Things to Do in Colombia in February

February Weather in Colombia

28°C (82°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Prime dry season conditions with only 8 rainy days and 45 mm (1.8 inches) of rainfall - perfect for hiking the Lost City trek and exploring Tayrona National Park without muddy trails
Cartagena experiences its coolest temperatures of the year at 28°C (82°F) highs, making colonial city walking tours comfortable during midday hours when other months are unbearable
Caribbean coast has consistent 15-20 mph trade winds perfect for kitesurfing and sailing, while Pacific coast whale watching season peaks with 90% humpback whale sighting rates
February is harvest season in the Coffee Triangle - fincas offer hands-on coffee picking experiences and fresh crop tastings unavailable other months, plus accommodation prices drop 30% after New Year crowds

Considerations

Peak international tourist season means domestic flights cost 40-60% more than March-May, and popular destinations like San Andrés and Providencia require bookings 6-8 weeks in advance
UV index reaches extreme levels (11+) due to clear skies and proximity to equator - sun exposure between 10am-3pm can cause burns within 15 minutes even with SPF 30
Strong trade winds on Caribbean coast create choppy seas for diving - visibility drops to 10-15 m (33-49 ft) compared to 25-30 m (82-98 ft) in calmer months

Best Activities in February

Lost City Archaeological Trek

February's dry conditions make this 4-day, 44 km (27-mile) trek through Sierra Nevada mountains ideal with minimal mud and clear mountain views. Temperatures average 24°C (75°F) in cloud forest zones. Only 200 people per day allowed, making advance booking essential during peak season.

Booking Tip: Book 4-6 weeks ahead through authorized indigenous guides only. Treks cost 800,000-1,200,000 COP ($200-300 USD) including meals and hammock accommodation. Look for guides certified by ICANH archaeological institute.

Tayrona National Park Beach Hiking

Dry season means Cabo San Juan and Playa Cristal beaches are accessible via 9 km (5.6-mile) coastal hiking trails without river crossings. Perfect 27°C (81°F) water temperature and minimal rainfall make camping comfortable. Park limits daily visitors to 5,000 people.

Booking Tip: Reserve park entry online 15 days ahead (65,000 COP/$16 USD). Camping permits (15,000 COP/$4 USD) sell out by 10am daily in February. Book through official Parques Nacionales system only.

Coffee Farm Harvest Experiences

February harvest season in Coffee Triangle offers hands-on picking, processing, and cupping sessions unavailable other months. Fincas operate at full capacity with fresh crop tastings. Pleasant 22°C (72°F) temperatures in mountainous Quindío region perfect for farm tours.

Booking Tip: Traditional fincas charge 80,000-150,000 COP ($20-37 USD) for full-day experiences including meals. Specialty farms cost 200,000-400,000 COP ($50-100 USD). Book directly with farms 2-3 weeks ahead as February is peak harvest.

Pacific Coast Whale Watching

Humpback whale season peaks in February with 90% sighting rates near Nuquí and Bahía Málaga. Mothers with newborn calves remain close to shore in calm bays. Morning tours (7am-11am) offer best visibility before afternoon clouds develop.

Booking Tip: 3-hour boat tours cost 120,000-200,000 COP ($30-50 USD). Book with operators certified by marine authorities. Seas are calmest early morning - avoid afternoon departures due to Pacific swells reaching 2-3 m (6-10 ft).

Cartagena Colonial Walking Tours

February offers coolest temperatures for exploring walled city's cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. Early morning (6am-9am) and late afternoon (4pm-7pm) provide comfortable conditions for photography and outdoor dining in plazas.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours available daily, tips expected (20,000-40,000 COP/$5-10 USD). Private history tours cost 150,000-300,000 COP ($37-75 USD) for 3-4 hours. Book evening tours to avoid midday heat and crowds.

Caño Cristales River Expeditions

February marks end of 'liquid rainbow' season when Macarenia clavigera plants display vibrant colors. River levels perfect for swimming and photography. Remote location requires 2-day minimum commitment with local guides from La Macarena.

Booking Tip: All-inclusive 3-day packages cost 800,000-1,200,000 COP ($200-300 USD) including flights from Villavicencio, guides, meals, and accommodation. Book 6-8 weeks ahead as park limits visitors to 200 per day.

February Events & Festivals

Late February

Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata

Annual vallenato music competition in Valledupar featuring accordion players competing for rey vallenato title. Four-day festival includes concerts, parades, and traditional dancing. Major celebration of Colombian folk culture with 200,000+ attendees.

Early February

Carnaval de Barranquilla

UNESCO-recognized carnival celebration with elaborate parades, traditional dances, and street parties. Four days of continuous festivities including Battle of Flowers parade and fantasy costume competitions. Colombia's most important cultural festival.

Mid February

Festival Internacional de Cine de Cartagena

Latin America's oldest film festival showcasing regional cinema and international premieres. Week-long event in historic Teatro Heredia and modern venues throughout colonial city. Red carpet events and director workshops.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index reaches 11+ and you'll reapply every 90 minutes during outdoor activities

Lightweight merino wool or synthetic hiking socks - cotton retains moisture during multi-day treks in cloud forest humidity

Quick-dry pants in neutral colors - essential for visiting conservative religious sites and protecting legs from UV exposure

Packable rain jacket under 300g - brief afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can soak through cotton clothing

Insect repellent with 20-30% DEET - mosquito activity increases near coastal mangroves and river systems

Comfortable walking sandals with ankle support - cobblestone streets in colonial cities are uneven and can cause twisted ankles

Portable phone charger/power bank - many eco-lodges in national parks have limited electricity hours (6pm-10pm only)

Water purification tablets - tap water safe in major cities but rural areas require bottled or treated water

Lightweight daypack 20-30L capacity - essential for day hikes and carrying water during 8-hour archaeological site visits

Cash in small denominations - many local guides, park entrances, and rural restaurants don't accept cards or large bills

Insider Knowledge

Domestic flights increase 40-60% during February peak season, but bus travel remains constant pricing - overnight buses from Bogotá to Cartagena cost 120,000 COP ($30 USD) versus 600,000+ COP ($150+ USD) flights

Restaurant lunch menus (menu del día) cost 15,000-25,000 COP ($4-6 USD) until 3pm, but same establishments charge tourist dinner prices 40,000-80,000 COP ($10-20 USD) after 6pm

Colombian peso typically strengthens in February due to tourism influx - exchange rates improve 3-5% compared to January, making it ideal month for international visitors

Local buses (colectivos) stop running between smaller towns after 4pm during dry season as drivers return for evening family time - plan intercity travel before mid-afternoon to avoid expensive private transport

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodations in Cartagena's walled city without air conditioning - February temperatures inside colonial buildings reach 32°C (90°F) by noon even with fans

Attempting Lost City trek without proper hiking boots - dry season creates loose rock conditions on steep sections that cause ankle injuries with inadequate footwear

Scheduling multiple outdoor activities between 11am-3pm - UV index peaks at dangerous levels requiring indoor breaks or you'll burn through SPF 30 sunscreen in under 2 hours