Things to Do in Colombia in November

November Weather in Colombia

26°C (79°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

45mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Dry season officially begins - only 6 rainy days average with short afternoon showers lasting 15-20 minutes
Perfect weather for high-altitude destinations like Bogotá (18-26°C/64-79°F) and coffee region treks without heavy rains
Monarch butterfly migration peaks in November - witness millions crossing through northern Colombia valleys
Post-harvest coffee season means freshest beans and active fincas offering tours with actual processing demonstrations

Considerations

UV index reaches dangerous 11+ at altitude - sunburn happens in 10 minutes without protection even on cloudy days
Tourist season ramp-up means accommodation prices increase 20-30% compared to October, especially weekends
Strong trade winds on Caribbean coast create choppy waters - not ideal for small boat excursions to remote islands

Best Activities in November

Cocora Valley Wax Palm Hiking

November's dry weather makes the 5.2km (3.2-mile) trek through the world's tallest palm forest ideal. Morning fog clears by 10am revealing perfect photography conditions. Mud from October rains has dried, making trails accessible without specialized boots. Temperatures stay comfortable at 2400m (7,874 ft) elevation - 16-22°C (61-72°F).

Booking Tip: Book day tours 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators in Salento. Typical cost ranges from 80,000-120,000 COP including transport. Start early (7am departure) to avoid afternoon clouds that roll in after 2pm. Reference booking widget for current guided hiking options.

Ciudad Perdida Multi-Day Treks

November marks the beginning of optimal trekking season. River levels drop from rainy season making 23 stream crossings manageable. Average daytime temperatures of 28°C (82°F) with cool 18°C (64°F) nights. Limited to 200 people daily - November bookings fill up as word spreads about improved conditions.

Booking Tip: Reserve 4-6 week minimum advance through authorized indigenous guide operators only. 4-day treks typically cost 850,000-1,200,000 COP including meals and accommodation. Avoid weekend departures when groups are largest. See current multi-day trek options in booking section below.

Cartagena Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

November's lower humidity (65% vs 85% in rainy months) makes 3-4 hour walking tours through cobblestone streets comfortable. Morning temperatures of 25°C (77°F) with sea breezes. Golden hour extends longer due to dry air - perfect for photography of colorful facades without rain threats.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (8am-11am) to avoid midday heat and UV. Evening tours (4pm-7pm) offer best lighting. Typical group tours cost 45,000-75,000 COP. Private guides range 180,000-300,000 COP for up to 6 people. Check current walking tour availability in booking widget.

Medellín Paragliding Adventures

November's stable weather patterns and thermal currents from valley heating create perfect paragliding conditions. Clear visibility extends to 15km+ (9+ miles) on most days. Afternoon thermals peak between 1-4pm when temperature differences between valley floor 28°C (82°F) and surrounding mountains 20°C (68°F) create ideal lift.

Booking Tip: Reserve tandem flights 5-7 days ahead through certified pilots with APPI credentials. Flights typically cost 180,000-280,000 COP for 20-30 minute experiences. Weight limits strictly enforced (max 100kg/220lbs). Morning flights offer calmer conditions for beginners. Current paragliding tours available in booking section.

Tayrona National Park Coastal Camping

Dry season beginning means beach camping becomes viable again. Rainfall drops to minimal 30mm (1.2 inches) monthly. Sea conditions calm down from October storms. Wildlife viewing peaks as animals emerge more frequently in stable weather. Howler monkeys most active during cool morning hours before 9am.

Booking Tip: Park entrance requires advance online reservation system (50,000 COP daily). Camping permits separate at 17,000 COP per person per night. Book camping spots 14+ days ahead - weekends fill completely. Bring cash - no cards accepted inside park. See current Tayrona tours and camping packages in booking widget below.

Amazon Jungle Lodge Experiences

November represents the start of 'low water' season in Colombian Amazon. Rivers drop revealing beaches and making wildlife spotting easier as animals concentrate near water sources. Pink dolphin sightings increase 40% compared to high water months. Daytime temperatures stable at 30°C (86°F) with 24°C (75°F) nights.

Booking Tip: Book lodge packages minimum 3 weeks ahead through established operators in Leticia. 3-day/2-night packages typically range 480,000-750,000 COP including meals, guides, and activities. Yellow fever vaccination required - allow 10+ days before travel. Current Amazon lodge options available through booking widget.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November weekends

Feria de las Flores Medellín Extended Events

While main festival occurs in August, November features 'Flores de Noviembre' - smaller flower exhibitions throughout the city showcasing post-rainy season blooms. Local neighborhoods hold mini-silletero parades on weekends.

Mid to Late November

Coffee Harvest Festivals

Multiple small towns in Zona Cafetera celebrate the main harvest completion with local festivals featuring coffee competitions, traditional music, and farm-to-cup tastings. Each town has different dates but all feature authentic cultural experiences away from tourist crowds.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen minimum - UV index hits 11+ at altitude making burns possible in under 10 minutes even when cloudy

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in breathable fabric - essential for jungle and high-altitude sun protection

Quick-dry hiking pants - morning dew and occasional afternoon showers require fast-drying materials

Waterproof day pack cover - sudden 15-minute downpours still occur 6 days monthly on average

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - mosquito activity increases as standing water from October rains remains

Warm layer for evenings in coffee region - temperatures drop to 12°C (54°F) at higher elevations after sunset

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - trails remain muddy in shaded forest areas despite dry weather

Cash in small bills (20,000 and 50,000 COP notes) - many rural attractions and national parks don't accept cards

Portable battery pack - remote locations have limited charging opportunities during multi-day activities

Basic Spanish phrasebook or offline translation app - English less common outside major tourist zones

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights on Tuesday/Wednesday - weekend surcharges can add 40% to costs during November's tourist season ramp-up

Eat lunch at 'corrientazos' (local set menu restaurants) between 11am-2pm for authentic meals at 12,000-18,000 COP instead of tourist restaurant prices

Use Uber/DiDi in major cities but always carry cash backup - drivers often prefer cash payments and some areas have limited card service

Many museums and attractions offer 'Colombia resident' discounts - show hotel booking confirmation to sometimes qualify for reduced rates

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects in Bogotá (2,640m/8,661ft) - arrive 1-2 days early before strenuous activities to acclimatize

Expecting Caribbean weather nationwide - pack layers as mountain regions can be 15°C (27°F) cooler than coastal areas same day

Not booking accommodations for weekends in advance - Colombian domestic tourism increases significantly in November causing sellouts