Things to Do in Colombia in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Colombia
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- November marks the transition into Colombia's dry season in most regions, meaning you'll catch increasingly clear skies particularly in the second half of the month - Cartagena and the Caribbean coast see rainfall drop significantly compared to October, making beach days actually enjoyable rather than a gamble
- Crowd levels are genuinely manageable - you're in that sweet spot after the October holiday rush but before the December-January peak tourist season hits. Hotels in Bogotá and Medellín typically cost 20-30% less than December rates, and you won't be fighting for space at popular spots like Guatapé or Tayrona National Park
- Coffee harvest season is in full swing across the Zona Cafetera, which means the fincas are buzzing with activity and you can actually see the entire process from picking to processing. The hillsides around Salento and Filandia are particularly vibrant, and farm tours feel authentic rather than staged because real work is happening
- November weather creates ideal conditions for hiking - the Cocora Valley trails are muddy enough to be lush and green but not the swampy mess they become in peak rainy months. Temperature-wise, you're looking at comfortable 18-24°C (64-75°F) in the highlands during the day, perfect for full-day treks without overheating
Considerations
- The first two weeks of November can still be unpredictable weather-wise, especially in Andean regions like Bogotá and Medellín where afternoon downpours happen maybe 60% of days. These aren't all-day rains, but they're the kind that last 45-90 minutes and can completely derail outdoor plans if you're not flexible with timing
- The Amazon and parts of the Pacific coast are actually entering their wetter period in November - if you're planning to visit Leticia or the Chocó region, you're looking at daily rain and river levels that might restrict certain activities. It's not impossible to visit, but you need realistic expectations about what you can actually do
- November sits in an awkward spot for whale watching on the Pacific coast - the humpback whale season typically winds down by late October, so your chances of seeing them near Nuquí or Bahía Málaga drop significantly. If whales are your main reason for visiting the Pacific, you've missed the window
Best Activities in November
Coffee Region Farm Tours and Hiking
November is genuinely one of the best months to visit the Zona Cafetera because harvest season is active, meaning you'll see actual coffee picking and processing rather than just walking through dormant plantations. The weather is transitioning to drier conditions, so trails around Salento and the Cocora Valley are accessible without being muddy disasters. Temperatures hover around 18-24°C (64-75°F) during the day, which is perfect for hiking without melting. The wax palms in Cocora Valley are particularly photogenic when you get those increasingly common clear morning skies.
Caribbean Coast Beach Time and Colonial Exploration
Cartagena and the Caribbean islands see a noticeable drop in rainfall by mid-November, with the second half of the month offering genuinely reliable beach weather. You're looking at 29-32°C (84-90°F) with decreasing humidity compared to the brutal September-October period. The Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca become much more appealing when you're not dodging constant rain. Cartagena's Old Town is also more pleasant to explore in November because you're not dealing with peak-season crowds yet, and walking the city walls at sunset actually feels enjoyable rather than like a sweaty endurance test.
Bogotá Cultural Sites and Museum Circuit
November weather in Bogotá means you'll want a mix of indoor and outdoor plans because afternoon rain is still common in the first half of the month. The city's museums and cultural centers are perfect for this - the Gold Museum, Botero Museum, and various galleries in La Candelaria provide excellent rainy-day options. Temperatures are mild at 14-20°C (57-68°F), so exploring neighborhoods like Chapinero and Usaquén is comfortable when the weather cooperates. The Sunday Ciclovía bike path system is particularly enjoyable in November as crowds are lighter than December-January.
Tayrona National Park Hiking and Camping
November marks improving conditions at Tayrona as the Caribbean coast transitions into dry season. The coastal trails between Cañaveral and Cabo San Juan become less muddy and more manageable, though you'll still want proper hiking shoes. Temperatures are warm at 26-30°C (79-86°F) but the humidity is dropping compared to October. The second half of November is noticeably better than the first for multi-day hiking and beach camping. Swimming conditions improve as well, though always respect the warning flags as currents remain strong year-round.
Medellín Neighborhood Exploration and Metro Culture Tours
Medellín's eternal spring climate is particularly pleasant in November with temps around 22-28°C (72-82°F). The city is perfect for neighborhood wandering through Comuna 13, Poblado, and Laureles, though you'll want to plan outdoor activities for mornings as afternoon showers are still common early in the month. The metro system and cable cars up to Santo Domingo and Arví Park offer excellent perspectives on the city's transformation. November sees lighter tourist crowds than December-February, so popular spots like Plaza Botero and the Botanical Garden are more enjoyable.
Guatapé and El Peñol Day Trips
The iconic rock climb at El Peñol and colorful town of Guatapé make for an excellent day trip from Medellín in November. Weather is transitioning toward drier conditions, though morning departures are still your best bet for clear views from the top of the rock. The 740-step climb up El Peñol is more pleasant in November's moderate temperatures compared to the hotter dry season months. The reservoir boat tours around the flooded villages become more reliable as rain decreases through the month. Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends.
November Events & Festivals
Independence of Cartagena
November 11th is a major celebration in Cartagena commemorating independence from Spain in 1811. The city goes all out with parades, music, dancing in the streets, and beauty pageants. It's one of the biggest parties of the year and the entire city essentially shuts down for festivities. Hotels book up weeks in advance and prices spike significantly, but if you want to see Cartagena at its most celebratory, this is the time. Expect crowds, noise, and genuine local energy rather than tourist-focused events.
Cali Fair Preparations
While the actual Feria de Cali happens after Christmas, November is when the city starts ramping up with salsa competitions, preliminary events, and practice sessions in the streets. If you're a salsa enthusiast, visiting Cali in November means you can take classes and see performances without the absolute chaos and inflated prices of the actual fair week. The weather is also better in November compared to the humid December period.