s also festival season. From Christmas and New Year fireworks to Easter celebrations, the country feels alive. Beaches are busy, streets are buzzing, and every town has something going on.
Rainy Season (April–June, Sept–Nov)
This is the rainy season in these months. At this time, you can expect rain in the afternoon or evening. While the Andes region tends to be wetter, these months transform the landscapes into lush, vibrant greenery.
This off-season can be beneficial for people with lower budgets. The other advantage of this time is that you will find fewer crowds than in any other month, and if you want to do activities that require a higher water level, then trust me, these months are for you.
How Altitude Affects Weather
In Colombia, altitude dictates temperature and rainfall more than the traditional seasons of other places.
Lowland areas (CARIBBEAN & PACIFIC COASTS, including Cartagena, AND THE AMAZON)
In the lowland areas, with hot weather conditions averaging 77-90 degrees Fahrenheit.. It’s a great time to enjoy a beach vacation, do your exploring in the morning before the heat of the day.
Highlands Areas (ANDES, INCLUDING BOGOTÁ, MEDELLÍN, AND THE COFFEE REGION)
Highland areas are much cooler, with temperatures ranging from 60-78Fahrenheit. This is ideal for those who enjoy spring-like weather, making outdoor activities easy.
High mountains and páramo areas (10,000-15,000 feet)
In the high mountains and páaramos, the weather can range from (32-54°F). This is a cold and windy climate, you’ll be glad you packed warm layers for outdoor activities.
As a country 1.6 times the size of Texas, with altitudes ranging from 0 feet to 18,000+ feet, the climate and temperature are very regional. Be sure to check the forecast for your exact destination in advance.
Best Time to Visit by Travel Intentions
Actually, Colombia offers sunny and rainy weather experiences for every type of traveller. But you have to first check the months in which your desired wishes of adventure can be fulfilled.
For Beaches & Coastal Trips
If you’re planning trips to go to beaches and coasts, then December-March and July-August are the perfect months for you. The reason is that these months are the driest months of Colombia, which offers travelers the calmest seas, bringing the best opportunity to sunbathe, swim, and snorkel.
Tip: If you prefer fewer rainy days, avoid September–November
For Hiking & Adventure
If your trip is all about hiking and adventure, then January–April and July–August are best for you because of drier roads for safer and easier navigation. But in the rainy months, those can be muddy and slippery, so avoid them during rainy months.
For Festivals & Culture
If you want to truly understand Colombian culture, visit during its duration, their festivals can be much better than anything else. Below you can find their most famous festivals by month.
February Festival: Barranquilla Carnival
March/April Festival: Holy Week
August Festival: Medellín Flower Festival
December Festivals: Cali Fair, Christmas celebrations
For Wildlife & Birdwatching
Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike will find themselves wowed by Colombia's unique species and tremendous biodiversity.
July to December means dryer seasons and lower Amazon River water levels. Thus, if you are up for some wildlife and birdwatching, this is a great time to be in the Amazon.
Whale watchers often reap great rewards from the Pacific Coast from July to September, when humpbacks come to breed and birth. Even in October, sightings, while fewer, are still quite plausible.
Tip: Early morning excursions are often best to spot animals and avoid crowds
For Budget Travel
If you want to save money, travel during the quieter times; the reason is that in those days prices for hotels and tours are usually lower.
These months are from April to June and September to November. It might rain more, but the showers usually do not last all day. Just bring a light rain jacket and plan some indoor fun just in case of rain.
Best Time to Visit by Region
Colombia's vast size and diverse geography mean its weather can vary from one region to another. So, if you are going to travel to a specific region, knowing about its weather can be helpful to plan an affordable trip.
Bogotá
Bogotá sits high up in the Andes, so it’s never really hot. It feels kind of like spring all year, but the temperature can drop fast. Best months? December to March, then again in July or August. Outside those times, it often rains in the afternoon, and the sky gets gloomy. Pack a jacket, maybe a hoodie too. Nights can surprise you with that mountain chill.
