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Colombia - Things to Do in Colombia in February

Things to Do in Colombia in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Colombia

30°C (86°F) High Temp
18°C (64°F) Low Temp
40 mm (1.6 inches) Rainfall
65% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

  • Dry season means minimal rain across most of Colombia - you'll get maybe 8 days with brief showers in Bogotá, even less on the Caribbean coast. Perfect timing for hiking, beach days, and outdoor exploration without constantly checking the weather
  • Cartagena and the Caribbean coast hit their sweet spot in February - temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with ocean breezes keeping things comfortable. The humidity is actually manageable compared to other months, and the water visibility for diving is excellent
  • Coffee harvest season is wrapping up in the Zona Cafetera, which means you can still catch farm tours showing the full process from picking to roasting. The landscapes are incredibly green from the previous months' rain, and accommodation prices drop slightly after the January peak
  • Barranquilla Carnival happens in late February or early March (dates shift based on Easter) - it's Colombia's biggest cultural event and genuinely rivals Rio. Even if you miss the main parade days, the entire Caribbean coast has a festival atmosphere throughout the month

Considerations

  • February is solidly high season, particularly the first two weeks when European and North American travelers overlap with Colombian school holidays. Expect hotel prices in Cartagena and Santa Marta to run 30-40% higher than April or May, and popular restaurants book out days ahead
  • The dry season means dust and haze, especially in Bogotá and Medellín. Air quality isn't great - the mountains trap pollution, and you'll notice it if you have respiratory sensitivities. The Andes look brown rather than lush green until the rains return in March
  • Páramo hiking trails (high-altitude moorlands above 3,000 m or 9,800 ft) can be brutally cold in February mornings - we're talking 2-5°C (36-41°F) at dawn. If you're doing Cocuy or Los Nevados, you need proper cold-weather gear, which catches a lot of first-timers off guard

Investigate Other Months

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Best Activities in February

Tayrona National Park coastal hiking and camping

February is arguably the best month for Tayrona - minimal rain, calmer Caribbean seas for swimming at La Piscina beach, and the jungle trails are dry enough that you're not slipping in mud every five steps. The park limits daily visitors to 6,500, so it never feels completely overrun even in high season. Temperatures hover around 28-30°C (82-86°F) with ocean breezes. You'll want to start hikes before 9am to avoid the midday UV index of 11-plus. The camping experience at Cabo San Juan is worth it in February specifically because you're not dealing with wet gear.

Booking Tip: Book park entry permits at least 5-7 days ahead through the official park system - they actually do sell out on weekends in February. Camping hammocks and tent sites cost around 50,000-80,000 COP per night. If booking through tour platforms, expect packages around 250,000-400,000 COP including transport from Santa Marta, guide, and park fees. Look for operators that include early morning pickup so you beat the crowds to Cañaveral entrance.

Caño Cristales river tours in La Macarena

February catches the tail end of the peak viewing season for the 'Liquid Rainbow' - the red Macarenia clavigera plants are still vibrant, though not quite as intense as November-January. The advantage in February is fewer tour groups and slightly lower prices as the season winds down. Water levels are perfect for swimming in the natural pools. You need decent fitness for the 2-3 hour hike in 30°C (86°F) heat with high humidity, but the dry trails make it much easier than rainy season attempts. This is genuinely one of those rare natural phenomena that lives up to the hype.

Booking Tip: You must book organized tours - independent travel isn't permitted due to the region's history and conservation rules. Packages from Bogotá typically run 1,200,000-1,800,000 COP for 2-3 days including flights to La Macarena, accommodation, meals, park permits, and guides. Book at least 3-4 weeks ahead in February as group sizes are limited. The booking platforms have current operators with proper permits.

Coffee farm tours in Salento and Valle de Cocora

February sits right at the end of the main harvest, so you'll still see coffee pickers working the farms and can participate in the full bean-to-cup process. The Cocora Valley wax palm hikes are spectacular in February - the trails are dry, visibility is excellent for photos of those absurdly tall palms, and the afternoon rain that happens 60% of the year in other months is rare now. Temperatures in Salento range 18-24°C (64-75°F), which is perfect hiking weather. The only downside is crowds - this is peak gringo trail season, so start the Cocora hike before 8am.

