When Is The Best Time To Visit Colombia? – Your 2025 Guide

Are you eager to travel again? Possibly in a South American country where scenic views and exciting activities meet a vibrant culture and bustling nightlife? We’re here to guide you with that! Read on to know when is the best time to visit Colombia.

The post-Covid travel landscape is constantly evolving, and tourism once again seems to be picking up pace. Colombia is one of the travel destinations with great tourism potential with its rich culture and diverse landscapes. 

If you plan to visit Colombia, you won’t get enough of its scenic jungles, exquisite beaches, pristine water, and vibrant city life. However, like any other traveler, you may be wondering what the best time to visit Colombia is. 

This article provides guidelines that will help you decide when to book that plane ticket and pack your bags. Without any further ado, let’s get started!

Best Time To Visit Colombia Month by Month 

When would be the best time to visit Colombia? You need to consider multiple factors before making your decision. While it depends on when you can take the time to step back and get away for a few days, you would also want to make the most out of your trip.

There are many aspects to consider including which climate you prefer, the activities you want to do, the places you want to visit, or any specific festivals you want to attend.

Let’s break it down month by month to help you decide which time of the year would suit you the most. But before we get started, let’s look at what kind of climate Colombia has during the year.

Climate in Colombia

Colombia has diverse geographic landscapes and a mix of beaches, forests, and deserts, so you can expect to experience a change in temperatures in different parts of the country. You may think that the country has a higher temperature, considering it is generally closer to the equator, but the climate usually remains tropical with a few seasonal variations. 

The country is divided into five regions: the Amazon, the Andes, Los Llanos, and the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The Amazon and the Pacific coast generally have high temperatures with a humid climate. Los Llanos, like the Caribbean, has low humidity but a warm temperature, while you can expect to experience pleasant spring-like weather in the Andes. 

The best time to visit Colombia would depend on which region you are interested in.

Visiting Colombia in Spring: March, April, and May

Weather

The months of March until May are what they call the rainy season in Colombia. It can be considered a good time to visit Colombia; given that there will be fewer tourists around, it would be quieter and less crowded. 

It will start up with little rain in March, increase through April, and will be at its peak in May.

Activities 

You might not be able to go trekking during downpours, so you may have to plan accordingly if this activity is something you want to do. 

On the plus side, spring is less windy compared to other months, so you may be able to have enjoyable boat trips, specifically on the Caribbean side, as the pleasant tides are quite suitable for boating. It is also a good time for surfing along the Pacific coast.

May is another story, as there will be frequent rains, especially if you visit regions like Bogota, Cali, and Medellin. But you can visit places like Guatape or Cartagena where only fewer tourists are around.

Additionally, if you want to avoid the rainy weather, consider visiting San Andrés and Providencia during May. The Pacific coast is ideal this month if you are also interested in fishing.

Festivals

The end of March marks the beginning of the Holy Week. As a tourist, this means there will be many cheaper accommodations since most locals are on vacation. If you want to experience the religious activities during the Holy Week, Jericho and Popayan are the places to be.

You can also visit Acandi in Capurgana to see the leatherback turtles lay eggs in March and April. 

If you’re a fan of movies, you can check out Festival International de Cine, held in Cartagena in March. It showcases numerous Latin American movies to the spectators and juries. 

For those who want to experience the music scene, consider the Festival Nacional de la música Colombiana in Ibague if you are there in March. In April, you can also check out the Vallenato Festival, a popular music festival if you visit the Caribbean coast. 

We also recommend checking out the Baum Festival if you are in Bogota in May. You will have fun partying with the DJs in the famous discotheque.

Visiting Colombia in Summer: June, July, and August

Weather

While it is quite sunny during July and August, there is occasional rain during June. If you scheduled your visit in June but want to avoid the rain, staying on the Caribbean side is better. 

Activities 

The Caribbean coast is a good place to be in June if you do not want rain; however, it can get very crowded as tourists begin coming in. As more tourists enter the country, the rush increases, so if you are opposed to crowded places, steer clear of that area. 

You can go diving in places like Rosario Islands, Capurgana, or Rincon del Mar. If you are the adventurous kind, consider kayaking through the Amazon. Since the Caribbean coast gets crowded in July, consider staying on the Pacific coast and visiting beautiful places like Guachalito. 

You can view the turtles laying eggs on the Pacific coast or see the humpback whales give birth. You can also consider taking boat tours on the water.

Festivals

Suppose you are traveling in July or the subsequent months. In that case, you cannot miss visiting the Caño Cristales, a beautiful river in the Serranía de la Macarena national park, located in the province of Meta in Colombia. The beautiful river, touted as the “liquid rainbow”, is nothing less than a natural wonder; you won’t regret one second of the time you are there.

