Things to Do in Colombia in September

September Weather in Colombia

28°C (82°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Fewer crowds at major attractions - Machu Picchu tickets easier to secure and Lost City trek groups 30-40% smaller than dry season
Lush green landscapes at peak beauty - waterfalls like Salto del Tequendama and Tayrona's jungle trails are most spectacular
Lower accommodation prices - expect 20-30% savings on hotels in Cartagena and Santa Marta compared to December-March rates
Perfect weather in high-altitude cities - Bogotá and Medellín have mild 18-22°C (64-72°F) temperatures with minimal rain impact

Considerations

Heavy Caribbean coast rains - expect 200-300mm (8-12 inches) monthly rainfall disrupting beach plans and coastal transport
Amazon region flooding - many jungle lodges inaccessible and wildlife viewing significantly reduced due to high water levels
Muddy hiking conditions - trek difficulty increases substantially with slippery trails requiring waterproof boots and gear

Best Activities in September

Bogotá Cultural Exploration

September's mild weather makes Bogotá perfect for walking tours through La Candelaria and museum visits. Rain rarely affects indoor cultural sites, and the 18-20°C (64-68°F) temperatures are ideal for exploring the 2,640m (8,660ft) altitude city without heat exhaustion. Locals embrace cultural season with increased art exhibitions.

Booking Tip: Book walking tours 3-5 days ahead, typically 60,000-120,000 COP per person. Look for bilingual certified guides who include indoor backup venues. Reference booking widget for current cultural tour options.

Medellín Innovation Tours

Medellín's eternal spring climate remains perfect in September with temperatures around 22-25°C (72-77°F). Cable car systems operate normally despite occasional showers, and Comuna 13 graffiti tours showcase the city's transformation story. September brings fewer international tourists but active local cultural scene.

Booking Tip: Reserve cable car and transformation tours 5-7 days ahead, typically 80,000-150,000 COP. Choose operators with covered transportation between sites. See current options in booking section below.

Coffee Region Farm Visits

September's wet season creates perfect coffee growing conditions and harvest preparation activities. The Zona Cafetera's rolling hills are most verdant, and traditional fincas offer authentic experiences away from dry season crowds. Temperatures stay comfortable at 20-24°C (68-75°F) at coffee growing altitudes.

Booking Tip: Book farm stays and coffee tours 10-14 days ahead through certified coffee cultural operators, typically 100,000-200,000 COP per day. Ensure accommodations have covered areas for processing demonstrations.

Cartagena Colonial Architecture Tours

While afternoon rains are frequent, mornings in Cartagena remain perfect for exploring the UNESCO World Heritage walled city. The 28-30°C (82-86°F) temperatures and brief 1-2 hour afternoon showers create a natural siesta rhythm matching local lifestyle. Evening walks resume after 5pm when rains typically stop.

Booking Tip: Schedule walking tours for 8-11am or 5-7pm slots, typically 50,000-100,000 COP. Select guides offering indoor colonial mansion visits as rain backup. Reference booking section for current heritage tour availability.

Tatacoa Desert Stargazing

September offers some of the year's clearest night skies in the Tatacoa Desert, as the region remains dry while coast experiences rain. Daytime temperatures reach 35°C (95°F) but nights cool to pleasant 22°C (72°F). The contrast with Colombia's wet regions makes this desert experience uniquely appealing.

Booking Tip: Book astronomical tours and desert lodging 2-3 weeks ahead, typically 150,000-300,000 COP for overnight experiences. Ensure operators provide adequate sun protection for day exploration.

Villa de Leyva Colonial Experience

This preserved colonial town 2,149m (7,051ft) above sea level enjoys mild September weather perfect for cobblestone street exploration. While occasional afternoon drizzle occurs, the highland location avoids heavy coastal rains. The town's museums and covered colonial architecture provide natural rain shelters.

Booking Tip: Reserve weekend accommodations 2-3 weeks ahead as this is popular with domestic tourists, typically 120,000-250,000 COP per night. Choose central plaza locations for easy walking access between covered attractions.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Festival de Jazz de Bogotá

One of Latin America's most important jazz festivals featuring international and local artists across multiple venues in Bogotá. The indoor concert format makes it perfect for September's occasional rains, with additional outdoor stages when weather permits.

Early September

Feria de las Flores aftermath cultural events

While the main flower festival occurs in August, September brings extended cultural programming in Medellín including continued silletero (flower carrier) demonstrations and increased artisan markets celebrating the floral heritage.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - essential for muddy mountain trails and cobblestone streets that become slippery

Quick-dry pants and shirts - cotton takes too long to dry in 75% humidity conditions

Compact umbrella plus packable rain jacket - afternoon showers require portable protection

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 7 still causes burns, especially at high altitudes like Bogotá

Waterproof phone case - frequent rain and high humidity can damage electronics

Lightweight layers for altitude changes - temperature drops 6.5°C per 1,000m (3.5°F per 1,000ft) elevation gain

Antifungal foot powder - wet conditions and closed shoes create fungal infection risk

Waterproof day pack cover - protects camera gear and documents during unexpected downpours

Insect repellent with DEET - wet season increases mosquito activity, especially in lower altitude regions

Plastic bags for wet/dry separation - keeps dirty, wet clothes separate from clean items

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights for morning departures - afternoon storms frequently delay or cancel flights from coastal airports like Cartagena and Santa Marta

Carry small denomination bills (5,000-20,000 COP notes) - many vendors can't change large bills, especially during low tourist season when cash flow is limited

Download offline maps before traveling - internet connectivity becomes unreliable during heavy rains, and GPS is crucial for navigation

Learn basic Spanish weather phrases - locals appreciate effort and provide better service, plus weather updates are primarily broadcast in Spanish

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning beach days on the Caribbean coast - September brings heavy rains making beach activities unpleasant and water sports dangerous

Booking Amazon jungle tours - this is peak flood season with many lodges inaccessible and wildlife viewing poor due to high water levels

Packing only cotton clothing - takes forever to dry in high humidity and frequent rain, leaving travelers with constantly damp clothes