Things to Do in Colombia in January

January Weather in Colombia

25°C (77°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

65mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means minimal rainfall (only 65mm/2.6 inches) and clear skies for outdoor adventures in Tayrona National Park and Ciudad Perdida treks
Cool evening temperatures (18°C/64°F) make Cartagena's Old City perfect for evening walks without the oppressive heat of other months
January trade winds keep Caribbean coast comfortable and create ideal conditions for kitesurfing and sailing around Santa Marta
Festival season begins with Hay Festival Cartagena (late January) bringing world-class literary events and cultural programming

Considerations

Peak tourist season drives accommodation prices up 40-60% compared to shoulder months, especially in Cartagena and San Andrés
Extreme UV index of 11 requires constant sun protection and limits midday outdoor activities to 30-minute intervals
January crowds at Tayrona beaches and Rosario Islands can feel overwhelming, with popular spots reaching capacity by 10am

Best Activities in January

Ciudad Perdida Multi-Day Treks

January's dry conditions make the challenging 44km (27-mile) trek to the Lost City significantly easier with minimal mud and clear mountain views. Rivers are at their lowest, making crossings safer. Cool morning temperatures (18°C/64°F) are perfect for the steep climbs through cloud forest.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead as only 200 people per day are allowed. 4-day treks typically cost 900,000-1,200,000 COP ($225-300 USD). Look for operators with indigenous Kogí guide partnerships and emergency evacuation insurance. See current certified operators in the booking section below.

Caribbean Coast Island Hopping

January trade winds create perfect sailing conditions while dry weather ensures crystal-clear visibility for underwater activities. Rosario Islands and San Bernardo Archipelago have calm seas and 28°C (82°F) water temperatures. Plankton blooms are minimal, making snorkeling visibility excellent.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost 180,000-280,000 COP ($45-70 USD) including lunch and snorkeling gear. Book through operators with Coast Guard certification. Multi-island tours fill up by 8am, so reserve the night before. Check booking options below for current availability.

Coffee Region Harvest Experiences

January marks peak coffee harvest season in Zona Cafetera. Temperatures are perfect (22°C/72°F days, 16°C/61°F nights) for walking between farms. You'll see actual picking, processing, and can participate in harvest activities unavailable other months. Mountain visibility is exceptional for valley views.

Booking Tip: Farm stays cost 150,000-350,000 COP ($38-88 USD) per night including meals and harvest activities. Book directly with fincas or through local cooperatives. Transportation between farms typically adds 80,000-120,000 COP ($20-30 USD) per day. See current farm tour options below.

Tayrona National Park Multi-Day Camping

Dry season means hiking trails are firm (not muddy) and camping areas stay dry overnight. January temperatures (25°C/77°F days) are perfect for the 9km (5.6-mile) hike to Cabo San Juan. Wildlife is more active in cooler morning hours, and howler monkeys are easily spotted.

Booking Tip: Park entry costs 54,500 COP ($14 USD) plus camping fees of 15,000-25,000 COP ($4-6 USD) per night. Hammock rentals run 30,000-45,000 COP ($8-11 USD). Book camping spots online 2 weeks ahead as January reaches capacity. Check current tour packages below.

Medellín Urban Innovation Tours

January's mild temperatures (24°C/75°F) and low rainfall make this perfect for exploring Comuna 13's outdoor art installations and cable car systems. Clear weather provides stunning views from Guatapé's El Peñón rock climb. The city's eternal spring weather is at its most comfortable.

Booking Tip: Transformation tours cost 45,000-85,000 COP ($11-21 USD) for half-day experiences. Guatapé day trips range from 120,000-180,000 COP ($30-45 USD) including transport. Book through community-based operators for authentic experiences. See current urban tour options below.

Amazonia Wildlife Spotting

January's lower river levels concentrate wildlife around remaining water sources, making animal spotting significantly easier. Pink dolphins are more active in cooler morning hours. Reduced rainfall means jungle paths are accessible and night sounds carry clearly for better wildlife audio experiences.

Booking Tip: 3-day jungle packages typically cost 450,000-750,000 COP ($113-188 USD) including accommodation, meals, and guided excursions. Book through Leticia-based operators with indigenous guide partnerships. River transport costs extra 80,000-150,000 COP ($20-38 USD). Check current jungle tour options below.

January Events & Festivals

Late January (typically last week)

Hay Festival Cartagena

International literary festival bringing world-renowned authors, journalists, and thinkers to Cartagena's historic venues. Features over 100 events including book launches, debates, and cultural performances. Many events are free and held in outdoor plazas perfect for January's evening weather.

Early to Mid January

Festival Internacional de Música de Cartagena

Classical music festival featuring international orchestras and soloists performing in colonial churches and theaters. January's cool evenings make outdoor concerts in Plaza de Armas particularly enjoyable. Combines high-level performances with historic architecture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every hour - UV index reaches dangerous level 11, causing burns in 10 minutes without protection

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for sun protection during midday activities when shade is limited

Light rain jacket or poncho for occasional afternoon showers that last 15-20 minutes

Comfortable hiking boots rated for 15km+ (9+ miles) if planning Ciudad Perdida or Tayrona multi-day treks

Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET for jungle regions where mosquito activity peaks during dry season

Light sweater for mountain regions and Bogotá where January nights drop to 6°C (43°F)

Quick-dry pants and shirts as humidity stays around 65% even during dry season

Water bottles with 2+ liter capacity for long hikes - dehydration happens faster in dry season

Waterproof phone case for boat trips and water activities around Caribbean islands

Cash in small bills (50,000 COP and under) as many rural areas and national parks don't accept cards

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Cartagena before December 15th - January prices jump 60% and many hotels implement 4-night minimum stays

Start outdoor activities at 6am when temperatures are coolest (18°C/64°F) - locals avoid midday sun completely from 11am-3pm

In coffee region, participate in morning harvest picking (5:30am-10am) when beans are coolest and workers are most active - afternoon picking rarely happens

January is mango season - street vendors sell perfectly ripe mangos with lime and salt for 3,000-5,000 COP ($0.75-1.25) that locals consider the year's best

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating sun exposure - tourists get severe burns within 45 minutes during midday hours, even on cloudy days due to UV index of 11

Booking Tayrona camping without reservations - January is the only month that consistently sells out, leaving travelers sleeping in nearby hostels 1 hour away

Planning full itineraries without considering that most Colombians take January vacations, making domestic flights and bus routes 30-40% more expensive and crowded