Medellín
They call it the “City of Eternal Spring.” And yeah, the weather’s almost always pleasant. Still, it’s a little better from December to March and July to August. April, May, September, and October get more rain, but nothing too crazy. If you’re here in August, don’t skip the Flower Festival; it’s everywhere in the city. December’s also special with the Christmas lights; they go all out.
Cartagena and the Caribbean Coast
Hot, humid, and tropical, no matter what month. The dry season (December to March, plus July and August) is best for beaches and exploring. April’s nice too. The rainiest stretch is May and September through November. This coast gets crowded during the holidays, Cartagena especially. But if you don’t mind the buzz, it’s fun.
Coffee Region
The green hills of the Coffee Region are great for coffee farm tours. The dry seasons (December to March and July to August) are ideal for visiting. The coffee plants bloom in April before the main rains come.
Amazon & Pacific Coast
These regions are a paradise for those who are wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts, and the best months are July–December due to their drier season, which is exactly needed to easily navigate to the river and spot wildlife.
If you’re considered about watching whales, then visit Colombia between July and September. The weather conditions in that region are between 25-30°C (77-86°F).
Festivals & Events in Colombia
Colombia's rich culture comes alive through its different festivals and carnivals. Planning your trip around these celebrations can make your visit an unforgettable experience.
Barranquilla Carnival (February)
One of the world's largest carnivals, it's a UNESCO-recognized spectacle of music, dancing, and colourful parades. You can expect traditional dances like cumbia and massive street parties here.
Tip: This is a peak tourist season event; book accommodations very early
Medellín Flower Festival (August)
A must-see for flower lovers and photographers. This iconic event showcases floral culture through spectacular parades, exhibitions, and street parties.
Tip: Combine your visit with city tours and nearby hikes in the Andes.
Cali Fair (December)
Cali, the salsa capital of the world, hosts its biggest celebration featuring
Intense salsa competitions
Live concerts
Traditional foods.
Tip: Consider taking a salsa class while you're there to truly immerse yourself in the experience
Holy Week (March/April)
You can experience Colombia's rich religious and cultural traditions through
Elaborate nighttime processions
Traditional ceremonies
Vibrant city life.
Popayán is particularly famous for its processions
Tip: Dates vary annually, so check the calendar beforehand
Christmas & New Year (December–January)
Colombians celebrate with enchanting light displays, festive markets, and family traditions. Medellín is renowned for its elaborate "Alumbrados" (Christmas lights). These festivals are celebrated in
Medellín
Bogotá
Cartagena
Villa de Leyva.
Tip: Dress warmly for evenings in high-altitude cities like Bogotá
Other Notable Festivals
Feria de Manizales (January): A coffee region fair with bullfights and music
Petronio Álvarez Festival (August/September): Celebrates Afro-Colombian music in Cali
Black & White Carnival (January): Celebrated in Pasto with colourful masks and parades, fighting against racism and representing cultural diversity
Hay Festival (January): A literature and arts festival in Cartagena
Festival Vallenato (April/May): Celebrates Vallenato music in Valledupar
Month-by-Month Breakdown
You can tell that Colombia is one of those countries that you can visit in any month of the year. That said, the experience you have is completely different depending on the month you choose to visit.
The weather, the various festivals, and even the general atmosphere of the city change every month. This is what the year looks like when you plan on going on a vacation to Colombia
January – Sunshine, Festivals, and Crowds
January is the peak of high season, which means that you should definitely brace yourself for the sun and all of the tourists. The Caribbean coast is filled with tourists, all of whom are attempting to escape the harsh weather.
Meanwhile, in Bogotá, the weather is cool and pleasant. While in Medellin, they get to experience the new year and watch the famous Christmas lights on display, which is a sight to see during this time of the year.
This time of the year is especially perfect for anyone who loves to hike. The Andes and Coffee Triangle are in their prime with perfect dry trails, green hills, and so much energy everywhere you look.
Further south in Pasto, they have the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos, which is probably one of the craziest festivals in the world. The Carnaval is extremely loud, filled with so much color, and a little bit overwhelming in the best way possible.
