Colombia · tool
Best time to visit Cartagena
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Photo by Leandro Loureiro on Unsplash
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 light breezes | peak | peak |
⚠ Can still be quite hot and humid. | |
| February | 24-31°C, very sunny and dry with low humidity | peak | peak |
⚠ Expect high prices and crowds, especially during Carnival. | |
| March | 25-32°C, warm and humid with increasing chances of afternoon showers | high | high |
⚠ Semana Santa can cause prices and crowds to spike. | |
| April | 25-32°C, hot and humid with frequent, heavy afternoon thunderstorms | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Rainfall increases significantly, impacting outdoor activities. | |
| May | 25-31°C, very humid with regular heavy rain showers, especially in the afternoons | moderate | moderate |
⚠ High humidity and frequent rain can be disruptive. | |
| June | 25-31°C, very humid with consistent heavy rainfall | low | low |
⚠ This is the start of the wettest period; outdoor plans may be frequently interrupted. | |
| July | 25-31°C, hot and extremely humid with heavy, frequent rain | low | low |
⚠ High humidity and persistent rain make it less ideal for sightseeing. | |
| August | 25-31°C, hot and humid with heavy rainfall, though slightly less than July | low | low |
⚠ Still very much in the rainy season; expect significant downpours. | |
| September | 25-31°C, hot and humid with persistent heavy rain | low | low |
⚠ One of the wettest months; many outdoor activities and boat trips may be canceled due to weather. | |
| October | 24-30°C, hot and humid with heavy rain tapering off towards the end of the month | low | low |
⚠ Still a high chance of significant rain, especially early in the month. | |
| November | 24-31°C, warm and humid with scattered afternoon showers | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Rainfall is decreasing but can still occur. | |
| December | 24-31°C, sunny and warm with occasional light showers | peak | peak |
⚠ Very crowded and expensive due to holiday travel. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
January
New Year's Eve
Celebrations across the city, especially along the coast and in Getsemaní.
February
Carnival of Barranquilla
While technically in Barranquilla, the festivities spill over and influence the mood in Cartagena.
August
Festival de Música del Pacífico Petronio Álvarez
A celebration of Afro-Colombian music and culture, often with events or related activities in Cartagena.
November
Independencia de Cartagena
Commemorates Cartagena's declaration of independence with parades, music, and cultural events.
March
Festival de Cine de Cartagena (FICCI)
One of Latin America's oldest film festivals, attracting filmmakers and cinephiles.
July
Colombiamoda
A major fashion trade show that can sometimes have associated public events or buzz in Cartagena.
Insider timing tips
- •Cartagena's dry season (December to March) offers the most reliable weather for beach activities and exploring the walled city, but comes with peak crowds and prices.
- •The 'shoulder' months of April and November can offer a balance of decent weather and fewer crowds, though they mark the transition into or out of the heavy rainy season.
- •June through August are the wettest months, with high humidity and frequent, intense downpours that can disrupt plans, but also offer the lowest prices and fewest tourists.
- •While September and October are generally the least desirable due to persistent rain, they can be appealing for budget travelers seeking solitude, provided they are prepared for daily thunderstorms.
- •Colombian national holidays, particularly around Easter (Semana Santa) and Independence Day (November 11th), can cause significant surges in domestic tourism, leading to higher prices and crowds even outside the typical peak season.
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