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Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena, Colombia

Best Time to Visit Cartagena

Weather month by month, from 20 years of weather-station records.

Best months
January, February, and March
Warmest month
July, 33°C
Wettest month
October, 330 mm

Cartagena weather by month

Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.

MonthHigh / lowRainVerdict
January32°C / 24°C69 mm · 2 daysHot
February32°C / 24°C48 mm · 1 dayHot
March32°C / 25°C9 mm · 1 dayHot
April32°C / 26°C85 mm · 3 daysHot
May33°C / 26°C242 mm · 8 daysHot
June33°C / 26°C150 mm · 8 daysHot
July33°C / 26°C150 mm · 8 daysHot
August33°C / 26°C170 mm · 9 daysHot
September33°C / 26°C199 mm · 9 daysHot
October32°C / 25°C330 mm · 13 daysHot
November32°C / 25°C296 mm · 9 daysHot
December32°C / 25°C143 mm · 5 daysHot

Cartagena by season

Spring

Spring (March-May) is the tail end of the dry season, transitioning into the rainy season. Temperatures are very hot and humid, with increasing chances of afternoon thunderstorms, especially in May.

  • + Still mostly dry in March/April
  • + Lower tourist crowds after Easter
  • + Lush, green landscapes
  • − Intense heat and humidity
  • − Rainy days become more frequent in May

Summer

Summer (June-August) is the heart of the rainy season, characterized by high humidity, very warm temperatures, and frequent, heavy but often short-lived afternoon downpours.

  • + Lowest tourist prices on accommodation
  • + The city is vibrantly green
  • + Cultural festivals like Independence celebrations in November (technically autumn, but similar climate)
  • − Almost daily rain can disrupt outdoor plans
  • − Extremely high humidity

Autumn

Autumn (September-November) sees the rain begin to taper off, particularly in November. It remains hot and humid, with the weather becoming more unpredictable.

  • + Rain decreases as the season progresses
  • + Good hotel deals before the high season
  • + November is a great month to visit
  • − September/October can still be very wet
  • − Hurricane season can affect the Caribbean (though Cartagena is rarely hit directly)

Winter

Winter (December-February) is the peak dry season, with minimal rain, lots of sunshine, and strong breezes that make the heat more bearable. This is the most popular and expensive time to visit.

  • + Guaranteed sunny, dry weather
  • + Perfect conditions for beaches and islands
  • + Festive atmosphere with Christmas and New Year decorations
  • − Peak tourist crowds and highest prices
  • − Need to book everything far in advance

Cartagena month by month

Cartagena in January

Hot

In January, Cartagena averages highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C, with about 2 rainy days and 69 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Cartagena in February

Hot

In February, Cartagena averages highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C, with about 1 rainy day and 48 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Cartagena in March

Hot

In March, Cartagena averages highs of 32°C and lows of 25°C, with about 1 rainy day and 9 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Cartagena in April

Hot

In April, Cartagena averages highs of 32°C and lows of 26°C, with about 3 rainy days and 85 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Cartagena in May

Hot

In May, Cartagena averages highs of 33°C and lows of 26°C, with about 8 rainy days and 242 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Cartagena in June

Hot

In June, Cartagena averages highs of 33°C and lows of 26°C, with about 8 rainy days and 150 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Cartagena in July

Hot

In July, Cartagena averages highs of 33°C and lows of 26°C, with about 8 rainy days and 150 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Cartagena in August

Hot

In August, Cartagena averages highs of 33°C and lows of 26°C, with about 9 rainy days and 170 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Cartagena in September

Hot

In September, Cartagena averages highs of 33°C and lows of 26°C, with about 9 rainy days and 199 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Cartagena in October

Hot

In October, Cartagena averages highs of 32°C and lows of 25°C, with about 13 rainy days and 330 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Cartagena in November

Hot

In November, Cartagena averages highs of 32°C and lows of 25°C, with about 9 rainy days and 296 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Cartagena in December

Hot

In December, Cartagena averages highs of 32°C and lows of 25°C, with about 5 rainy days and 143 mm of rain. It is hot, so plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings.

Top tours and experiences in Cartagena

The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.

Cartagena 5 Island Hop Tour: Lunch, Snorkel, Beach Clubs, & More

Cartagena 5 Island Hop Tour: Lunch, Snorkel, Beach Clubs, & More

4.76,578 reviews7h
Half-Day Tour to Totumo Mud Volcano from Cartagena

Half-Day Tour to Totumo Mud Volcano from Cartagena

4.61,698 reviews4h
Cartagena: Private Walking Tour of the Walled City & Getsemaní

Cartagena: Private Walking Tour of the Walled City & Getsemaní

4.91,648 reviews2h
All things to do in Cartagena →

Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.

Plan your Cartagena trip

Best time to visit Cartagena: FAQ

What is the best month to visit Cartagena?+

January is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 32°C. February and March are close behind.

What is the rainiest month in Cartagena?+

October is the wettest month, with about 330 mm of rain.

How hot does Cartagena get?+

July is the warmest month, with average highs of 33°C and lows of 26°C. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 24°C.

Averages for 2006–2025 from the RAFAEL NUNEZ weather station (6 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.