July also marks the opening of Rock al Parque. It is a three-day rock music festival in the Simon Bolivar Park in Bogota.

If you visit in August and arrive in Medellin, you will enjoy the Feria de la Flores, a beautiful ten-day festival full of colorful flower parades. Another festival is the Festival del Viento y las Cometas, a kite festival in Villa de Leyva, a small heritage town in Colombia.

Visiting Colombia in Autumn: September, October, and November

Weather

September marks the return of the rainy seasons, with occasional rains during the afternoon. The frequency of the rain increases as we enter October, while November is when Colombia receives the most rain. Therefore, if you visit during these times, stay on the Caribbean side of the country and away from the Pacific coast regions.

Activities

As rain increases, the number of tourists begins to decrease so you will enjoy visiting places that are otherwise very crowded like Guatape, Cartagena or Tayrona. 

You can visit the beautiful Caño Cristales or go backpacking through the Tayrona National Park. The beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains is bound to mesmerize you. 

You may also enjoy the beautiful deserts in the Cabo de la Vela. Similarly, if you are traveling in October, you may enjoy visiting Bogota for swimming and the waterfalls. The Amazon rainforests are beautiful during this time of the year. A tour of the Canyon may also be on the cards.

If you plan to visit in November, you will be pleasantly surprised by the low airfares and reduced hotel prices as it is not, particularly, a tourist season. Cali and Medellin are perfect for touring in November. You may also enjoy visiting the village of Guatape.

Festivals

In September, if you are in Cali, you may enjoy visiting the Festival Petronio Alvarez, a cultural festival with delicious food and music. Similarly, Bogota has free jazz concerts, while San Andres hosts the Festival de la Luna Verde, a cultural festival highlighting Creole heritage.

In October, the free jazz concerts are replaced by hip-hop concerts in the parks. Another festival to look out for is the Tatacoa Festival in the Tatacoa desert. The Caño Cristales closes in November, so consider visiting before it does if that is on your plan. 

Visiting Colombia in Winter: December, January, and February

Weather

As we head towards the year-end, rains cease, and the sunny days return. The Caribbean coast tends to get windy as January approaches, with a little heat during daytime if you are out and about. February features mostly sunny days, a time when many sun lovers venture out to the beaches on the Caribbean coast.

Activities 

Many regions, like Cali, Bogota, and Medellin, put up festive displays during the Christmas and New Year holidays. However, famous tourist spots can be quite crowded, so you may want to stay away from such places. 

If you want to steer clear of the crowds, stay on the Pacific side, where you will find numerous activities to do in Cali and Pasto. 

February is a good time to enjoy the sun if you are on the Caribbean side. You can go for water-based activities or hike in the Los Nevados.

Festivals

If you happen to visit in December, Villa de Leyva puts up a beautiful fire show at the beginning of the month. Similarly, while Cali’s Christmas lights are a major reason to visit, its salsa festival Feria de Cali is another reason to visit between Christmas and New Year.

If your trip extends beyond New Year’s Eve, you can consider visiting the Pasto to witness the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos, the Festival celebrating cultural diversity. There are parades during the daytime, and people throw eggs and flour at each other at night, followed by dancing and drinking. 

Another festival is the Hay Festival, an art and literature festival in Cartagena. If you are in Cartagena in January and have a penchant for classical music, consider visiting the Festival de Música Clásica.

Additionally, if you are on the Caribbean side, visit the Carnival de Barranquilla, one of the largest carnivals in the world celebrating folklore.

Best Period for Tourism in Colombia

As suggested earlier, the best period to travel to Colombia would depend on the region you want to visit. There are many places to explore and activities to do in Colombia, and as a tourist, you may have several options to consider, given your interests and hobbies. 

Here are a few activities tourists prefer to do in Colombia, and we have listed the best time to visit for those activities.

Activity	Best time to visit
Whale watching on the Pacific coast	From the end of June to the middle of October
Turtles laying eggs on the Pacific coast	From June until August
Trekking in Tayrona National Park	The park is open throughout the year, except for the end of January till February end for maintenance.
Trekking in Los Nevados National Park	From July until August and December to March
Visiting the Caño Cristales	Opens in June and closes in November
Visiting the Lost City	January to March. You can also visit from April until August; however, there is a chance of rain. Closed in September for maintenance.
Visit the Amazon	June until August if you want to avoid the rainy season.

Best Season to Go to the Beach in Colombia

Colombia has beaches along the Pacific and the Caribbean coast. If you want to stay on the Pacific side, the best time to visit is between January and March, as the weather remains hot and humid in other parts of the year with frequent rainfall.

The temperature remains moderately pleasant between 25°C and 28°C (77-83 Fahrenheit) in the early months of the year. The water is beautiful this time of the year, too. You would enjoy exploring the landscapes and beautiful beaches around Bahia Solano and Nuqui.

