THE Best Time to Visit Colombia:
Weather by region, month, and travel tips
SEASONS IN COLOMBIA
Colombia’s charm lies in its incredible diversity, not just in culture and landscapes, but in climate too. With its tropical latitude and range of altitudes, Colombia doesn’t have traditional seasons like summer and winter. Instead, the country experiences dry and rainy periods that vary by region, making the “best time to visit” depend heavily on where you’re going and what kind of adventure you’re after.
Whether you’re dreaming of beach days on the Caribbean, trekking through cloud forests in the Andes, or taking on Colombia’s winding backroads on a motorcycle, this guide will help you figure out the best time to explore the top things on your "to see" list, at the right time of year.
DRY SEASON: December to March, June to August
WET SEASON: April and May, September to November
COLOMBIA WEATHER:BY REGION
Because Colombia spans everything from coastlines to cloud forests, the weather varies dramatically depending on where you are. Here’s a breakdown of the major regions:
Andes (Bogotá, Medellín, Coffee Region)
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Temperature: Spring-like year-round, with days around 18–22°C (64–72°F).
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Best time to visit: December–March and July–August.
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Rain falls mostly in April–May and October–November, especially in Bogotá. Medellín, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” has light rain spread more evenly year-round, but is still great to visit any time.
If you’re traveling by motorcycle, this region offers some of the most spectacular routes in the country with smooth mountain switchbacks, colonial towns, and lush green valleys.
Caribbean Coast (Cartagena, Santa Marta, Tayrona)
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Temperature: Hot and humid, averaging 28–32°C (82–90°F).
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Best time to visit: December–April and June through August are generally dry, with lots of sun and perfect beach weather.
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The rainy seasons — especially late April through May and again from September to November — can bring heavy downpours, but they usually don’t last all day. If you're hoping for long, sunny beach days, it's best to steer clear of September and October, although you will still find plenty to do even with some rain!
The Caribbean region is a favorite for two-wheeled travelers, with coastal roads, amazing jungle tracks, laid-back vibes, and easy access to natural parks like Tayrona.
TRAVEL TIPS BY SEASON
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High Season (Dec–Mar, Jul–Aug): Book transportation and accommodation early, especially in popular places like Cartagena, Medellín, Santa Marta, and the Coffee Region. Prices can jump during holidays and festivals.
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Low Season (Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov): Bring rain gear and flexible plans. You’ll save money and avoid crowds. In many regions, the rain comes in predictable afternoon bursts, so plan activities (or long rides) for the morning.
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Pack for Altitude: Remember that the temperature in Colombia is more about elevation than season. Bogotá can be chilly year-round, while Cartagena is always hot and humid, whether you're riding or walking.
Colombia Moto Packing List
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Driver's license
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Passport
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Rain Gear (Even in dry season there is a chance of a shower or two)
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Sunscreen
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Insect repellent
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Long pants
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Boots
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Swimsuit
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Battery Pack
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Camelback
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Towel
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Alcohol and souvenir money
Forgot something? You can rent all the essentials at any of our offices.
