Month guide · Cartagena · Colombia
Cartagena in August
What August is really like in Cartagena: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: JERRYE AND ROY KLOTZ MD, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
August is a quieter month with trade-offs. Expect average highs of 32°C (90°F), lows of 26°C (79°F), about 11 rainy days and roughly 12.5 hours of daylight. Hot, humid and still; afternoon storms are common.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 32°C (90°F) / 26°C (79°F)
- Rainy days
- About 11
- Daylight
- About 12.5 hours
- Sea temperature
- 29°C (84°F)
- Crowds
- Quiet
- Hotel prices
- Low
Weather in August
August is the 5th-warmest month in Cartagena: days average 32°C (90°F) against a yearly average high of 32°C (90°F), and nights fall to about 26°C (79°F). Rain falls on roughly 11 of its 31 days. Compared with July (32°C (90°F)), August is about as warm; by September highs stay near 32°C (90°F).
- Sunrise (15 August)
- About 05:53
- Sunset (15 August)
- About 18:21
- Daylight
- About 12.5 hours
- Sea
- 29°C (84°F)
Early wet season (May–June). Humid with afternoon storms, fewer visitors and lower prices.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, August rates 2 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 2 for hotel prices (highest in January). That makes August one of the better-value months to book.
Events in August
August has no major recurring festival in Cartagena, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in August
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Gallery · El Centro
Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena
Housed in a former customs warehouse on Plaza de San Pedro Claver, the museum shows 20th-century Colombian art, including Cartagena-born painter Alejandro Obregón and Enrique Grau.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- Rainy day
Historic site · El Centro
The walled city
Explore early in the morning or after 4pm; the midday heat is intense and the light is better for photos.
- Time needed
- Half a day or more
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- History
- Architecture
- Photo spot
Castle · Getsemaní
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Built on San Lázaro hill from the 1630s and expanded in the 18th century, this is the largest Spanish fortress in the Americas.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Views
- Kids
Landmark · El Centro
City walls and bastions
Walk the stretch between Baluarte de Santo Domingo and Baluarte de Santa Catalina at sunset, when the sea breeze picks up.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Views
- History
- Couples
The sea averages 29°C (84°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Cartagena.
What to pack
For highs near 32°C, lows near 26°C and 11 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is August a good time to visit Cartagena?
A quieter month with trade-offs. If your dates are flexible, February–April are better overall. Compare every month.
Cartagena in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is August a good time to visit Cartagena?
It is a quieter month with trade-offs. Hot, humid and still; afternoon storms are common.
+How warm is Cartagena in August?
Average highs are around 32°C (90°F) and lows around 26°C (79°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Cartagena in August?
Expect rain on about 11 days of the month.