Things to Do in Colombia in December

December Weather in Colombia

30°C (86°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means minimal rainfall (only 45mm/1.8 inches) and clear skies for outdoor activities like hiking in Cocora Valley or exploring Cartagena's walls
Cool highland temperatures (18-22°C/64-72°F) in Bogotá, Medellín, and coffee region make walking tours and outdoor markets comfortable all day
Christmas season brings unique cultural experiences like novenas (nine-day celebrations), elaborate nativity displays, and traditional foods like natilla and buñuelos
Optimal conditions for coffee harvest season - fincas offer picking experiences and freshly processed beans at peak flavor

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular attractions like Machu Picchu day trips from Colombia fill up weeks in advance
Colombian families travel extensively during school holidays (December 15 - January 15), creating crowds at domestic destinations like Tayrona National Park
Evening temperatures in highland cities drop to 8-12°C (46-54°F), requiring layers that many tropical-destination travelers don't pack

Best Activities in December

Coffee Region Finca Tours and Harvest Experiences

December is peak harvest season in the Coffee Triangle. Temperatures average 22°C (72°F) with minimal rain, perfect for outdoor farm tours. You'll see the full process from cherry picking to processing, and taste beans at their peak freshness. The dry weather means jeep tours to remote fincas aren't cancelled due to muddy roads.

Booking Tip: Reserve 3-4 weeks ahead through certified coffee tour operators. Full-day experiences typically cost 180,000-250,000 COP ($45-60 USD) including transportation, lunch, and tastings. Look for fincas certified by the Colombian Coffee Federation. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Cartagena Colonial Walking and Food Tours

December's dry conditions and lower humidity (compared to wet season) make exploring Cartagena's walled city comfortable. Morning temperatures of 26°C (79°F) are ideal for 3-4 hour walking tours. Christmas decorations transform the colonial architecture, and street food vendors offer seasonal specialties like arepa de huevo with extra festive preparation.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (8-11am) to avoid afternoon heat. Food tours typically cost 120,000-180,000 COP ($30-45 USD) for 4-5 stops. Choose operators that include both Old City and Getsemaní neighborhoods. Check current availability in booking section below.

Tayrona National Park Beach and Jungle Hiking

December's dry season means clear trails and calm Caribbean waters. Daytime temperatures reach 30°C (86°F) with minimal rain, perfect for the 45-minute hike to Cabo San Juan beach. Sea conditions are optimal for swimming and snorkeling, with visibility reaching 15-20m (49-66 ft). Wildlife is more active in cooler morning hours.

Booking Tip: Park entry requires advance online reservation during December peak season. Day passes cost 54,500 COP ($14 USD) for foreigners. Book accommodation inside the park 6-8 weeks ahead if staying overnight. Transportation from Santa Marta typically costs 40,000-60,000 COP ($10-15 USD) return. See current tour packages in booking section below.

Bogotá Cultural District and Museum Tours

December's cool, dry weather (average 20°C/68°F) is perfect for walking Bogotá's cultural heart. The Gold Museum and Botero Museum extend hours during holiday season. La Candelaria's cobblestone streets are dry and safe for walking, and the altitude (2,640m/8,661ft) feels comfortable in December's moderate temperatures rather than the exhausting heat of warmer months.

Booking Tip: Museums offer special December exhibitions and extended hours until 7pm. Combined tickets for Gold Museum and surrounding sites cost 15,000-25,000 COP ($4-6 USD). Free walking tours operate twice daily, tips typically 20,000-40,000 COP ($5-10 USD). Book cultural tours through the booking section below.

Medellín Transformation and Comuna 13 Experiences

December's spring-like climate (25°C/77°F days) showcases Medellín perfectly. The city's Christmas lights display, Alumbrado Navideño, runs throughout December with elaborate installations. Comuna 13's outdoor art is best viewed in dry conditions, and the metro cable cars offer clear views of the valley. Cultural festivals and community events peak during December school holidays.

