Best time to visit · Cartagena · Colombia
The best time to visit Cartagena
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
The best time to visit Cartagena is February to April, when it is dry, breezy and less crowded than the holiday peak. December and the first half of January are dry too but very busy and expensive. October and November are the wettest months, with heavy afternoon storms, though mornings are often clear and prices are low.
Key facts
- Best months
- February–April
- Shoulder season
- May–July and December–January
- Warmest month
- April (avg high 32°C (90°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 31°C (88°F))
- Rainiest month
- October (~15 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- May and August–October
Seasons
Cartagena is hot and humid year-round, with highs of 31–32°C and warm nights. December to April is the dry season with steady breezes; rain increases from May and peaks in October and November, usually in heavy afternoon or evening storms.
December–April
Dry season
Sunny with trade winds that make the heat more bearable; peak crowds from mid-December to mid-January and at Semana Santa.
May–June
Early wet season
Humid with afternoon storms, fewer visitors and lower prices.
July–August
Veranillo
A drier spell in many years, busy with Colombian school holidays in late June and July; still hot and humid.
September–November
Main wet season
The rainiest months, with heavy storms that pass quickly; the quietest period apart from the independence festivities in November.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C | 24°C | 1 | 27°C | 11.6 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| February | 31°C | 24°C | 0 | 26°C | 11.8 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| March | 31°C | 25°C | 1 | 26°C | 12 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| April | 32°C | 26°C | 3 | 27°C | 12.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 32°C | 26°C | 8 | 28°C | 12.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 32°C | 26°C | 9 | 28°C | 12.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 32°C | 26°C | 9 | 28°C | 12.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| August | 32°C | 26°C | 11 | 29°C | 12.5 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| September | 32°C | 25°C | 12 | 29°C | 12.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| October | 31°C | 25°C | 15 | 29°C | 11.9 h | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 31°C | 25°C | 11 | 28°C | 11.6 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| December | 31°C | 25°C | 4 | 28°C | 11.5 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Hay Festival Cartagena — literature and ideas (usually late January); Cartagena Festival de Música — classical music (usually January) |
| February | Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria at La Popa (around 2 February) |
| March | Cartagena International Film Festival (usually March or April); Semana Santa processions (March or April) |
| November | Fiestas de Independencia — parades and celebrations around 11 November (usually mid-November) |
| December | Christmas lights and New Year's Eve celebrations in the walled city |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in May and August–October, and the sights are quietest in October. Many visitors avoid October.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Early wet season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Veranillo | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Main wet season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Cartagena?
The best time to visit Cartagena is February to April, when it is dry, breezy and less crowded than the holiday peak. December and the first half of January are dry too but very busy and expensive. October and November are the wettest months, with heavy afternoon storms, though mornings are often clear and prices are low.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Cartagena?
Usually in May and August–October. Humid with the first afternoon storms; lower prices and fewer visitors.
+What is the rainiest month in Cartagena?
October, with about 15 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Cartagena get?
The warmest month, April, averages highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 26°C (79°F).