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When to Visit Colombia

Climate guide & best times to travel

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Monthly Climate Data for Colombia Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview 1°C 7°C 13°C 19°C 25°C Rainfall (mm) 0 58 116 Jan Jan: 20.0°C high, 6.0°C low, 33mm rain Feb Feb: 20.0°C high, 7.0°C low, 51mm rain Mar Mar: 19.0°C high, 8.0°C low, 84mm rain Apr Apr: 19.0°C high, 9.0°C low, 117mm rain May May: 19.0°C high, 9.0°C low, 109mm rain Jun Jun: 18.0°C high, 9.0°C low, 58mm rain Jul Jul: 18.0°C high, 8.0°C low, 48mm rain Aug Aug: 18.0°C high, 8.0°C low, 43mm rain Sep Sep: 19.0°C high, 7.0°C low, 56mm rain Oct Oct: 19.0°C high, 8.0°C low, 109mm rain Nov Nov: 19.0°C high, 8.0°C low, 107mm rain Dec Dec: 19.0°C high, 7.0°C low, 61mm rain Temperature Rainfall
Planning a trip to Colombia means grappling with geography, not a single forecast. Altitude drives everything here. You will find tropical heat on the coast and permanent spring in Bogota, perched 2,600 meters up in the Andes. Locals divide the year into *verano* (dry season) and *invierno* (wet season). These do not match northern hemisphere calendars. Expect dry windows from December through March and again June to August. April, May, October, and November bring the heaviest rains. Still, afternoon showers hit most regions year-round. Pack for wet weather regardless.

Best Time to Visit

Recommended timing for different travel styles.

Beach & Relaxation
That window means December through March, plus July and August to a lesser degree.
Cultural Exploration
City exploration in Bogota, Medellin, or Cartagena works any month. You may want the December to March dry spell, though. Fewer showers mean uninterrupted museum stops and walking tours.
Adventure & Hiking
Hikers heading to the Lost City or Cocora Valley should target late dry season. March and early December deliver passable trails plus full, green scenery.
Budget Travelers
Budget hunters should eye May or November. These shoulder months sit just outside peak dry season. Airfare and hotels drop. Crowds thin. You will risk more rain.

What to Pack

Essentials and seasonal recommendations for Colombia.

Year-Round Essentials
A packable rain jacket
a non-negotiable year-round essential.
Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
a must for exploring cities like Cartagena or hiking trails.
Sun protection
Pack strong sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. The equatorial sun burns through clouds.
A reusable water bottle
handy
A small daypack
will carry your layers and supplies.
A medium-weight fleece or sweater
good for cooler evenings in the highlands, like those in Bogota.
Plug Type
Type An and Type B
Voltage
110-120 volts
Adapter Note
North American travelers skip the adapter. European visitors need one.
Skip These Items
your heavy winter coat formal eveningwear a water purifier or iodine tablets
Full Packing Checklist

Interactive checklist with shopping links for every item you need.

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Month-by-Month Guide

Climate conditions and crowd levels for each month of the year.

January

feels crisp and relatively dry in the Andean region.

High 20°C (68°F)
Low 6°C (43°F)
Rainfall only about five rainy days on average
Crowds high
View Details →
February

continues the dry trend, though rainfall inches up a bit.

High 20°C (68°F)
Low 7°C (45°F)
Rainfall about eight rainy days
Crowds high
View Details →
March

The weather shifts here. Rain builds. The land responds with fresh green growth.

High similar to February
Low similar to February
Rainfall around ten rainy days and 84 mm of rainfall
Crowds medium
View Details →
April

is squarely in the wet season.

High about 19°C (67°F)
Low 9°C (49°F)
Rainfall around sixteen rainy days and over 100 mm of rain
Crowds low
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May

is another wet month, with high humidity.

High consistent with April
Low consistent with April
Rainfall fifteen rainy days
Crowds low
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June

July and August bring a break. Colombians call this *veranillo*, the little summer.

High about 18°C (66°F)
Low 9°C (48°F)
Rainfall around 58 mm, though you still might see fifteen rainy days
Crowds medium
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July

is another drier window.

High similar to June
Low similar to June
Rainfall just under 50 mm of rain and about twelve rainy days
Crowds high
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August

continues the dry trend, with even less rain than July.

High hold steady
Low hold steady
Rainfall even less rain than July
Crowds high
View Details →
September

sees the rain returning.

High 19°C (66°F)
Rainfall about twelve rainy days and 56 mm of rainfall
Crowds medium
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October

is one of the wettest months, comparable to April and May, with high humidity.

High mild
Low mild
Rainfall fifteen rainy days
Crowds low
View Details →
November

starts to dry out again. It's a transitional month.

Rainfall decreasing from October's peak to about 107 mm over ten rainy days
Crowds low to medium
View Details →
December

brings back the drier, festive atmosphere.

High 19°C (67°F)
Low 7°C (45°F)
Rainfall about 61 mm over nine rainy days
Crowds high
View Details →

Ready to plan your trip to Colombia?

Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.

Top Things to Do

Curated attractions, tours, and experiences in Colombia.

Browse activities →

Where to Stay

Best neighbourhoods and hotels for every budget.

Find hotels →

What to Pack

Climate-specific gear and essentials for Colombia.

See packing list →

Continue Planning Your Trip

Packing List

What to bring on your trip for Colombia

When to Visit

Best times to travel for Colombia

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Colombia