On the other hand, the best time is between December and April if you are dying to explore the Caribbean coast. The temperature stays between 24°C and 31°C (75-90 Fahrenheit). You will enjoy plenty of sunshine and swimming in the beautiful cool water.

Some beautiful beaches to explore are Palomino, Barlovento, Playa Blanca, and Providencia.

Earlier, we discussed the temperature in the different regions of Colombia. If you have specific destinations in mind that you want to visit, we have some information in store for you. 

Best Time to Visit Bogotá

Bogota receives rainfall between April and June and from September to November, November being the rainiest month. If you want to visit during the dry season, it should be between June and September and December and February. 

Bogota is located at a higher altitude, so it gets colder at night, particularly during the rainy season when it also gets cloudy. You may experience different types of weather during your stay, even in a single day. Remember to take an umbrella with you for the rain and a sweater if it gets chilly. 

You might also want to apply sunscreen if you are out and about during the day. Taking a jacket along would be wise if you are out at night. You are at 2,700m (8,800 feet), so you never know when the weather turns chillier with rainfall.

Some of the festivals to explore in Bogota include the Theater Festival in April, the Baum festival in May, and the rock and jazz concerts in the park in July and September. There are many things to do in Bogota year-round, and make sure you don’t skip the Bogota nightlife when you’re there. 

Best Time to Visit Medellin

The best time to visit Medellin is between December and March. The probability of rain is low compared to other months of the year, as the rainy season is from March to November, while the peak time is in May and then in October.

The weather stays quite pleasant all year round, almost spring-like, and you can expect the temperature to remain between 17°C and 25°C (63-75 Fahrenheit). If you are out during the day, it can get hot, so dress light, but do remember to carry a sweater or a jacket if you are out at night.

Medellin is beautiful in December, as the Christmas lights are a sight to behold. Additionally, the ten-day flower festival Feria de las Flores in August is something to gladly anticipate. There are many things to do in Medellin year-round, and make sure you don’t skip the Medellin nightlife when you’re there. 

Best Time to Visit Cali

Cali receives rain between March and May, peaking in April and then in October and November. The dry season prevails between June and September. Rain or not, the temperatures range from 19°C to 30°C throughout the year (66-86 Fahrenheit). 

It generally stays humid, and you must carry light clothing while traveling.

When in Cali, you can enjoy watching the whales. Additionally, the Salsa Festival in September is the highlight of the year. If you are traveling at the end of December, you may want to visit La Feria de Cali.

There are many things to do in Cali year-round, and ensure you don’t skip the Cali nightlife when you’re there. 

Best Time to Visit Cartagena

Cartagena has a tropical climate, and the temperature tends to remain around 30°C (86 F) all year round. Consider traveling between December and April as other months receive rain, specifically April and May and September to November, with October being Cartagena’s rainiest month.

Pack your bathing suits to cool off in the pool and beat the heat and humidity. You would also need light dressing only during your stay. 

Do not miss the International Film Festival if you are visiting in March. 

There are plenty of things to do in Cartagena year-round, and make sure you don’t skip the Cartagena nightlife when you’re there. 

Frequently Asked Questions – Best Time to Visit Colombia

What Is the Best Month to Go to Colombia?

While it is good to travel to Colombia all year round, it is a general consensus that December to March and June to September are the best months to visit. 

What Is the Rainy Season in Colombia?

The wet season starts in April and ends around November, so expect heavy rainfall during these months. It is preferable to visit Colombia during the dry months, from December to March.

How To Stay Safe In Colombia?

Staying safe in Colombia, like any other country, involves being aware of your surroundings and taking necessary precautions. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while visiting Colombia:

• Use Reliable Transportation: When moving around the country, use reputable transportation options such as registered taxis, Uber, or official public transportation.
• Be Cautious with Valuables: Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, gadgets, or large amounts of cash in public. Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.
• Respect Local Customs and Laws: Familiarize yourself with Colombian laws and customs to avoid unintentional legal issues. Be respectful of local culture and traditions.
• Stay in Safe Areas: Choose accommodations in safe neighborhoods or areas recommended for tourists. Consult with locals or hotel staff for advice on safe places to visit.
• Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Conclusion – Best Time to Visit Colombia

The best time to visit Colombia is any time! Each season offers such wonderful and exciting activities that you would want to do it all. 

The bottom line is your visit depends on your personal preference and schedule. You could adjust your itinerary based on your favorite season and planned vacation time, or you could make time if you want to experience Colombia’s different seasonal charm. 

Happy trip!

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If you find this article helpful, check out our related Colombia travel posts:

• Colombia Beaches
• Where To Stay In Medellin Colombia
• Where To Stay In Cali Colombia