Booking Tip: Coffee farm tours cost around 40,000-80,000 COP per person for 2-3 hour experiences. Book a day or two ahead through your accommodation or tour platforms - same-day availability is hit-or-miss in February. For Cocora Valley, the jeep ride from Salento costs 9,000-10,000 COP round-trip. Consider staying overnight in the valley itself to avoid the day-tripper crowds. Multi-day coffee region tours from Bogotá or Medellín run 800,000-1,500,000 COP.

Cartagena Old City walking tours and street food

February heat in Cartagena is real - 30-32°C (86-90°F) with 70% humidity - but the lack of rain means you can actually explore the colonial streets without getting drenched. The best approach is morning walks (7-10am) when it's cooler, siesta during midday heat, then evening food tours starting around 6pm when the plazas come alive. The city's UNESCO-listed architecture looks stunning in the dry season light. Street food scene peaks in February with vendors everywhere - arepas de huevo, ceviche, and fresh fruit for 5,000-15,000 COP. The sunset from the city walls is mandatory.

Booking Tip: Walking tours through the Old City and Getsemaní neighborhood typically cost 80,000-150,000 COP for 2-3 hours with a knowledgeable guide. Food tours run 120,000-200,000 COP and usually include 6-8 tastings. Book 3-5 days ahead in February. Avoid the cruise ship days (check port schedules) when the Old City gets genuinely crowded between 10am-4pm. Self-guided exploration works fine, but a good guide adds historical context you'd otherwise miss.

Bogotá bike tours and street art exploration

Bogotá's Ciclovía happens every Sunday and holiday when they close 120 km (75 miles) of streets to cars - it's incredible in February because you get clear skies and comfortable temperatures around 18-20°C (64-68°F) during the day. The street art in neighborhoods like La Candelaria and Chapinero is world-class, and February's dry weather means you can spend hours wandering without rain interrupting. The city sits at 2,640 m (8,660 ft), so expect to feel the altitude initially - take it easy the first day. The afternoon light is perfect for photography.

Booking Tip: Bike rentals cost around 20,000-35,000 COP for a full day. Organized bike tours (including street art focused routes) run 80,000-120,000 COP for 3-4 hours with guides who explain the political and cultural context behind the murals. Book a day or two ahead through tour platforms. For Ciclovía on Sundays, show up early (8-9am) to rent bikes before they're all claimed. The Bogotá Graffiti Tour is donation-based and excellent if you want the DIY approach.

San Andrés and Providencia island diving and snorkeling

February offers the calmest Caribbean seas and best underwater visibility of the year around these islands - often 20-30 m (65-100 ft). Water temperature is a comfortable 27-28°C (81-82°F). The coral reefs are healthier here than most Caribbean destinations, and you'll see nurse sharks, rays, and massive schools of tropical fish. Providencia is significantly less developed and crowded than San Andrés - worth the extra boat ride if you want the authentic island experience. The dry season means beach days are actually reliable rather than the rain-interrupted experiences you'd get April through November.

Booking Tip: Diving packages typically cost 180,000-280,000 COP for two-tank dives including equipment. Snorkeling tours to spots like Johnny Cay or the Aquarium run 60,000-120,000 COP. Book 5-7 days ahead in February as boat capacity is limited. Look for PADI-certified operators through booking platforms. The flight from Bogotá to San Andrés costs 300,000-600,000 COP round-trip - book at least a month ahead for reasonable prices. Providencia requires an additional 30-minute flight or 3-hour boat ride.

February Events & Festivals

Late February (dates shift annually based on Easter calendar - typically 4 days before Ash Wednesday)

Barranquilla Carnival

This is Colombia's biggest cultural celebration and one of the largest carnivals in the world - UNESCO recognized and genuinely spectacular. Four days of parades, costumes, cumbia dancing, and street parties that take over the entire city. The main events are the Battle of Flowers parade (Saturday), the Grand Parade (Sunday), and the Festival de Orquestas. Even if you're not normally into massive festivals, this one is worth planning around - the energy is infectious and the cultural significance runs deep. Hotels book out months ahead, so commit early if you're interested.

