Colombia · tool
Best time to visit Cartagena
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Best time to visit Cartagena, Colombia
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24-31°C, sunny and humid with occasional afternoon showers | high | high |
| |
| February | 24-31°C, consistently sunny and less humid | peak | peak |
| |
| March | 24-31°C, sunny with minimal rain | high | high |
| |
| April | 25-32°C, warm and humid with increasing chance of rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Semana Santa can cause hotel availability issues and price spikes. | |
| May | 25-32°C, hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Rainfall increases significantly, potentially impacting outdoor plans. | |
| June | 25-32°C, hot and very humid with daily rain showers | moderate | moderate |
⚠ High humidity and frequent downpours are common. | |
| July | 25-32°C, hot and humid with intermittent rain | moderate | moderate |
| |
| August | 25-32°C, hot and humid, a slight dip in rainfall compared to June/July | moderate | moderate |
| |
| September | 24-31°C, hot and humid with frequent heavy rains | low | low |
⚠ This is the wettest month, with a high chance of prolonged rain and potential for tropical storms. | |
| October | 24-31°C, hot and humid with continued heavy rainfall | low | low |
⚠ Still very wet; hurricane season risk is elevated. | |
| November | 24-31°C, humid with a decrease in rainfall towards month-end | low | low |
⚠ Early November can still be quite wet. | |
| December | 24-31°C, sunny with occasional brief showers, humidity increasing | peak | peak |
⚠ Expect significant crowds and peak prices from mid-December onwards. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
February
Carnival
A vibrant celebration with parades, music, dancing, and street parties leading up to Lent.
April
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Religious processions and cultural events marking the week before Easter.
August
Festival de Música del Pacífico 'Petronio Álvarez'
A major celebration of Afro-Colombian music and culture, often held in Cali but with influence and related events in coastal cities.
November
Independencia de Cartagena
Commemorates Cartagena's declaration of independence from Spain with parades, fireworks, and festivities.
March
Festival de Cine de Cartagena
An important film festival showcasing Latin American and international cinema.
December
Noche de Velitas (Night of the Little Candles)
The unofficial start of the Christmas season, where families light candles and paper lanterns.
Insider timing tips
- •Cartagena has two distinct seasons: dry (December-April) and wet (May-November). While the dry season is ideal, the shoulder months of April and November offer a good balance of weather and fewer crowds.
- •The 'green season' (May-November) doesn't mean constant rain; it typically involves heavy, short-lived afternoon thunderstorms, allowing for morning or evening exploration.
- •Hurricane season (June-November) poses a risk, though direct hits on Cartagena are less common than in the Caribbean islands. October and November are statistically the most active months for storms.
- •Prices and crowds peak sharply around Carnival (February) and Christmas/New Year's (late December/early January). Book well in advance for these periods.
- •Local holidays, especially Semana Santa and Independence Day, can lead to increased domestic tourism and higher prices, even if international crowds are moderate.
Ready to plan your Cartagena trip?
Get a full day-by-day itinerary with real places and bookable activities.