What is the best travel time for Colombia in terms of climate?

Colombia is a fascinating country with a wide variety of landscapes, climates and activities. From tropical beaches on the Caribbean coast to the green hills of the Coffee Triangle and the mysterious rainforests of the Amazon, Colombia has it all. But what is the best time of year to visit the country? In this article, we explain Colombia’s climate and give you tips to make the most of your trip.

Colombia is close to the equator, giving the country a tropical climate. This means that temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year, depending on the altitude and region where you are. In Colombia, instead of four seasons, there are actually two:

• The dry season (verano): This season runs from December to March and from July to August.
• The rainy season (invierno): This season runs from April to June and from September to November.

Although the dry season sounds ideal, the rainy season also offers unique advantages, such as an exuberant green landscape and fewer tourists.

Here you will find everything you need to know about Colombia’s climate, best travel time by region and tips.

Best travel time by region

The Caribbean coast is warm and sunny year-round, with temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees. The dry season (December through March) is the most popular, as this is when there is little rain and the beaches are at their most beautiful. October and November see the most rain.

Tips:

• Going to Tayrona National Park, keep in mind the annual closure dates. In 2024, Tayrona will be closed from Feb. 1 to Feb. 15, June 1 to June 15 and Oct. 19 to Nov. 2.
• Visit Cartagena in January or February/March when the weather is perfect and you can enjoy the Hay Festival, (an international arts festival) or the Carnaval de Barranquilla.
• Going to the islands of San Andres and Providencia, keep in mind that these islands are located in the southern part of the hurricane belt. Het orkaanseizoen loopt van juni t/m november, maar orkanen komen in het Caribisch gebied het meest voor vanaf augustus.
• If you go to La Guajira go, avoid the months of May, October and November, when the roads quickly become impassable due to rain.

In the Andes, the climate is highly dependent on altitude:

• Bogotá (high altitude): Cool with average temperatures around 15 degrees. The driest months are December through February and July and August.
• Medellín (the “city of eternal spring”): Always pleasant, with temperatures around 22-24 degrees. The dry season (December to March) is ideal for activities
• Cali(the city of salsa): Cali is located in a valley. It is hot during the day (around 32 degrees) and the sun is bright. At night, a refreshing breeze provides some cooling. The temperature is about the same throughout the year

Tips:

• Plan your visit during the Flower Festival (Feria de las Flores) in Medellín in August!
• Go to Cali in September for the Festival Mundial de Salsa or around Christmas and New Year, for the Feria de Cali.
• Around Christmas, also visit Monserrate in Bogotá and Medellín, which is known for its extravagant Christmas decorations ” El Alumbrado”

The coffee region has a temperate climate, with an average temperature of around 20 degrees. It can get nice and warm during the day and cool off at night. The driest months are December through March and July and August, perfect for visiting coffee plantations and picturesque villages such as Salento and Filandia to visit.

Tip: Visit this region in October or November to see the coffee harvest up close!

The Amazon is humid and hot, with temperatures around 30 degrees. The hottest period is from August through November. The Amazon has a season of low water (June through November) and high water (December through May). With the high water, the river can be as much as 10 meters higher! The low-water period is perfect for trekking and animal spotting. The weather is drier with occasional showers. The high water actually offers the chance to explore rivers that are passable only then, an ideal season therefore for boat trips, kayak trips, waterfowl watching and dolphin sightings in Lake Tarapoto.

Tips:

• Always bring light, breathable clothing and a good raincoat, regardless of the season.
• Most rain falls in the month of March.

In the lowlands of Colombia it is hot and humid. The average temperature is around 27 degrees. The period from December to February is the driest and hottest. This is a good period to spot animals in Casanare, when animals gather at the water holes. The rainy season (June to November) is the best period to see the pink rivers in Caño Cristales and San José del Guaviare. Outside the rainy season, the rivers are dry.

Tip: If you go to the Llanos Orientales between June and November, the best chance for good weather is from July through September. There are fewer cloudy or rainy days then.

The region Chocó is one of the wettest places in the world, which makes for exuberant nature with dense jungle. It has the most sunshine and the least rain from January through March. This time is perfect for hiking in the jungle, taking boat trips and diving and snorkeling. The average temperature is around 26 degrees.

Tip: For a unique experience, head to Nuquí or Bahía Solano and El Valle to spot whales off the coast. During this period, humpback whales come to the Colombian coast to give birth to little ones.

Now that you know all about Colombia’s climate, the planning of your trip can begin. Here are some general tips:

• • Avoid the high season if you can: December to February and the week of Easter (Semana Santa) are busy periods. Book accommodation and tours well in advance if traveling during these periods
  • Check festivals and events: Colombia has many unique festivals that guarantee an extraordinary cultural experience!
  • Check the travel guides by destination for events in your favorite region and specific weather information
  • Prepare for rain: Even in the dry season, you can expect a rain shower. Bring a light raincoat.
  • Read articles with helpful tips for planning your trip to Colombia, including information on vaccinations, safety and more.

The best travel time for Colombia depends on the region you want to visit and the activities you want to do. In general, the dry months (December-March and July-August) are ideal for most destinations, but the rainy season can also be fine thanks to the beautiful green landscape and fewer tourists.

Whether you want to explore the beaches of Cartagena, taste coffee in the coffee region, or go on an adventure in the Amazon, Colombia is a fantastic destination all year round!

Plan your trip to Colombia today and discover why this country continues to surprise so many travelers!