Things to Do in Colombia in October

October Weather in Colombia

28°C (82°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

120mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect hiking weather in Cocora Valley and Tayrona - clear mornings with 22-25°C (72-77°F) temperatures before afternoon clouds roll in
Whale watching season peaks in Pacific coast (Nuquí, Bahía Málaga) - humpback whales most active with 85% sighting success rates
Coffee harvest season begins in Zona Cafetera - fresh crop tastings, farm tours run daily, and accommodation prices drop 20-30% from peak season
Shoulder season pricing with 40% fewer crowds at major sites like Ciudad Perdida and Cartagena's old town compared to December-January

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms in Amazon and Chocó regions can disrupt outdoor activities 4-5 days per week between 2-5pm
Caribbean coast experiences unpredictable weather patterns - some years see extended dry spells, others face tropical storm influences
Road conditions deteriorate in rural areas during rainy periods - 4WD required for destinations like La Macarena and some coffee farms

Best Activities in October

Coffee Farm Tours in Zona Cafetera

October marks the beginning of coffee harvest season, offering authentic farm experiences with fresh bean processing. Morning temperatures of 20-22°C (68-72°F) are ideal for walking plantations. Rain typically holds off until 3pm, giving you full mornings for tours. Local fincas offer harvest participation experiences unavailable other times of year.

Booking Tip: Book directly with certified coffee farms 7-10 days ahead. Tours typically cost 80,000-150,000 COP ($20-38 USD) including tastings. Look for farms with sustainability certifications. Check current tour options in the booking section below.

Pacific Coast Whale Watching

Humpback whales migrate to Colombian Pacific waters with peak activity in October. Sea conditions are optimal with 1-2m (3-6 ft) swells. Departure ports like Nuquí and Bahía Málaga offer 4-hour excursions with 85% success rates. Morning trips (7am-11am) avoid afternoon coastal storms.

Booking Tip: Book whale watching tours 10-14 days ahead through licensed marine operators. Tours range 200,000-350,000 COP ($50-88 USD) including boat transport. Choose operators with marine biologist guides. See current tour availability in booking section below.

Tayrona National Park Hiking

October offers the best hiking conditions before November rains intensify. Morning temperatures start at 24°C (75°F) with clear trails to Cabo San Juan and Pueblito ruins. Afternoon cloud cover provides natural shade. Ocean temperatures reach 27°C (81°F) for post-hike swimming.

Booking Tip: Reserve Tayrona entry online 72 hours ahead (65,000 COP/$16 USD). Camping permits book up fastest for weekends. Start hikes by 7am to avoid afternoon heat. Licensed guides cost 150,000-250,000 COP ($38-63 USD) for full-day treks. Current tour options available in booking section below.

Cartagena Colonial Architecture Walking Tours

October's morning temperatures of 26°C (79°F) and reduced tourist crowds make it ideal for exploring Cartagena's old town. Street vendors sell seasonal fruits like corozo and zapote. Late afternoon light (5-6pm) provides excellent photography conditions for colonial facades.

Booking Tip: Book guided walking tours 3-5 days ahead, typically 60,000-120,000 COP ($15-30 USD) for 3-hour tours. Choose tours that include lesser-known plazas like Plaza de los Coches. Avoid midday tours (11am-3pm) due to heat. Check available tours in booking section below.

Guatavita Lake and Gold Museum Cultural Tours

October's mild Bogotá weather (15-20°C/59-68°F) is perfect for the 3km (1.9 mile) walk around sacred Guatavita Lake. Combine with Gold Museum visits to understand El Dorado legends. Afternoon fog often clears for better lake views than rainy season months.

Booking Tip: Guatavita requires advance booking through official channels (25,000 COP/$6 USD entry). Tours from Bogotá typically cost 180,000-280,000 COP ($45-70 USD) including transport. Book 5-7 days ahead as daily visitor limits apply. See current tour combinations in booking section below.

Medellín Transformation Tours

October's spring-like climate (20-28°C/68-82°F) showcases why Medellín is called 'City of Eternal Spring.' Perfect weather for Comuna 13 graffiti tours and cable car rides to surrounding hills. Fewer crowds mean better interaction with local guides and community members.

Booking Tip: Book Comuna 13 and transformation tours 2-3 days ahead, typically 80,000-150,000 COP ($20-38 USD). Choose community-based operators that give back to local neighborhoods. Morning tours (9am-12pm) offer best lighting for photography. Current tour options in booking section below.

October Events & Festivals

Mid October

Festival de Jazz de Mompox

This intimate jazz festival takes place in the colonial river town of Mompox, featuring Colombian and international artists performing in historic courtyards and plazas. The October timing coincides with perfect evening weather for outdoor concerts.

Late October

Hay Festival Cartagena

International literature and arts festival bringing world-renowned authors, journalists, and thinkers to Cartagena. Events held in historic venues throughout the old town, with many sessions conducted in English.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers last 30-45 minutes and happen on 12 days during October

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 75% humidity, especially for coastal regions

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 at altitude and reflection off water intensifies exposure

Comfortable waterproof hiking boots - essential for coffee farm visits and muddy trails after October rains

Light fleece or jacket for Bogotá and high-altitude areas - temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) at night above 2,500m (8,200 ft)

Quick-dry clothing for jungle regions - humidity stays above 80% in Amazon and Chocó areas with daily precipitation

Mosquito repellent with 30% DEET minimum - October rains create breeding pools in tropical regions

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - sudden tropical downpours can damage electronics

Comfortable walking sandals with grip - for beach areas and hostel showers, avoid flip-flops on wet surfaces

Small daypack with rain cover - for carrying essentials during day trips when weather can change quickly

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights by September 15th - October is when Colombians start planning December holidays, driving up prices by 30-40% for popular routes like Bogotá-Cartagena

Coffee farms offer 'selector de día' experiences in October where you can pick beans alongside workers - pay is typically 15,000 COP ($4 USD) per 125kg basket you fill

Many museums in Bogotá offer free entry on first Wednesday of October for 'Miércoles de Museos' - plan your Bogotá arrival for October 1st week to take advantage

Local buses to Tayrona and other parks run hourly during October shoulder season instead of every 30 minutes in peak season - plan extra buffer time for connections

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes - October nights in Bogotá, Villa de Leyva, and mountain regions require warm layers as temperatures drop to 8-12°C (46-54°F)

Booking tours that depart after 2pm on Pacific coast - afternoon storms frequently cancel boat trips and whale watching excursions

Assuming all roads are accessible - October rains make some rural coffee farms and jungle lodges temporarily unreachable without 4WD vehicles