Things to Do in Colombia in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Colombia
Long-run averages for December in Bogota
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
- + Bogotá's weather in December is likely the year's most predictable. Crisp mornings give way to sunny afternoons. You can see the mountains that frame the city. This clarity is rare after months of heavier rains.
- + The coast is dry. Cartagena's stone walls radiate heat you feel on your skin. Santa Marta's Tayrona National Park trails turn from muddy slogs to firm, walkable paths underfoot.
- + This is peak fiesta season across the country. Neighborhood parrandas fill Medellín's Comuna 13. Candlelit processions wind through Popayán. The air smells of beeswax and fried empanadas.
- + Hotel rates tend to be lower than the European-style peak of July and August. Book before the holiday rush kicks in mid-month. Prices climb then.
- − The entire country shuts down from December 24th through January 2nd. This sounds festive. You will need a pharmacy or a bus ticket eventually. Plan all major travel and bookings around this national pause.
- − Internal flights and the nicer coastal hotels fill up fast. New Year's is worst. Last-minute deals are nonexistent. Commit weeks, if not months, ahead.
- − That pleasant Bogotá sun is deceptive. The altitude means UV radiation burns you in under an hour. Temperatures plummet the moment the sun dips behind the Andes. First-timers consistently underestimate this shift.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
Colombia in December settles into a temperate rhythm distinct from its wetter spring and autumn months. The air carries a crispness, with average highs a mild 67 degrees Fahrenheit and lows dipping to a cool 45. With average rainfall of 2.4 inches, it is notably drier than the persistent showers of April or the heavy downpours of October, making it a favorable window for outdoor exploration. Across Colombia, this drier spell encourages long days wandering cobblestone streets and open-air excursions without the constant consideration for an umbrella. While no major festivals are confirmed for the month, the clement weather often finds locals and visitors alike gravitating toward plazas, mountain trails, and coastal promenades under expansive, often clear skies. For travelers planning a trip, December has a sweet spot in Colombia's climate calendar. It is warmer and drier than the Andean highlands in January. Yet avoids the peak humidity that can accompany the coastal rainy seasons. This makes it an opportune time to sample the staggering variety of Colombia's landscapes and urban energy, from the fragrant coffee fincas to the historic fortresses overlooking the Caribbean. It is a month for sensory discovery, from the sizzle of street food on a Cartagena corner to the echoing chorus of birds deep in a cloud forest.
Coffee, Cocoa, and Waterfall Tour
guided_experienceSpend a day immersed in the agricultural soul of the Colombian countryside, walking through shaded plantations where glossy coffee cherries and lumpy cocoa pods grow. You'll feel the coarse texture of the bean between your palms before tasting the final, complex results, and hear the roar of a waterfall where you can dip your feet into cool, clear pools. This guided experience connects the journey from plant to cup with tangible, hands-on clarity.
The Howling Trail Hike
adventureThis is a physically engaging adventure that leads you through dense, mist-cloaked forests where the air feels thick and cool. The trail's name comes from the haunting calls of howler monkeys that reverberate through the canopy, a sound that is both eerie and profoundly wild. You will see towering trees draped in moss and feel the challenging incline of the path underfoot.
Minca Coffee, Cocoa, and Waterfall Full-Day Trip
day_tripJourney into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta foothills to the village of Minca, where the humid air carries the sweet scent of blooming flowers and roasting coffee. This full-day trip expands on the farm experience, often including visits to multiple producers, a lunch of local fare, and a swim under a powerful waterfall where you can feel the spray on your skin.
Cartagena Efoil FliteBoard Baru con transport y daypass
otherEscape the city walls for the turquoise waters off the Isla Barú coast, where you will glide above the sea on a nearly silent electric hydrofoil. The experience is one of weightless flight, with the wind in your hair and the sun warming your shoulders, offering a view of Colombia's coastline from an entirely new perspective. You will see the water flash beneath your board and hear only the soft hum of the motor.
Cartagena Food Adventure: 10 Dishes, Street Food & Sit-Down stops
foodThis tour is a deliberate crawl through the layers of Cartagena's culinary identity, from sizzling arepas on a street cart to sophisticated plates in a courtyard restaurant. You will taste the smoky sweetness of grilled meat, the tangy shock of ceviche leche de tigre, and the creamy texture of a well executed coconut rice. The guide provides context, turning each bite into a story of African, Indigenous, and Spanish influence.
Private Airport Transfer to Hotel or viceversa
transportAfter the controlled chaos of an airport arrival or the last-minute rush for a departure, this service provides a smooth, pre-arranged link. You will be greeted with a name sign, feel the relief of air-conditioned comfort, and watch the landscapes of Colombia transition from urban sprawl to mountainous vistas or coastal flats without the hassle of negotiation or confusion.
Where to Stay in Colombia in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
Public Holidays in December
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
Known in English as Immaculate Conception. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Known in English as Christmas Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Known in English as Immaculate Conception. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Known in English as Christmas Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Known in English as Immaculate Conception. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Known in English as Christmas Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
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