Colombia has no single travel season. Because the country sits near the equator and spans mountains, coasts, jungle and desert, the weather depends more on altitude and region than on the calendar. This page gives a month-by-month overview and links to deeper guides. For regional detail, read best time to visit Colombia. Weather and event dates change from year to year, so check official sources close to your trip.
How Colombia’s Seasons Work
- Andes (Bogotá, Medellín, Coffee Region): two drier and two wetter periods a year rather than four seasons. Dry spells are generally around December to March and July to August, with wetter months around April to May and October to November.
- Caribbean coast: drier at the start of the year and wetter later. Hot and humid throughout.
- Pacific coast: wet at any time of year.
- Amazon: humid all year, with river levels changing through the seasons.
January
A popular month after the holiday period, with generally drier weather in the Andes and on the Caribbean coast. Expect higher prices and busy flights early in the month. Some regional carnivals and fairs take place early in the year, so check the festivals calendar.
February
Often dry in many regions. Carnaval season can begin around February or March, depending on the year. See the Carnaval de Barranquilla guide.
March
Often still on the drier side before the first rains. Holy Week can fall in March or April and brings crowds, closures and higher prices. See Visiting Colombia in March.
April
Rains return in much of the Andes. Holy Week and the vallenato festival season may fall in or near this month. See Visiting Colombia in April and Cartagena in April.
May
A wetter month in much of the Andes and on the Caribbean coast, with fewer visitors. Good for lower crowds, but pack rain gear.
June
Weather starts to improve in many Andean areas. Several public holidays in June can lead to long weekends and busy roads.
July
Generally drier in the Andes and a popular month for domestic and international travel. Whale watching on the Pacific coast usually starts around mid-year. See whale watching in Colombia and the Pacific Coast guide.
August
A dry and breezy period in many highland areas, good for hiking. Medellín’s flower fair is traditionally held around this time, but check the dates. Whale season continues.
September
Rains return gradually. Whale watching may still be possible early in the month on the Pacific coast.
October
One of the wetter months in much of the Andes. Quieter than the peak months, which may suit budget travelers who accept the rain.
November
Still wet in many areas, with Caribbean storms possible earlier in the season. Christmas decorations and events begin to appear toward the end of the month.
December
Dry weather returns in much of the Andes, and the country celebrates Christmas with lights, family gatherings and events. This is a busy period for domestic travel, so book early. See Visiting Colombia in December. Cali’s fair is traditionally held late in the month.
Quick Planning Guide
- Beaches and islands: choose the drier months for the Caribbean. See best beaches in Colombia.
- Hiking: choose the drier months. See hiking in national parks.
- Festivals: see the festivals calendar.
- Lower crowds: shoulder months such as May and October.
Before You Book
Check weather forecasts, holidays and event dates close to travel. See Colombia travel budget, what to pack and how many days to spend.
