Things to Do in Colombia in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Colombia
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season in the Caribbean coast means Cartagena and Santa Marta get brilliant sunshine with minimal rain - you're looking at maybe 2-3 rainy days max, and even those are usually quick afternoon showers. Beach time is actually reliable in August, which isn't something you can say about most of the year.
- Coffee harvest season is ramping up in the Eje Cafetero, so the fincas around Salento and Manizales are buzzing with activity. You'll see actual coffee picking happening, not just demonstrations for tourists. The landscapes are greener than usual, and farm tours feel more authentic because there's real work happening.
- August is low season for international tourists but not quite as dead as May or September, so you get that sweet spot where prices drop 20-30% on accommodations and tours, but there's still enough infrastructure running. Locals are traveling for summer holidays, which means festivals and events are actually happening.
- Whale watching season is in full swing along the Pacific coast near Nuquí and Bahía Solano. Humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to breed in these warm waters, and August is peak viewing time. The weather on the Pacific is manageable in August, though obviously it's never truly dry over there.
Considerations
- The Andean interior gets pretty wet in August - we're talking Bogotá, Medellín, the coffee region. You'll see rain most afternoons, sometimes heavy enough to mess with your plans. It's not monsoon-level, but you'll definitely need to build flexibility into your schedule and accept that some days are just gray and drizzly.
- The Amazon region is approaching its wettest period, with rivers rising and trails turning muddy. If jungle trekking is your main goal, August isn't ideal. That said, high water means better boat access to remote areas, so it's a trade-off depending on what you want to do.
- School holidays in Colombia run through early August, so the first two weeks can see domestic crowds at major attractions like Tayrona National Park and popular beach towns. Prices spike a bit during this period, and you'll need to book accommodations further ahead than you would for late August.
Best Activities in August
Caribbean Coast Beach Time and Colonial Exploration
August is genuinely one of the best months for the Caribbean coast. Cartagena's walled city is gorgeous without the December-March tourist swarms, and the weather is dry enough that you can actually plan beach days with confidence. The water temperature sits around 28°C (82°F), and you'll get long stretches of sunshine. Tayrona National Park is accessible and beautiful, though go after the first week of August to avoid Colombian school holiday crowds. The humidity is noticeable but the sea breeze helps, especially in the afternoons.
Coffee Farm Tours in Zona Cafetera
The coffee triangle around Salento, Filandia, and Manizales is genuinely more interesting in August because you're catching the early stages of the main harvest season. The fincas have actual picking happening, not just show-and-tell for tourists. You'll see the full process from cherry to bean. The downside is afternoon rain, which happens maybe 60-70% of days, but mornings are usually clear and perfect for farm tours. The Cocora Valley looks incredible with everything lush and green, though the wax palms can be shrouded in mist by afternoon.
Pacific Coast Whale Watching Expeditions
This is peak humpback whale season, and it's one of those genuinely seasonal activities that you can't do year-round. The whales are here from Antarctica to breed and calve, and August offers some of the best sighting opportunities. Nuquí and Bahía Solano are the main jumping-off points. The Pacific coast is never dry, but August is actually one of the more manageable months weather-wise. You'll still get rain, but it's not the relentless downpour of October-November. The water is warm, around 26-27°C (79-81°F), and visibility can be decent for snorkeling when the sun cooperates.
Medellín Urban Exploration and Comuna Tours
Medellín in August means you're dealing with afternoon rain, but the city has adapted to this beautifully. The metro system makes getting around easy regardless of weather, and there's genuinely interesting stuff to do indoors - Museo de Antioquia, Plaza Botero, the interactive Parque Explora. The comuna tours showing the city's transformation are powerful and worth doing even in drizzle. Temperatures hover around 22-24°C (72-75°F), which feels pleasant compared to the coast. The nightlife and food scene in Poblado and Laureles are excellent, and August isn't peak tourist season so you'll get more authentic experiences.
Bogotá Museum Circuit and Culinary Experiences
August in Bogotá is wet, let's be honest, but this makes it perfect museum weather. The Museo del Oro is world-class and genuinely worth 2-3 hours. Botero Museum is free and excellent. The food scene has exploded in recent years - La Candelaria and Chapinero have fantastic restaurants doing modern Colombian cuisine. The altitude means temperatures stay cool, around 15-18°C (59-64°F), which is refreshing after the coast but you'll want layers. Sunday Ciclovía closes major streets to cars, and locals flood out to bike and walk even if it's drizzling. It's worth experiencing if you're there on a Sunday.
Santa Marta and Lost City Trekking
Santa Marta benefits from the same dry Caribbean weather as Cartagena in August. It's a solid base for both beach time and mountain adventures. The Ciudad Perdida trek is a 4-5 day commitment through jungle, and August weather is actually reasonable for it - you'll get rain, but the trails aren't as muddy as they could be in October. The trek is genuinely challenging with river crossings and steep climbs up to 1,200 m (3,937 ft), but the archaeological site is incredible and far less touristy than Machu Picchu. If you're not up for the full trek, day hikes in the Sierra Nevada foothills are beautiful.
August Events & Festivals
Feria de las Flores in Medellín
This is the big one for August - a massive 10-day flower festival that takes over Medellín, usually running from late July through the first week or so of August. The highlight is the Desfile de Silleteros where campesinos carry elaborate flower displays on their backs through the streets. There are also concerts, horse parades, classic car shows, and the whole city feels festive. Hotels book out months ahead and prices spike 40-50% during the festival, but it's genuinely spectacular if you can plan around it.
Batalla de Boyacá Commemoration
August 7 is a national holiday celebrating Colombian independence, and the town of Boyacá near Tunja holds the main commemorative events with military parades and historical reenactments. It's not a massive tourist draw, but if you're in the area it's interesting to see. Expect government buildings and some businesses to be closed nationwide on August 7.