🌤️ When to go?
Best time to visit Colombia
The best time to visit Colombia for backpacking is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to March and July to August. During these months, you can enjoy pleasant weather with less rainfall, making it easier to explore outdoor activities and trekking routes. Additionally, the dry season coincides with the peak tourist season, so you can expect more lively atmospheres, bustling markets, and vibrant festivals. However, keep in mind that prices for accommodation and tours may be higher during this time.
Why visit Colombia in January?
January is a fantastic time to visit Colombia for its vibrant festivals and events. One of the most popular events is the Feria de Cali, a week-long celebration of salsa music and dance. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere and enjoy performances, parades, and dance competitions.Additionally, January is the perfect time to explore Colombia’s stunning natural beauty. The weather is warm and sunny, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the country’s diverse landscapes. From the lush coffee plantations of the Zona Cafetera to the breathtaking beaches of the Caribbean coast, there is no shortage of natural wonders to discover.
Furthermore, January is a great time to experience Colombia’s rich cultural heritage. The country is home to a diverse mix of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, which is reflected in its art, music, and cuisine. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by attending traditional festivals, sampling regional dishes, and visiting museums and historical sites.
Overall, January is an exciting time to visit Colombia, offering a perfect blend of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and lively festivities.
Why visit Colombia in February?
February is an ideal time to visit Colombia because of its diverse climate and landscapes. In February, you can experience the best of both worlds, from the warm Caribbean coast to the cooler Andean highlands. This makes it a great time to explore the country’s natural beauty, from the lush coffee plantations in the Zona Cafetera to the stunning beaches of the Tayrona National Park.Additionally, February is the month of the Carnaval de Barranquilla, one of the largest and most colorful carnivals in the world. This vibrant celebration features parades, music, dancing, and elaborate costumes, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Colombia’s rich cultural heritage.
Furthermore, February is also a great time to visit Colombia for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the country’s many national parks. With pleasant weather and fewer tourists than peak season, you can enjoy the natural wonders of Colombia without the crowds.
Overall, February is a fantastic time to visit Colombia for its diverse climate, cultural celebrations, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re seeking a lively carnival experience or a peaceful nature retreat, Colombia has something to offer for every traveler in February.
Why visit Colombia in March?
March is a great time to visit Colombia for its pleasant weather. The country experiences a dry season during this time, making it an ideal period for outdoor activities and exploring the diverse landscapes. The temperatures are comfortable, and the days are sunny, making it perfect for beach vacations, hiking in the mountains, or exploring the vibrant cities.During March, Colombia hosts several cultural and music festivals, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the local traditions and vibrant atmosphere. From the iconic Barranquilla Carnival to the Ibero-American Theater Festival in Bogotá, there are plenty of cultural events to experience and enjoy throughout the country.
However, March is also a popular time for tourists, so popular destinations may be crowded, and prices for accommodations and tours may be higher than in the off-peak season. Additionally, while the weather is generally pleasant, some regions may still experience occasional rain showers, so it’s important to be prepared for variable weather conditions.
Overall, visiting Colombia in March offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the country’s natural beauty, vibrant culture, and lively festivals, making it an exciting and memorable time to explore this diverse and dynamic destination.
Why visit Colombia in July?
July is an ideal time to visit Colombia for its diverse and vibrant cultural festivals. One of the most famous events is the Festival de Verano in Bogotá, a month-long celebration featuring music, dance, and sports. The city comes alive with street parades, concerts, and fireworks, providing a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Colombian culture.In addition to the festivities in Bogotá, July is also the peak season for whale watching on the Pacific coast. The warm waters attract humpback whales, offering a chance to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The coastal towns of Nuquí and Bahía Solano are popular destinations for whale watching excursions, providing a memorable and awe-inspiring experience.
For nature enthusiasts, July is an excellent time to explore Colombia’s lush and diverse landscapes. From the Andes Mountains to the Amazon rainforest, the country offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and eco-tourism. The pleasant weather in July makes it an ideal time to explore Colombia’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
Overall, visiting Colombia in July offers a unique opportunity to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage, witness incredible wildlife, and explore its stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re interested in festivals, wildlife, or outdoor adventures, Colombia has something to offer for every traveler in July.
Why visit Colombia in August?
August is a great time to visit Colombia because it is the peak of the dry season, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the country’s natural beauty. The weather is typically warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the stunning beaches on the Caribbean coast or embarking on a trek through the lush, green landscapes of the Andes mountains.In August, Colombia also celebrates several vibrant festivals and events that showcase the country’s rich culture and traditions. One of the most famous festivals is the Feria de las Flores in Medellin, where the city comes alive with colorful parades, flower displays, and traditional music and dance performances. Additionally, the capital city of Bogota hosts the annual Rock al Parque, one of the largest free rock music festivals in Latin America, attracting both local and international artists.
Furthermore, August is an excellent time to witness the incredible diversity of wildlife in Colombia, as many species are more active during the dry season. Visitors can explore the country’s national parks and reserves to spot a wide array of animals, from colorful birds to elusive big cats. Overall, August offers a perfect combination of favorable weather, cultural festivities, and wildlife encounters, making it an exciting time to experience the best of Colombia.
Why visit Colombia in December?
December is an ideal time to visit Colombia due to its pleasant weather and festive atmosphere. The country experiences a dry season during this time, making it perfect for exploring the diverse landscapes and outdoor activities. From the lush coffee plantations to the stunning beaches and vibrant cities, Colombia offers a wide range of experiences for travelers to enjoy in December.One of the main reasons to visit Colombia in December is the abundance of cultural festivals and events that take place throughout the month. From the colorful Christmas lights and decorations in cities like Medellin and Bogota to the lively street parades and traditional music and dance performances, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich Colombian culture and traditions.
On the downside, December is a popular time for tourism in Colombia, so it can be crowded and prices for accommodations and activities may be higher. Additionally, some attractions and businesses may have limited operating hours due to the holiday season, so travelers should plan their itinerary accordingly.
Overall, visiting Colombia in December offers the opportunity to experience the country at its most festive and lively, with plenty of cultural events and ideal weather for exploring its natural beauty.
🌤️ Climate in Colombia
In Colombia, the climate is generally tropical, hot all year round, but in the cities located in the Andes it is temperate by altitude, and at higher altitudes, such as in capital Bogota, it becomes subtropical. Finally, on the highest peaks of the Andes, there is a cold mountain climate.Colombia is a large country in South America, crossed by the Equator in the southern part. Due to the low latitude, temperatures vary little throughout the year.
The rains vary greatly from one area to another. As a result, there are arid and rainy areas, grasslands and forests, plains where the heat is stifling and plateaus with a mild climate, pristine coastlines with a warm sea and snow-capped peaks in the Andes.
In the tierras calientes, from sea level to about 1,000 meters (3,300 feet), it's hot all year round, while the tierras templadas at middle altitudes are pleasantly warm, and the tierras frías, above 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), are cool to cold.
In the following map, we can see the climate zones in Colombia.
source: climatestotravel.com
Explore Colombia
Does the weather seem nice in the period you would like to go? Find all the info you need to start your trip, including reasons why to go, general country info and health and safety advice.