Colombia · tool

Best time to visit Bogotá

Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.

Best time to visit Bogotá, Colombia

Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.

Month	Weather	Crowds	Prices	Highlights
January	19-21°C, dry with abundant sunshine	moderate	moderate	• Dry season peak • Ideal for exploring Monserrate ⚠ Can be quite cool in the evenings.
February	19-21°C, dry with abundant sunshine	moderate	moderate	• Continued dry weather • Good for street art tours ⚠ Temperatures can feel cooler due to wind.
March	18-20°C, increasing chance of rain showers	low	low	• Shoulder season, fewer crowds • Lush green landscapes after dry spell ⚠ Rain is typically brief and in the afternoon.
April	18-20°C, frequent rain showers	low	low	• Emerald season, vibrant flora • Good for museum visits ⚠ Rain can be heavy but often short-lived.
May	18-20°C, frequent rain showers	low	low	• Less crowded than peak season • Experience local life in the rain ⚠ The heaviest rainfall of the year often occurs in May.
June	18-20°C, mixed sun and rain	moderate	moderate	• Beginning of a drier spell • Outdoor activities become more feasible ⚠ Can still experience significant rainfall.
July	19-21°C, dry with sunshine	moderate	moderate	• Dry season returns • Good for hiking in surrounding hills ⚠ Popular month for domestic tourism.
August	19-21°C, dry with sunshine	moderate	moderate	• Continued dry weather • Excellent for exploring the historic La Candelaria ⚠ Similar to July, can be busy with local travelers.
September	18-20°C, increasing chance of rain showers	low	low	• Shoulder season, fewer tourists • Pleasant temperatures for city exploration ⚠ Rainfall is generally manageable.
October	18-20°C, frequent rain showers	low	low	• Vibrant autumn colors in parks • Good deals on flights and accommodation ⚠ One of the rainiest months, but often with sunny spells.
November	18-20°C, mixed sun and rain	moderate	moderate	• Christmas decorations begin to appear • Transition to the driest period ⚠ Rainfall starts to decrease.
December	19-21°C, dry with abundant sunshine	high	high	• Festive Christmas lights and decorations • Dry season ideal for outdoor activities ⚠ Peak holiday season, book accommodations well in advance.

Annual events worth timing your trip around

January

Carnaval de Bogotá

A vibrant celebration with music, parades, and cultural events across the city.

March

Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro de Bogotá (FITB)

One of the largest theatre festivals in the world, featuring performances from Latin America and beyond.

June

Día de San Pedro y San Pablo

Religious holiday celebrated with local festivities and church services.

August

Festival de Verano

A large urban festival with concerts, sports, and cultural activities throughout the city.

July

Día de la Independencia

Colombia's Independence Day is celebrated with parades and national pride.

August

Festival de Música del Pacífico 'Petronio Álvarez'

While primarily in Cali, Bogotá hosts related events celebrating Pacific Colombian music and culture.

October

Festival de Cine de Bogotá

Showcases a diverse range of international and Colombian films.

December

Festival de Luces (Festival of Lights)

Bogotá illuminates with spectacular Christmas light displays throughout the city.

Insider timing tips

•Bogotá has two distinct rainy seasons (April-May and October-November) and two dry seasons (June-August and December-February). Temperatures are remarkably consistent year-round due to its high altitude.
•While the dry seasons might seem ideal, the 'emerald season' (April-May) offers lush greenery and fewer tourists, making it a great time for photography and a more relaxed experience.
•Domestic tourism peaks during Colombian school holidays, particularly in July, August, and around Christmas, leading to higher prices and crowds.
•The altitude means that even during sunny periods, evenings and early mornings can be quite chilly, often dropping to 10°C or below. Always pack layers.
•Many smaller businesses, especially outside tourist zones, may close for extended periods during Holy Week (Semana Santa) in March or April, and for a few days around New Year's.