Early January through early February (typically runs 10 days starting first weekend of January)

Feria de Manizales

Manizales hosts this week-long festival celebrating coffee culture, bullfighting (controversial but traditional), and local music. The International Coffee Fair runs concurrently with tastings, barista competitions, and farm tours. It's a more local experience than Barranquilla - fewer international tourists, more authentic regional flavor. The city sits in the coffee region at 2,150 m (7,050 ft) elevation with February temperatures around 17-21°C (63-70°F), so pack layers.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50-plus sunscreen and reapply every 90 minutes - UV index hits 11-plus across Colombia, even in Bogotá at altitude. The equatorial sun is no joke, and you'll burn in 15 minutes without protection
Light rain jacket or packable poncho for highland cities - Bogotá and Medellín still get occasional afternoon showers in February (maybe 8-10 days total). They last 20-30 minutes but can be heavy
Layers for altitude changes - you'll go from 32°C (90°F) on the coast to 15°C (59°F) in Bogotá within a few hours of flying. A light fleece or long-sleeve shirt is essential for highland evenings
Broken-in hiking shoes with ankle support if doing Tayrona, Cocora Valley, or páramo trails. The terrain is rocky and uneven, and new shoes will destroy your feet. Also pack sandals for coastal areas
Insect repellent with 25-30% DEET for Caribbean coast and Amazon regions. Mosquitoes aren't terrible in February's dry season but they're present at dawn and dusk. Dengue exists, so take it seriously
Lightweight, breathable clothing in cotton or linen - avoid polyester in 65-70% humidity. You'll sweat through everything on the coast. Pack more shirts than you think you need
Water purification tablets or a filtered bottle - tap water isn't reliably safe outside major cities. Staying hydrated in February's heat is critical, and buying bottled water constantly gets expensive
Small daypack (20-30 L) for day trips and hikes - you'll use this constantly for carrying water, sunscreen, rain jacket, and snacks. Make sure it's comfortable for 4-6 hour hikes
Cash in small bills (20,000 and 50,000 COP notes) - many small restaurants, street food vendors, and rural areas don't take cards. ATMs dispense large bills that nobody can break
Headlamp or small flashlight - power outages happen occasionally, and if you're camping in Tayrona or doing early morning hikes, you'll need it. Phone flashlights drain batteries too quickly

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation for Cartagena and the Caribbean coast at least 4-6 weeks ahead in February. Prices jump 30-40% during high season, and the best mid-range options sell out early. If you're flexible, consider staying in Getsemaní neighborhood instead of the Old City - it's a 10-minute walk, half the price, and more authentic
The afternoon heat on the coast (1-4pm) is genuinely brutal in February - even locals retreat indoors. Plan your beach time for early morning (7-11am) or late afternoon (4pm onward). You'll enjoy it more and avoid the worst UV exposure. This is when you hit museums, take siestas, or find air-conditioned cafes
Colombian domestic flights are absurdly cheap if you book 3-4 weeks ahead - often 100,000-200,000 COP (25-50 USD) for routes that would take 10-12 hours by bus. Avianca, LATAM, and Viva Air all have frequent sales. The time savings are massive, and bus travel, while scenic, is exhausting on mountain roads
Tipping isn't mandatory in Colombia but is increasingly expected in tourist areas. Restaurants often include a 10% 'servicio sugerido' on the bill - this is optional despite the wording. If service was good, 10% is standard. For guides and drivers, 20,000-50,000 COP per day is appreciated. Street food vendors don't expect tips

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating travel times between cities - Colombia's geography is mountainous and distances are deceptive. Bogotá to Salento looks like 4 hours on a map but takes 8-9 hours by bus through winding mountain roads. Either fly or budget significantly more time than Google Maps suggests. First-timers routinely blow their schedules on this
Skipping altitude acclimatization in Bogotá - the city sits at 2,640 m (8,660 ft) and you'll feel it. Take your first day easy, drink tons of water, avoid heavy meals and alcohol initially. If you're doing high-altitude hikes (páramos above 3,500 m or 11,500 ft), spend at least 2-3 days in Bogotá first. Altitude sickness is miserable and preventable
Changing money at the airport or tourist areas - the exchange rates are terrible. Use ATMs instead (Bancolombia and Banco de Bogotá are reliable) and withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees. Your bank's foreign transaction fee is almost always better than exchange bureau rates. Avoid changing money with street vendors - scams are common

Explore Activities in Colombia

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January

Travel guide for January

March

Travel guide for March

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Colombia

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