Booking Tip: Comuna 13 tours book heavily in December - reserve 2-3 weeks ahead. Tours typically cost 80,000-120,000 COP ($20-30 USD) for 4-5 hours including metro transportation. Choose operators that employ local guides from the community. Evening Christmas lights tours run 200,000-300,000 COP ($50-75 USD). Check current options in booking section below.

Los Llanos Wildlife and Horseback Experiences

December marks the end of Los Llanos' dry season, concentrating wildlife around remaining water sources. Temperatures average 28°C (82°F) with minimal rainfall, ideal for multi-day ranch stays. This is peak season for spotting capybaras, caimans, and hundreds of bird species. Horseback riding conditions are optimal with firm, dry ground.

Booking Tip: Multi-day llanos experiences require booking 4-6 weeks ahead in December. 2-3 day ranch stays typically cost 800,000-1,200,000 COP ($200-300 USD) per person including meals, accommodation, and activities. Choose operators with naturalist guides and sustainable practices. Transportation from Bogotá adds 6-8 hours each way. See current packages in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

Early December through early January

Alumbrado Navideño - Medellín Christmas Lights

Medellín transforms into a massive light display with millions of LED lights creating elaborate scenes along the Medellín River and throughout the city. Free outdoor concerts, food vendors, and cultural performances accompany the displays. This is considered one of South America's most spectacular Christmas celebrations.

December 16-24

Novenas Navideñas

Nine-day Christmas celebrations from December 16-24 where Colombian families gather nightly to pray, sing villancicos (carols), and share traditional foods. Many hotels and restaurants offer novena experiences for travelers, including traditional foods like natilla, buñuelos, and hojuelas.

Mid December

Festival de Luces - Villa de Leyva

This colonial town 3 hours from Bogotá celebrates with candle-lit processions, artisan markets, and traditional music in its UNESCO-recognized main plaza. The cool highland weather and clear December skies create perfect conditions for evening celebrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - temperatures vary 12-15°C (22-27°F) between coast and highlands, you'll experience both 30°C (86°F) beach heat and 8°C (46°F) Bogotá evenings

Light rain jacket or packable poncho - while December is dry season, afternoon showers occur 8 days per month and last 30-45 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even in December, and high altitude cities like Bogotá (2,640m/8,661ft) intensify sun exposure

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - colonial city cobblestones and coffee region trails require more support than beach sandals

Warm layer for highland cities - fleece or light sweater essential for Bogotá, Medellín, and coffee region where temperatures drop to 8-12°C (46-54°F) at night

Insect repellent with DEET - while December is drier, coastal areas and Los Llanos still have mosquitoes, especially during dawn and dusk

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - for activities in Tayrona, river tours, and unexpected rain showers

Cash in small denominations - many cultural experiences, street food, and local transportation require cash, ATMs in smaller towns may be unreliable during holiday season

Comfortable day pack - for carrying layers as you move between climate zones, plus water and snacks during longer walking tours

Quick-dry clothing for coastal areas - humidity remains 70% even in dry season, cotton takes longer to dry than synthetic blends

Insider Knowledge

Colombians celebrate Christmas Eve more than Christmas Day - restaurants and attractions may have limited hours December 24-25, but December 23rd is bustling with activity

Coffee finca tours offer 40-50% discounts after December 28th when families finish traveling - extend your trip a few days past Christmas for better prices and smaller groups

December to January is peak domestic travel season - book internal flights 6-8 weeks ahead as routes like Bogotá-Cartagena can triple in price and sell out completely

Altitude affects holiday celebrations differently - alcohol tolerance drops significantly in Bogotá (2,640m/8,661ft), pace yourself during festive events and drink extra water

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating temperature variations - packing only for tropical weather then shivering in highland cities where temperatures drop 20°C (36°F) from the coast

Not booking accommodations by early November - December is Colombia's peak domestic travel season, and popular destinations like Cartagena and Coffee Triangle book solid from December 15-January 8

Assuming all attractions maintain regular hours during Christmas season - many museums, tours, and restaurants have modified schedules December 24-26 and January 1st