Colombia is a wonderful country in South America home to stunning natural beauty, a diverse culture and fascinating history. From the thriving gastronomy and arts scene in Bogotá to the lush, tropical jungle and wild beaches of Tayrona National Park, there's a range of exciting things to do and see here.

But when is the best time to visit Colombia?

With a tropical climate, various elevated regions and lack of traditional seasons, the consistently fine Colombian weather means you're able to travel at any time of year and enjoy a memorable experience. It's just all about planning where to go and when, so you can make the most out of each destination.

Our Latin America Travel Specialists, Sarah Frankish and Kerry Cook, travelled to Colombia together in September 2024. Here, they provide their top insights on a country that simply captured their hearts.

In this article:

A Short Guide to the Seasons in Colombia
Best Time to Visit Colombia’s Top Destinations
Sarah & Kerry's Top Tips for Visiting Colombia

A Short Guide to the Seasons in Colombia

Since it has an equatorial climate, Colombia doesn’t experience your typical dramatic seasonal changes. Whenever you want to travel, you're sure to enjoy pleasant weather for your choice of outdoor activities.

Here's a short guide to the seasons of Colombia:

December–March: The Best Time to Visit Colombia

The best time of year to visit Colombia is the peak season of December to March, when the dry weather and warm temperatures are most consistent. Your chances of experiencing rain are low, and if you do, then it may only be a little amount either way. It provides ideal conditions for hiking in the national parks.

  • Colombia weather in December is dry almost all over the country, except the Amazon region.
  • Colombia weather in January is the driest with February. But expect cooler conditions at night.
  • Colombia weather in February is the driest with January, as well as the hottest month of the year.
  • Colombia weather in March is dry, with it being particularly sunny along the beautiful north coast.

May–June: Rainy Season in Colombia

May to June is the first of two rainy seasons in Colombia. Rain showers typically come in short bursts, with the tropical weather on the Caribbean coast less intense at this time. As most travellers aim to avoid the wet season, expect fewer crowds, leading to better experiences such as wildlife viewing.

  • Colombia weather in May is mild in areas like the Andes and Bogotá where altitude is higher.
  • Colombia weather in June is spring-like in Medellín but is mostly transitioning into the summer.

July–August: Best Time to Go to Colombia for Festivals

June to August is one of the best times to go to Colombia for festivals and hiking. If you'd like to fit in a festival or event, Feria de las Flores and Festival del Viento y de los Cometas are two which make the most of this month. You can also go whale watching on the Pacific Coast at El Cantil Ecolodge.

  • Colombia weather in July is varying, with 'higher-up' regions cooler and coastal areas warmer.
  • Colombia weather in August is warm and sunny, with great conditions for snorkelling on the coast.

October–November: Weather in Colombia During the Rainy Season

A low season for Colombia, October to November is when the rains return. However, this most likely won't be an issue for you when exploring the country. Weather in Colombia during this time is still pleasant, as dry periods occur frequently and sunny days provide excellent conditions for activities.

  • Colombia weather in October is the rainiest month. But the landscapes are green and lush.
  • Colombia weather in November is rainy as well. The temperatures stay consistently warm, though.

Best Time to Visit Colombia’s Top Destinations

Each region in Colombia is different to one another when it comes to the best time of year to visit. Various aspects come into play, such as the elevation and its proximity to the Caribbean coast.

Travel Specialists Sarah and Kerry take you through the route from their September 2024 trip:

Bogotá

The capital of Colombia, Bogotá is most likely your gateway into the country. A cosmopolitan city, it offers a mix of gastronomy, historical architecture, art museums and stunning views from Monserrate.

Sarah: "Our journey began in Bogotá, where we were immediately drawn to the region’s thriving gastronomy and arts scene. A particular highlight of the city is the colourful Paloquemao Market, offering a glimpse into local life here. Taking the Funicular up to Monserrate Hill, you’re blessed with magnificent views of the city and surrounding mountains, making this place a must-visit in Bogotá."

PICTURED: Sarah (left) and Kerry (right) in Bogotá.

Kerry: "The tour continued to Bogotá’s vibrant heart, La Candelaria, featuring landmarks like the colonial cathedral and neoclassical Bolivar Plaza. The narrow, cobbled streets are lined with shops selling handicrafts which lead you to hotspots like the Museo Botero and the Gold Museum, which houses the world’s largest gold collection with over 34,000 unique gold pieces. We spent our evening in Zona Rosa, which has a huge choice of bars and restaurants."

