Things to Do in Colombia in March

March Weather in Colombia

28°C (82°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

80mm (3.1 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season conditions in most regions - only 80mm (3.1 inches) rainfall across the month with clear skies ideal for outdoor activities and photography
Perfect weather window for high-altitude destinations like Cocuy National Park and Nevado del Ruiz - March offers the clearest mountain views before April cloud cover sets in
Carnival season extends into early March with post-carnival celebrations in Barranquilla and regional festivals, plus Women's Day (March 8) creates a festive atmosphere nationwide
Optimal wildlife viewing in eastern plains and Amazon regions - dry season concentrates animals around water sources while rivers remain navigable before seasonal flooding

Considerations

Peak tourist season pricing - accommodation costs increase 40-60% compared to shoulder months, especially in Cartagena, Santa Marta, and San Andrés
Extreme UV exposure with index reaching 11+ - sunburn risk is severe at high altitudes and coastal areas, requiring constant protection and limiting midday outdoor activities
Popular destinations like Tayrona National Park and Cocuy reach capacity quickly - advance reservations essential and some areas may be fully booked by February

Best Activities in March

Caribbean Coast Beach and Island Hopping

March offers perfect conditions for Caribbean coastal exploration with minimal rainfall and calm seas. Water temperature reaches 27°C (81°F) with excellent visibility for snorkeling. Trade winds keep humidity comfortable while avoiding the intense heat of later dry season months. Sea conditions are ideal for island transfers and water sports.

Booking Tip: Book coastal accommodations 6-8 weeks ahead as March is peak season. Island day trips typically cost COP 150,000-250,000 ($40-65 USD). Look for operators with coast guard certification and recent safety records. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Coffee Region Hacienda Tours and Hiking

March is harvest season in the Coffee Triangle with perfect weather - warm days around 24°C (75°F) and cool nights at 16°C (61°F). Minimal rainfall means clear mountain views and optimal hiking conditions on coffee farm trails. You'll witness the actual picking and processing of coffee beans during peak harvest time.

Booking Tip: Coffee farm stays book up quickly in March due to harvest season appeal. Multi-day hacienda experiences range COP 300,000-500,000 ($80-130 USD) per person including meals. Book 4-6 weeks ahead through certified sustainable tourism operators. See current options in the booking section below.

Amazon Rainforest Wildlife Expeditions

March represents the tail end of dry season in Colombian Amazon - perfect for wildlife spotting as animals congregate around water sources. River levels remain high enough for deep jungle navigation while reduced rainfall means better trail access. Pink dolphins are most active, and bird watching peaks with over 300 species visible.

Booking Tip: Amazon lodge packages typically cost COP 600,000-1,200,000 ($160-320 USD) for 3-day expeditions. Book through operators with indigenous community partnerships and environmental certifications. Malaria prophylaxis required. See current jungle tour options in the booking section below.

Andean High-Altitude Trekking

March offers the clearest skies for high-altitude adventures in Los Nevados and Cocuy National Parks. Temperatures at 3,500m (11,480ft) altitude range from 15°C (59°F) during day to -2°C (28°F) at night. Minimal cloud cover provides spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and condor spotting opportunities.

Booking Tip: High-altitude permits must be secured 15-30 days in advance through park authorities. Guided treks cost COP 400,000-800,000 ($105-210 USD) for multi-day expeditions. Acclimatization in Bogotá recommended. Altitude sickness medication advised. See current mountain tour options in the booking section below.

Colonial City Cultural Walking Tours

March weather is ideal for exploring Cartagena's walled city and Bogotá's La Candelaria with comfortable temperatures and minimal rain disruption. Early morning and late afternoon offer perfect lighting for photography of colonial architecture. Street festivals and Women's Day celebrations add cultural richness throughout the month.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate daily but private cultural guides cost COP 150,000-300,000 ($40-80 USD) for half-day experiences. Book food tour combinations 1-2 weeks ahead. Evening tours are particularly popular in March due to pleasant temperatures. See current cultural tour options in the booking section below.

Pacific Coast Whale Watching

March marks the beginning of humpback whale migration season along Colombia's Pacific coast. Water conditions are calm with excellent visibility, and whale activity increases significantly compared to earlier months. Nuquí and Bahía Solano offer the best viewing opportunities with 70% success rates for sightings.

Booking Tip: Whale watching tours from Nuquí typically cost COP 200,000-350,000 ($55-95 USD) for full-day excursions. Small group boats (6-8 people) provide better viewing experiences. Book through operators with marine biologist guides and hydrophone equipment. See current whale watching tours in the booking section below.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata

Colombia's most important vallenato music festival typically occurs in late March/early April in Valledupar. Features accordion competitions, traditional dancing, and celebrates the UNESCO-recognized musical heritage of the Caribbean coast.

March 8

Women's Day Celebrations

March 8th is widely celebrated across Colombia with cultural events, concerts, and special activities in major cities. Many museums and cultural sites offer free admission and special exhibitions honoring Colombian women's contributions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index reaches 11+ at altitude and coast, requiring reapplication every 90 minutes

Lightweight long-sleeve UV protection shirts - essential for high-altitude locations above 2,500m (8,200ft) where sun exposure is intense

Quick-dry rain jacket with hood - afternoon showers occur 12 days in March, lasting 30-60 minutes with heavy downpours

Insulated jacket for mountain regions - temperatures drop to -2°C (28°F) at night above 3,000m (9,840ft) elevation

Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support - essential for coffee region trails and mountain trekking on uneven terrain

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid synthetic fabrics in 65% humidity, especially for coastal and lowland regions

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - mosquitoes are active in Amazon and coastal regions, with dengue and Zika risk present

Altitude sickness medication - mandatory for destinations above 2,500m (8,200ft) including Bogotá, coffee region, and mountain parks

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - sudden downpours can damage electronics during outdoor activities

Electrolyte supplements - high UV exposure and altitude changes cause rapid dehydration requiring mineral replacement

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation by early February - March is peak season and quality hotels in Cartagena, Santa Marta, and coffee region fill up completely, with prices increasing 40-60% after February 15th

Start activities before 10am or after 4pm - UV index peaks at dangerous levels (11+) between 10am-4pm, making midday outdoor activities potentially harmful even with protection

Fly into smaller regional airports when possible - Medellín (MDE), Pereira (UIO), and Santa Marta (SMR) have shorter immigration lines and better domestic connections than overcrowded Bogotá (BOG)

Carry small denomination bills (COP 10,000-20,000 notes) - many vendors, taxis, and tour guides cannot break large COP 50,000 or 100,000 bills, especially outside major cities

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude adjustment time - flying directly to high-altitude destinations like Bogotá (2,640m/8,661ft) without acclimatization causes severe altitude sickness for 60% of visitors

Booking last-minute accommodation in coastal cities - March is absolute peak season and travelers often find no available rooms or pay premium rates 200-300% above normal pricing

Ignoring UV protection at altitude - tourists frequently suffer severe sunburn within 2 hours at elevations above 2,500m (8,200ft) due to thinner atmosphere and intense solar radiation