Things to Do in Colombia in August

August Weather in Colombia

30°C (86°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes at their most spectacular - waterfalls like Salto del Tequendama reach maximum flow, and coffee plantations are emerald green
Significantly lower accommodation prices (30-40% cheaper than December-January) and fewer crowds at major attractions like Salt Cathedral and Ciudad Perdida
Perfect weather in Caribbean coast cities like Santa Marta and Cartagena - dry season with temperatures around 28°C (82°F) and minimal rainfall
Peak season for whale watching in Pacific coast - humpback whales migrate to Colombian waters from July through October, with August offering excellent visibility

Considerations

Intense rainy season in Andean regions including Bogotá, Medellín, and coffee triangle - expect 4-5 hours of rain daily, often disrupting outdoor plans
Higher risk of landslides and road closures on mountain routes, particularly between Bogotá and Villa de Leyva, requiring flexible itineraries
Very high humidity (78%) combined with frequent rain makes trekking in places like Cocora Valley muddy and challenging

Best Activities in August

Caribbean Coast Beach Tours

August is dry season on the Caribbean coast with perfect beach weather - 28°C (82°F), minimal rain, and calm seas. Tayrona National Park trails are accessible, and diving visibility is excellent at 25-30 m (82-98 ft). Crowds are 60% lower than peak season.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified operators. Beach tours typically cost 180,000-280,000 COP ($45-70). Look for operators with marine park permits. See current options in booking section below.

Pacific Coast Whale Watching

Prime humpback whale migration season - August offers 85% success rates for sightings. Calm morning seas and clearer weather windows between 6-10am. Water temperature reaches 26°C (79°F), perfect for boat tours.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead from Nuquí or Bahía Solano. Tours cost 220,000-350,000 COP ($55-85). Morning departures have highest success rates. Licensed operators required for marine mammal viewing.

Indoor Cultural Experiences in Bogotá

Rainy season makes indoor attractions ideal - Gold Museum, Botero Museum, and La Candelaria walking tours with covered areas. Museums are less crowded and many offer extended hours. Rain typically starts after 2pm, perfect for morning cultural tours.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (9am-1pm) to avoid afternoon rain. Museum entry typically 15,000-25,000 COP ($4-6). Many offer rainy season discounts. Current tours available in booking widget below.

Cartagena Colonial City Tours

August is ideal for exploring Cartagena's walled city - low rainfall (only 80mm/3.1 inches), comfortable 29°C (84°F) temperatures, and 50% fewer cruise ship crowds. Evening walks are particularly pleasant with ocean breezes.

Booking Tip: Book evening tours for best weather and lighting. Walking tours cost 80,000-150,000 COP ($20-35). Avoid midday heat between 11am-3pm. Look for tours that include covered colonial buildings.

Coffee Region Hacienda Tours

Despite rain, August is coffee harvest season in lower altitude farms. Indoor processing tours, covered tastings, and spectacular green scenery. Rain usually stops by evening, creating dramatic mountain views and cooler temperatures of 18°C (64°F).

Booking Tip: Book full-day tours with indoor components. Typically 180,000-300,000 COP ($45-75) including transport and meals. Choose haciendas with covered facilities. Morning starts recommended before 2pm rain.

Amazon Jungle Expeditions

August is actually excellent for Amazon visits - river levels are optimal for navigation, wildlife is active, and temperatures are cooler at 24°C (75°F). Rain creates spectacular jungle sounds and fresh air. Many lodges offer covered walkways and observation decks.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead for August. Multi-day packages cost 800,000-1,200,000 COP ($200-300). Choose lodges with covered facilities and rain gear included. Flights from Bogotá run daily.

August Events & Festivals

Mid to Late August

Festival de Verano de Bogotá

Bogotá's summer festival features indoor concerts, theater performances, and covered outdoor stages throughout the city. Perfect for rainy August weather with mostly indoor venues and cultural programming.

Early August

Feria de las Flores Medellín (spillover events)

While the main festival is in early August, many flower exhibitions and cultural events continue through the month. Indoor exhibitions are ideal during rainy season, showcasing Colombia's incredible flower diversity.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof rain jacket with hood - afternoon showers last 2-3 hours and come daily in Andean regions

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - avoid cotton as 78% humidity means clothes stay damp for hours

Waterproof phone case and plastic bags for electronics - sudden downpours can destroy devices

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes plus flip-flops - streets flood quickly in cities like Bogotá

Compact umbrella that fits in daypack - essential for navigating city streets during rain

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 7 even on cloudy days, higher at altitude

Insect repellent with 25% DEET - rain increases mosquito activity, especially in coastal regions

Lightweight sweater for air conditioning and mountain towns - temperature drops to 18°C (64°F) in coffee region

Waterproof daypack cover - protects belongings during outdoor activities and sudden weather changes

Extra socks and underwear - humidity and rain mean clothes take 24+ hours to dry

Insider Knowledge

Locals embrace 'plan de aguacero' (rain plans) in August - restaurants and cafes extend happy hours during afternoon downpours, offering 2-for-1 drinks and snacks

Colombian domestic travelers avoid Andean destinations in August, meaning 40% cheaper accommodation in Bogotá, Medellín, and coffee region - but book Caribbean coast early as locals flock there

Transmilenio and Metro systems in major cities experience delays during heavy rain - allow extra 30-45 minutes for transportation and carry small bills for taxi alternatives

Many museums and attractions offer 'temporada de lluvia' discounts in August - ask about rainy season promotions that aren't advertised to tourists

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor adventure tours in Andean regions without flexible cancellation - rain makes activities like Cocora Valley hiking dangerous with muddy trails and poor visibility

Packing only for warm weather - mountain towns drop to 15°C (59°F) during rain, and air conditioning in coastal cities can be aggressive

Not allowing buffer days for weather delays - domestic flights and bus routes frequently experience delays due to mountain weather, affecting tight itineraries