Things to Do in Colombia in April

April Weather in Colombia

29°C (84°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Final month of dry season with minimal rainfall - only 89mm (3.5 inches) across 10 days, perfect for outdoor adventures and city exploration
Ideal temperatures for high-altitude destinations like Medellín 22°C (72°F) and Bogotá 19°C (66°F) - comfortable for walking without excessive heat
Easter week (Semana Santa) brings vibrant cultural celebrations and processions, especially spectacular in Popayán with UNESCO-recognized religious ceremonies
Coffee harvest season peaks in April - plantations offer fresh tastings and you'll see the cherry-picking process firsthand in Zona Cafetera

Considerations

Easter week crowds drive accommodation prices up 40-60% in popular destinations, with many locals traveling domestically during school holidays
Transition to rainy season begins late April - afternoon showers become more frequent, particularly in Amazon and Pacific coast regions
Some Caribbean coast destinations start experiencing higher humidity and occasional heavy downpours as wet season approaches

Best Activities in April

Zona Cafetera Coffee Farm Tours

April is peak coffee harvest season in the Coffee Triangle. Witness cherry picking, participate in sorting processes, and taste beans at optimal freshness. Morning temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) are perfect for plantation walks. Paisaje Cultural Cafetero landscapes are most vibrant now.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead during harvest season. Full-day tours typically cost 150,000-250,000 COP ($35-60). Look for farms offering hands-on picking experiences. See current coffee tour options in booking section below.

Medellín City and Comuna Tours

Perfect weather with temperatures averaging 22°C (72°F) and minimal rain. April's clear skies offer stunning views from Comuna 13 graffiti tours and Metrocable rides. The transformation story is most impactful during pleasant walking weather when you can comfortably explore neighborhoods.

Booking Tip: Book social transformation tours through community cooperatives. Half-day tours range 80,000-120,000 COP ($20-30). Morning tours (8am-noon) avoid afternoon heat. Current community tours available in booking section.

Cocora Valley Wax Palm Hikes

Dry season's end provides clear mountain views and stable trail conditions. Morning mist clears early, revealing the world's tallest palm trees against dramatic Andean backdrops. Temperatures stay comfortable for 6-8 hour valley crossings at 2,400m (7,874 ft) altitude.

Booking Tip: Start hikes by 7am to avoid afternoon clouds. Guided hikes cost 100,000-180,000 COP ($25-45). Choose tours including Valle del Cocora and cloud forest sections. See current hiking options in booking section below.

Cartagena Colonial Walking Tours

April's lower humidity (compared to May-November) makes exploring the walled city more comfortable. Temperatures reach 29°C (84°F) but sea breezes provide relief. Fewer Caribbean storms mean better photography conditions for colorful colonial architecture.

Booking Tip: Book early morning (8-10am) or evening (4-6pm) tours to avoid midday heat. Historical tours cost 60,000-100,000 COP ($15-25). Choose certified guides for Old Town access. Current walking tours in booking section.

Bogotá Museum and Neighborhood Exploration

Cool April weather 15-19°C (59-66°F) is ideal for walking La Candelaria's colonial streets and visiting Gold Museum. Less rain than upcoming months means better conditions for rooftop viewpoints and outdoor markets in Zona Rosa and Chapinero.

Booking Tip: Combine indoor museums with outdoor walking tours. Full day cultural tours range 120,000-200,000 COP ($30-50). Book tours including Monserrate cable car on clear days. Current Bogotá experiences in booking section below.

Amazon Jungle Lodge Experiences

Final weeks of relative dry season before May rains intensify. River levels are lower, making wildlife spotting easier along banks. Daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F) with brief showers - ideal for jungle walks and night wildlife tours near Leticia.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 week ahead for lodge availability. 3-day packages typically cost 800,000-1,200,000 COP ($200-300) including meals and activities. Choose lodges with elevated walkways for wet season preparation. Current Amazon tours in booking section.

April Events & Festivals

March 30 - April 6, 2025

Semana Santa (Easter Week) Processions

UNESCO-recognized religious processions in Popayán feature elaborate floats and centuries-old traditions. Mompox also hosts significant celebrations with colonial-era pageantry. These are Colombia's most important religious cultural events.

Mid to Late April

Festival de Música del Pacífico Petronio Álvarez

While main festival is August, April features preparatory concerts and Pacific coast music events in Cali showcasing Afro-Colombian rhythms, marimba, and traditional Pacific sounds.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket - afternoon showers increase late April, lasting 30-45 minutes with little warning

Layers for altitude changes - Medellín 22°C (72°F), Bogotá 19°C (66°F), Caribbean coast 29°C (84°F)

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8-10, especially intense at altitude in coffee regions

Comfortable waterproof hiking boots for coffee plantation walks and Cocora Valley trails

Long-sleeve cotton shirts for evening mosquito protection in Amazon and lowland areas

Warm sweater for Bogotá evenings - temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) some nights

Quick-dry pants suitable for humid coast and mountain hiking - avoid denim

Insect repellent with 30% DEET for Amazon excursions and rural coffee farms

Portable umbrella for unexpected showers during city exploration

Cash in small bills - 20,000 and 50,000 COP notes for local guides and small vendors

Insider Knowledge

Coffee harvest workers start at 5am - join early morning tours to see actual picking, not just demonstrations staged for tourists

Easter week hotel prices spike but many restaurants close - book accommodation early and research which places stay open

April's transition weather means Medellín can have four seasons in one day - locals always carry light jackets

Use TransMilenio day passes in Bogotá during April school holidays when traffic increases 30% - buses are faster than taxis 8am-10am and 5pm-7pm

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all of Colombia has tropical weather - pack for 15°C (59°F) nights in Bogotá even when days reach 19°C (66°F)

Not booking Easter week accommodations by February - popular destinations like Cartagena and Medellín fill up completely

Scheduling Amazon trips for late April when afternoon rains intensify - first three weeks have better wildlife visibility