Festivals, beaches, coffee plantations, and extreme biodiversity
Colombia is home to some of the warmest and most welcoming people. It is packed with museums, monuments, and heritage sites, from the country's modern cities to its charming colonial towns.
From palm-fringed beaches to imposing Andean mountains, from luxuriant Amazon jungle to massive coffee plantations; this country is home to incredible scenery and an extensive variety of flora and fauna.
Colombia is home to some of the most diverse animal life on the globe, with 1,700 known bird species, 450 mammal species, and over 500 reptile species. These include the Andean condor in the Coffee Triangle, the humpback whale in the Pacific Ocean, and the pink river dolphin in the Amazon. A journey to Colombia provides a plethora of wildlife chances in a beautifully preserved space.
Colombia is an adventure playground, with over 55 national parks to explore. Head to San Gil for its rafting, abseiling, and mountain biking to go for a multi-day hike over the Sierra de Nevada Mountains, that ends up at the archaeological site of the 'Lost City'. Colombia is rich in ancient culture, from the archaeological monuments of the Tayrona people, to the megalithic statues in San Agustin, and the mysterious underground tombs in Tierradentro.
Bogotá, Colombia's capital city, is known for its historic downtown and the compelling Gold Museum, which displays Colombia's gilded past and has the world's greatest collection of pre-Hispanic gold. Medellín is known for its contemporary restaurants and arty shops, and Calí is the world's salsa capital, the best place to sway your hips and dance to the music that this city lives and breathes. Cartagena is Colombia's tourist hotspot, with cobblestone streets, exquisite churches, and dramatically eroding forts; it is Latin America's most attractive and fully preserved colonial city. The cobbled settlements of Popayan and Villa de Leyva are also well worth a visit, transporting you to the past and allowing you to escape the crowds thrumming around Cartagena.
Finally, Colombia is also home to over 300 beaches. These range from the wild, sugary-white beaches of Tayrona National Park to the diving mecca of San Andres and the laid-back Caribbean vibe of Providencia. Beach holidays in Colombia are as varied as you can get.
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When to go to Colombia
A month-by-month guide of when to visit Colombia
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is part of Colombia's dry season, offering pleasant temperatures and less rainfall. The country's diverse geography ensures a variety of climates.
Coastal regions, like Cartagena and Santa Marta, enjoy balmy temperatures around 30°C (86°F), perfect for sunbathing and exploring pristine beaches. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín experience milder temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), ideal for city sightseeing and hiking in the surrounding mountains.
February
February continues to offer favourable weather conditions for exploring Colombia. The dry season persists, ensuring pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall across the country.
Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta maintain their inviting climate, with temperatures hovering around 30°C (86°F), making it an excellent time for beach activities and water sports. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín experience slightly warmer temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor excursions comfortably.
March
March marks the transition from the dry season to the beginning of the rainy season in Colombia. While the weather remains generally pleasant, there may be occasional showers and increased humidity later in the month.
Coastal regions like Cartagena and Santa Marta experience temperatures around 30°C (86°F) but may also see some rainfall. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín continue to enjoy mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) but may also encounter intermittent rain showers.
April
April is the beginning of the shoulder season in Colombia. During this time, the weather can be more unpredictable, with increased rainfall in various regions.
Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta may experience higher humidity and occasional showers, while inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín can also see increased precipitation. It's advisable to pack rain gear and plan outdoor activities accordingly.
May
In May, Colombia experiences varied weather and climate conditions depending on the region.
Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta enjoy warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with occasional showers. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín have milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 74°F).
June
June continues the rainy season and brings varied weather conditions across the country.
Coastal regions like Cartagena and Santa Marta experience warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with increased rainfall. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín have milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can also see occasional rain showers.
July
In July, Colombia experiences diverse weather conditions depending on the region. Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with occasional showers. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín provide milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can also see rain showers.
July presents fantastic opportunities to explore Colombia's natural beauty. Discover the stunning landscapes of Tayrona National Park, hike through the Cocora Valley, or go whale watching along the Pacific Coast.
August
In August, Colombia experiences diverse weather conditions depending on the region. Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with occasional showers. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín provide milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can also experience rain showers.
September
In September, Colombia experiences varied weather conditions depending on the region. Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with a chance of occasional showers. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín provide milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can also see some rainfall.
October
October is the start of the rainy season or the Low season in Colombia.
Rainfall is heaviest inland in the cities like Bogota and Cali, however, it is perfectly navigable and manageable to visit these places despite heavy downpours. There are plenty of indoor activities like museums, restaurants, and art galleries.
November
The rainy season eases up slightly as it transitions to the dry season at the end of November.
Coastal areas such as Cartagena and Santa Marta continue to offer warm temperatures, ranging from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F), with lots of showers. Inland cities like Bogotá and Medellín start to cool down with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F). If you prefer warmer and drier weather, stick to the Caribbean side of Colombia. The coastal region, notably Cartagena, has a plethora of colourful attractions.
December
December is the beginning of the dry season, or High Season, and marks the start of the best conditions in which to visit Colombia.
Coastal areas such as Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm temperatures ranging from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F). These regions tend to have a mix of sunny days and occasional showers. Inland cities like Bogotá and Medellín have milder temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F).
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