Best Time To Visit Colombia
Here’s a handy guide to Colombia’s seasons
One of the important things to consider when planning your Colombia vacation is the weather. This guide can help you decide on the ideal time for you to visit to enjoy a comfortable and memorable trip.
Set on the equator, most of Colombia experiences a tropical climate with a few seasonal variations. In the low-lying coastal areas to the North, especially near Cartagena and Barranquilla, expect temperatures ranging around 86°F throughout the year. As you journey towards the mountains, the temperature naturally changes according to the altitude – the higher you climb, the colder it gets.
The best times to visit Colombia are the two dry season phases. The first is between December and March, and the second is between July and August. The temperatures are relatively lower and rainfall is minimal, which makes it ideal for exploring Colombia’s cities, historic ruins and iconic coffee plantations.
Best Time to Visit
OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- Discover the lush Coffee Region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with flora and fauna, plantations and villages
- Live the El Dorado dream at the Museo del Oro of Bogota, where ancient artifacts and 55,000 pieces of gold find pride of place!
OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- Be part of the Barranquilla Carnival, where, four days before Ash Wednesday, there are parades, dancing and of course partying!
- Make a trip to Santa Marta, the oldest colonial city of South America.
OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- Head to the ‘White City’ of Popayán to witness the spectacular religious processions during the Semana Santa (Holy Week) especially on Maundy Thursday
OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- Spring-like conditions make this a good time to visit Medellin with its hip nightlife, public art installations and sculptures of celebrated Colombian artists
OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- Discover, Villa de Leyva – surrounded by Andean peaks and foothills, the peaceful little town is a popular weekend getaway from Bogota
OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- See Cartagena’s lively, cobbled streets, architecture, colorful facades, trendy cafes and boutiques
OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- Lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, tranquil lagoons, hidden coves and archaeological wonders await you at Tayrona National Park
- Step back in time at Colombia’s colonial cities such as Barichara, Finlandia and Salento
OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- Not much rainfall makes this a good time to hike in the Cocora Valley with its majestic wax palm trees and picturesque valleys
- In Medellin, witness the Feria de Flores or the Flower Festival. Expect streets dotted with magnificent flower displays, live music and festivity!
OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- Visit the San Agustin Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the largest collection of megaliths and monuments in all of South America!
OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- Follow in the wake of the Magdalena River – one of the greatest rivers in South America and the lifeline of Colombia
- Visit the town of Pitalito – renowned as the largest producer of coffee in Colombia – in the fertile Magdalena River valley.
OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- The first two weeks of October in Cartagena are full of festivities, parades and parties, celebrating Independence in the city
OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- See Bogota’s numerous national monuments and cultural landmarks and vibrant markets, and feast on local delicacies
- With the rains receding, visit the pulsating city of Bucaramanga with its numerous parks, art galleries, churches, museums and delightful shopping and eating experiences
Best Time to Visit Colombia by Season
October to November (Low Season) – Due to heavy rainfall, flash floods are common in Cartagena and the Caribbean shore. This is a great time for hiking in the Amazonas due to the low water levels.
March to September – Some cities such as Cali, Bogota and Medellin suffer a second bout of rainfall at this time, especially in the month of May. April is the best time for whale-watching in Cartagena, when the beautiful humpback whales travel here to nest and rear their young.
December to March (High Season) – Expect gorgeous sunny skies and warm weather, especially in the Andean regions.
What to Pack
Due to the wide range in temperatures between each region, we advise you to bring several layers of clothing for your Colombia tour, which you can quickly put on or pull out according to the weather.
In the cities: Light dresses are perfect for the city or for excursions during the day.
In the jungles: Please wear long-sleeved tops, shirts and pants to protect yourself and bring a light umbrella. It is a good idea to carry a small, waterproof backpack during walks and hikes, along with sturdy shoes, swimsuit, a small towel, sunblock and insect repellent.
Our experts can recommend the best time for your Colombia vacation and suggest unique things to do in Colombia. Get in touch with us for your personalized, obligation-free itinerary.
Discover the best time for your Colombia vacation with further inputs from our experts. We’ll advise you on when to visit and plan an unforgettable vacation customized entirely to your interests.
From the Blog
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Best Places To Visit
Things To Do
From pristine beaches in Tayrona National Park to grand, colonial cities such as Cartagena and Bogota, the mythical road to El Dorado and the pulsating beats of tango and salsa – our Colombia luxury tours introduce you to a world of treasures.
Culture
Descended from a mix of European, Asian and native Indian ethnic groups, Colombia’s diverse mix of cultures is evident in the country’s heritage, music, arts and cuisine. Plan your culture tour of Colombia with tips from our experts.
Travel Guide
What are the most important things to keep in mind while planning your Colombia luxury tours? Is it safe to exchange money in the country? How to obtain a Colombian visa? Find answers to all these questions and more in our Colombia travel guide.
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What Our Guests Say
What Our Guests Say
“We use Enchanting Travels a few times a year, and they never disappoint. I often have a few custom requests for sightseeing, and they’re always accommodating and enthusiastic about having a client scout out some place new. I have 2 more trips booked with them on the calendar in the 12 months ahead. This will have been my 6th trip using them and have never had any issues.”
James Coyne, February 2025 Rating 5/5
“We had a phenomenal experience on our trip to Colombia! The planning phase of the trip was seamless given that Katie had worked with us before and knew exactly what we enjoyed, which allowed her to put together an itinerary that suited us perfectly. The trip provided a lot of variety – from exploring big cities such as Medellin and Bogota, to hiking in the Cocora Valley in the coffee region and relaxing in the Caribbean city of Cartagena, each location felt like its own trip. We loved the different experiences we had, including street food tours, museum visits, hiking/nature exploration and learning about the fascinating history of the country. We would 100% recommend both Colombia and Enchanting Travels.”
Lindsay Alanna Antenucci, January 2025 Rating 5/5
“Incredible agency that pulled together an incredible trip with thoughtful details. Everyone’s seamless and safe, letting me fully enjoy the adventure. The price was 100% worth it!”
Adriana Davila, October 2023 Rating 5/5
“Our trip to Colombia was absolutely amazing! Every detail was organized, and the local guides were excellent! The hotels, excursions, food, and travel details were perfect. There was excellent communication from the team during the entire process, and we were able to navigate smoothly even when traveling with two small kids. We had a wonderful vacation and will absolutely be booking with Enchanting Travels again!”
Aakriti Carrubba, July 2023 Rating 5/5
“Enchanting Travels kept in touch everyday. There was a day we wanted to change itinerary and Kevin got that arranged right away and kept us informed.”
Kim Clausen, February 2023 Rating 5/5
“Enchanting Travels was a dream to work with and I highly recommend! They created a custom trip and really listened to everything we wanted to incorporate and took care of all the details from start to finish. The hotels, activities and guides they vetted were all incredible. I look forward to planning another vacation with them!”
Yuka Kobayashi, January 2023 Rating 5/5