Best Time to Visit Bogotá

Bogotá weather is generally cooler than other areas in Colombia, as it's located at a high altitude (2,640 metres above sea level in the Cordillera Oriental of the Northern Andes Mountains). December to March is the best time to visit here. But just like the whole country, it's a year-round destination for holidays.

Colombian Amazon

Remote and wild, the Colombian Amazon is a biodiverse paradise harbouring a vast number of wildlife species from pink dolphins and sloths to the red-lored Amazon parrot. A boat journey is an excellent way to see these creatures.

Kerry: "As we ventured south to the Amazon, we could fully ‘disconnect’ from reality. Throughout the experience, this breathtaking natural haven completely captured our hearts. Across four memorable days, we not only saw pink and grey river dolphins, sloths, monkeys, a diverse array of birds and colourful reptiles, but also lots of different invertebrates and fungi, too, which I was very excited about!"

PICTURED: Kerry (left) and Sarah (right) during their visit to the Colombian Amazon.

Sarah: "Learning about the strong connection with mother nature – ‘Pachamama’ – that’s still a part of the Amazonian way of life, is also intriguing. Many traditional rituals and beliefs are still very much alive today – something you can observe first-hand during a Shaman ceremony. Not only that, but you can also visit the village of Puerto Nariño, a fine example of sustainable living, and the peaceful Tarapoto Lake, where it’s possible to take a dip in its clear waters.”

Best Time to Visit the Colombian Amazon

It's possible to visit any rainforest at any time of year. July to September is perhaps the best time to visit the Colombian Amazon, though, due to the Andes, which is fairly dry and quiet in this period. If you visit during rainy season, it’s possible to kayak and most navigations are by boat, which is also a rewarding experience.

Coffee Region

The Coffee Region, also known as the 'Coffee Triangle', is made up of verdant green valleys, traditional towns and coffee plantations where you can learn about the country's integral coffee culture.

Sarah: "Even though a part of us didn’t want to leave, our next destination was one I had eagerly anticipated for quite some time. As a coffee lover, I’ve always wanted to explore the Coffee Region, to learn more about the journey from bean to cup and, of course, enjoying some tastings! We discovered that this region offered so much more than our favourite caffeine fix, with its striking scenery and charming, colourful towns."

PICTURED: Sarah at Café la Morelia in the Coffee Region.

Kerry: "The beautiful towns of Salento and Filandia are a vibrant display of colour. We've never seen so many colourful colonial buildings – both towns are quite lively and so incredibly photogenic. The verdant and rugged Cocora Valley – home to the famous wax palms – is one of the most beautiful natural wonders I've seen! We stayed just outside the small town of Pijao on a cacao plantation with the most wonderful hosts, which we’d recommend to anyone.”

Best Time to Visit the Coffee Region

The dry season is the best time to visit the Coffee Region. You have a much greater chance of enjoying a perfect, sunny day - ideal conditions for touring the coffee plantations and sipping on a fresh brew.

Medellín

Colombia's second largest city, Medellín is a vibrant place, remaining true to its regional characteristics with its natural scenery. It's also rich in culture, from Botero Plaza to the theatres, parks and museums.

Kerry: "Medellín was our next stop – a place you wouldn’t think was once deeply connected to Colombia’s complex past. Today, a calming sense of peace pervades through its characterful streets. If you plan on visiting, do a full day tour. It includes the metro journey, Comuna 13 and downtown. The Museum of Antioquia, too, houses a large collection of works from one of Latin America’s best-known artists, Fernando Botero."

PICTURED: Kerry and her guide during the walk down Piedra del Peñol – the rock of Guatapé.

Sarah: "From our base in Medellín, we enjoyed a day trip to El Peñón and Guatapé. Climbing the 750-odd steps to the top of Piedra del Peñol was well worth it for the panoramic views, while our visit to Guatapé was another feast for the eyes with its fresco-like ‘zocalo’ panels. If you love photography, then you'll adore Guatapé. Turning around every corner is like entering a painting; it's truly dazzling!"

Best Time to Visit Medellín

Medellín weather is pleasant year-round. It's nicknamed "the City of Eternal Spring", as it benefits from a temperate climate. The best time to visit Medellín is December to March for its dry conditions.