The biggest downside to booking a trip at this time of year is that you may have to pay a lot just to stay in a hotel. Cartagena is the most popular place to visit, and they have the highest price and a limited offer, which means you have to book the hotel ahead of time.
February – Carnival Fever
Colombia keeps the party rolling in February. The big one is Barranquilla’s Carnival—four days of dancing, parades, costumes, and general chaos. Honestly, it’s worth planning a trip around this alone.
Weather stays warm and sunny, especially along the coast. Crowds thin out a bit compared to January, though prices don’t drop much yet. Tayrona National Park usually closes for a few weeks for spiritual cleansing by the local Indigenous communities, so plan around that if it’s on your list.
March – Holy Week and Shoulder Season
March is a bit of a mixed bag. The dry season starts to fade in some places, but the Caribbean stays sunny.
Tourism usually dips this month, unless Semana Santa (Holy Week) falls in March. If it does, towns like Popayán come alive with processions and religious celebrations, and buses and hotels get crammed with local travelers.
If you like stargazing, head to the Tatacoa Desert—clear skies here are unreal.
April – Rains, but Don’t Panic
April brings showers, especially in Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. But don’t let that scare you off—most of the time it rains hard for an hour or two and then clears up. The Caribbean is usually still sunny.
Tourists are fewer, so prices drop. The Coffee Region looks amazing in April—lush, green, and peaceful. If Holy Week lands in April, expect the same packed buses and busy hotels as in March.
May – Wet, Wild, and Cheap
May is one of the wetter months, but it comes with perks. Rivers are high, which makes San Gil a hotspot for whitewater rafting. Landscapes everywhere look greener and more dramatic.
This is low season, so hotels and flights are cheaper. Cartagena still has plenty of life even when it rains. Think of May as the “adventure traveler’s month”—you’ll get bargains and fewer crowds, just bring a rain jacket.
June – Rainbow Rivers and Easier Weather
June feels like a reset. The Andes start drying out, and the weather improves for mountain hikes. The Caribbean is warm with some showers but plenty of sun too.
Caño Cristales, the famous Rainbow River, usually opens in June. It’s a surreal natural wonder—bright red, yellow, and green colors flowing through the water. Backpackers start arriving since Colombian students are on vacation, so expect a livelier vibe in hostels.
July – Mini Dry Season and Whale Watching
July is another great month. The weather’s friendly almost everywhere. Bogotá, Medellín, and the Coffee Region are dry and sunny. The Caribbean is hot and clear.
On the Pacific Coast, humpback whales arrive. Watching these giants leap out of the ocean is unforgettable. Prices are decent, crowds are lighter than in January, and conditions are perfect for hiking or exploring colonial towns.
August – Flowers, Kites, and Sunshine
August keeps the dry spell going. Medellín explodes with color during the Flower Festival—parades, music, and whole neighborhoods decorated with giant floral displays. In Villa de Leyva, the skies fill with kites at the Wind and Kite Festival.
Flights from Europe can get pricey this month since it’s summer there, but within Colombia, things are manageable. Whale watching is still going strong, and beaches are as tempting as ever.
September – Quieter, Wetter, Still Worth It
September means more rain, especially in the Andes and Caribbean. But it’s also quiet and cheap.
The Amazon is still a good call this month for wildlife watching. It’s also the last chance for whale watching on the Pacific. On the cultural side, Bogotá hosts Jazz al Parque, and Cali celebrates the Petronio Álvarez Festival with Afro-Colombian music and food.
October – Rain, Rain, and Green Everywhere
October is Colombia’s wettest month. Afternoon downpours can be intense, and sometimes flooding happens in the Andes or coastal regions. That said, the scenery is stunningly green.
Few tourists come this month, so prices are at their lowest. Whale season wraps up, and smaller towns lean into local festivals and traditions. If you don’t mind the rain, you’ll practically have Colombia to yourself.
November – Rains Ease, Cartagena Parties
November is still wet in many regions, but the Caribbean coast begins to dry out toward the end of the month. Bogotá and Medellín stay damp, while the Amazon remains excellent for wildlife.