Tayrona National Park

A breathtaking destination in every regard, Tayrona National Park is a magical slice of the Caribbean. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the backdrop here – the world’s highest coastal mountain range.

Sarah: "The penultimate leg on our adventure was Tayrona National Park. Here, we visited Taironaka Archaeological Park, an ancient settlement of great importance to the Kogui people, before kayaking along Don Diego River. You barely need to paddle, as the gentle rapids carry you downstream. You can see and hear diverse birds and wildlife; we spotted kingfishers, red howler monkeys and even a caiman!"

PICTURED: Kerry (left) and Sarah (right) kayaking the Don Diego River, near Taironaka Archaeological Park.

Kerry: "Upon reaching the picturesque beach, you can relax with a refreshing drink in hand before taking a boat back to the village. During the return trip, there's even more opportunity to spot wildlife along the idyllic, peaceful river. Then, back at the village, we enjoyed a delicious home-cooked meal. Our hotel offered rustic rooms/cabins in the forest with views to the ocean and the lush Sierra Nevada mountains. It felt like we were remote and quite immersed in nature (lots of hummingbirds and monkeys!), but still with home comforts.”

Best Time to Visit Tayrona National Park

In dry season, December to March, you can enjoy the sea at all times. However, the park is great for wildlife holidays through the year, and Taironaka provides an interesting alternative or additional trip if you have extra time.

Cartagena and the Caribbean Coast

Lost somewhere in time between the 16th and 19th centuries, Cartagena is undoubtedly one of Latin America’s most beautiful cities. It's on the Caribbean coast, which is sun-soaked and rich in culture.

Kerry: "Finally, we reached Cartagena in the Caribbean region. It’s one of the continent’s most intricately preserved colonial cities that’s bursting at the seams with so much character, vibrancy and energy. All-in-all, it provided the perfect ending to our Colombian adventure. Wandering through its countless little squares, where lively folklorica and cumbia beats fill the air, is something we’ll always remember."

PICTURED: Kerry (left) and Sarah (right) in Cartagena.

Sarah: "The famous ‘La Torre de Reloj’ marks the entryways to the historic old town and the authentic and colourful neighbourhood of Getsemani. Here, the nightlife is bustling, with plenty of bars, street food options and restaurants around Plaza Trinidad. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you get out there and enjoy it - particularly Cafe Havana, the home of Salsa in the city."

Best Time to Visit Cartagena and the Caribbean Coast

The best time to visit Cartagena is, like many other places in Colombia, the dry season (December to March). But it experiences hot and humid weather year-round. Weather in Colombia in December is warm and breezy, so enjoy your visit basking in the sun while on a beach or exploring the city.

Sarah & Kerry's Top Tips for Visiting Colombia

Colombia is a safe country to visit. Sarah and Kerry themselves felt safe while travelling, but it’s still essential to take some precautions. Also, learn some basic Spanish phrases – this will help in navigating the country but also makes for some fun interactions with the warm, friendly people you're sure to meet!

Here are some more top tips for visiting Colombia, courtesy of the two Travel Specialists:

Take Your Time

Sarah: "Colombia is vast and diverse, so don't cram too much into a short trip. I recommend spending at least three nights in each place to appreciate the highlights and immerse yourself in local culture."

Savour the Flavours

Kerry: "Colombian cuisine often flies under the radar compared to its South American neighbours, but it’s well worth exploring. Don’t miss out on arepas, ajiaco (a hearty chicken and potato soup), bandeja paisa and exotic Amazonian fruits you may never have heard of - as well as overindulging in chocolate!"

Immerse Yourself

Kerry: "Make sure to take in everything this unique country has to offer - its rich history, vibrant cultures and unparalleled natural beauty. Colombia has a unique way of capturing your heart, if you let it do so."

What to Pack

Sarah: "Colombia’s climate changes depending on the region and altitude, so it’s essential to pack accordingly with a mixed variety of clothing. Bring several layers for places high up in the Andes and breathable shorts and t-shirts for areas on the Caribbean coast, where the weather is hot and humid."

Explore Colombia with Rainbow

Are you excited to explore the wonderful world of Colombia? By speaking with our Travel Specialists, we can help tailor-make your Colombia tour, including planning any excursions throughout the journey.

For an example, our 13-night Colombia Highlights tour starts with prices from £4,295 per person.

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