The highlight? Cartagena’s Independence Day on November 11. The city throws itself into parades, music, fireworks, and street parties. Prices stay low most of the month, so it’s one of the best times for budget travelers.
December – Lights, Salsa, and Holiday Energy
December is pure magic. The dry season kicks back in, the Caribbean coast shines with perfect beach weather, and cities glow with holiday spirit.
It’s also peak season, so book early and expect high prices. Medellín’s Christmas lights are world-famous, whole neighborhoods shine with massive displays. Cali throws its annual salsa festival, the Feria de Cali, at the end of the month. Everywhere you go feels festive and alive.
Peak Season vs Off-Season Travel
The weather in Colombia changes every year, which changes crowds and prices. Depending on the shift, you save money or spend it in the centre.
Peak Season (December to March and July to August)
Most days are sunny and dry from December to March and from July to August. Because of this, hiking, going to the beach, and even going to festivals are possibilities.
Keep in mind, you won't be lonely since this time, the locals and the international visitors are extremely active. Expected prices on accommodation and flights, and even the most desirable locations during peak seasons.
Suggestion: If you plan on visiting during this time, buy a flight early, well in advance.
Off-season (April to June and September to November)
Most of the time, the showers, which are more common in April to June and September to November, are shorter in duration but heavier in intensity. Because the rains bring in the spring and summertime, this time is known as the off-peak season.
If you don’t mind a light rain, being flexible on your plans, and having an umbrella, this season is a dream.
Suggestion: Keep your plans flexible, and don’t forget to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella.
Shoulder Seasons
These months mark the twilight period between the dry and rainy seasons. You will see a blend of sunny mornings with the occasional afternoon drizzle. Tourists are not as numerous as during high seasons, but the place is not a ghost town, and prices are generally fair. It is the sweet spot, as the weather is nice, there are no crowds, and the area is calm and relaxed.
Tip: Good if you want decent weather without the peak prices.
Practical Travel Tips for Colombia
Planning a trip to Colombia isn’t hard, but a few smart moves can make your adventure smoother (and cheaper). Here’s what I’ve learned:
Flights & Stays
If you’re traveling in peak season (Dec–March or July–Aug), book flights and hotels early. Like months in advance if you want the good stuff.
Use flight comparison tools; Skyscanner, Google Flights, or whatever you prefer. Prices can swing a lot.
Festivals? Cities sell out fast. Don’t wait around to book.
Staying a little outside the main tourist zones can save you money, and it’s often just a short bus or taxi ride to the action.
What to Pack
For the coasts: light, breathable clothes. It’s hot.
For Bogotá and other high-altitude spots: layers. Mornings are sunny, nights get chilly.
Always bring a small rain jacket or umbrella. Showers come out of nowhere, especially in the rainy season.
Shoes matter. You’ll be walking cobblestone streets, hiking trails, and maybe even muddy jungle paths. Go comfy.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are musts. The sun hits harder at altitude.
If you’re heading into the Amazon or coastal jungles, don’t skip insect repellent. Trust me.
A reusable water bottle is handy, especially if you’re moving around a lot.
Safety & Holidays
Colombia’s pretty safe these days for travelers, but keep your head up. Big crowds = pickpocket risk. And avoid quiet areas late at night if you’re on your own.
Public holidays are huge here. Think parades, processions, and long weekends. They’re amazing to experience, but also mean packed buses and hotels. Independence Day, Christmas, and the Barranquilla Carnival are some of the busiest.
Visas & Entry
Most travelers from North America, Europe, and plenty of other countries don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
Your passport should have at least six months left before it expires—Colombian immigration checks that.
Travel insurance is worth it (medical costs can add up). If you’re visiting the Amazon, check vaccination requirements too.
Final Thoughts
The truth is, there’s no “bad” time to visit Colombia. It’s just about what you want. Sun and beaches? Festivals and parties? Or quiet hikes and wildlife watching? Plan around the weather and events, and your trip will be way better.
Want more help planning? Check out Colombia group tours to see the best spots by area, or Colombia birdwatching tour if you’re a nature and bird lover.
