BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO COLOMBIA

 

Colombia’s proximity to the equator keeps the country’s temperatures stable throughout the year. Generally, along the coast, temperatures average around 24°C (75°F) and inland temperatures are between 7–17°C (45–63°F). There is however a somewhat defined wet and dry season. In the Andean region there are two wet and two dry seasons per year, and the driest months, are from December to March and July to August. In low-elevation regions, especially southern Colombia, rainfall is more constant but showers are short and heavy. In the Amazon, the climate is uniformly wet the whole year round. The Eastern Plains experience a particularly harsh dry season during this period. Although it can be punishingly hot, it’s the best time for wildlife safaris, as species are forced to cluster around the few remaining water sources. The Pacific region barely enjoys a dry season, as it is one of the wettest lowland regions on Earth. The best time to visit is between June and October, during the humpback whale migration period. The Amazon region around Leticia is also generally at its driest, despite high levels of rainfall year-round, during July and August. Wildlife spotting is easiest in this period as the rivers recede and animals come to the riverbanks to hunt or drink.

 

Colombian Sunset

High Season

 

Another thing to bear in mind when thinking about the best time to visit Colombia is that the high season for travel and with the highest prices, is from December to February and Semana Santa (Easter Week), the week before Easter.   The so-called high season coincides with large price increases and decreased availability of tours, flights, and hotels. Although the weather is often at its best in December and early January, that’s also the Colombian holiday season, meaning prices can skyrocket. The best time to visit Colombia, avoid the crowds and the higher prices, would be the shoulder seasons leading up to the high season and following on from it. November, February, and March are the best months for a magical combination of drier weather, fewer crowds, and better prices. So here’s a guide to the best time to travel to Colombia.

 

Villa de Leiva

Best time to visit Bogota

Bogota is found at an elevation of 2682 meters (8800 ft), making it cooler all year round. It is generally best to head to Bogota during the driest spells from December through to March. The wet season begins in April and May with another wet season in June and July.

 

Rainy Bogota Street

 

Best time to visit Cartagena

Cartagena is blessed with a Caribbean climate, with temperatures not deviating much from 28C all year round. It is most pleasant to be out and about in town in the evenings when there is a nice breeze blowing. The rainy season starts in October and November and the drier months are from December to April.

 

Cartagena Sunset Drinks

 

 

Best time to visit Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park is found on a beautiful stretch of the Caribbean coast. The temperatures are fairly constant all year round between 25-30C, with variations depending on altitude. The only thing to bear in mind is that there are two rainy seasons, which run from May to June, and September to November respectively.

 

Tyrona High-Season Campsite

 

Best time to visit La Eje Cafetera

This area is made up by a trio of towns: Pereira, Armenia and Manizales.  in the central region of Colombia, Quindio is adorned with lush coffee plantations spread around slopes ranging in height between 1300m and 1700m. The humid and temperate climate of the region lends itself perfectly to the cultivation of one of Colombia’s best-known exports, of course, it's coffee.

 

Cocora Valley, Rainy Season

 

Festival Season

Cali comes into full swing in December and January during the Cali Carnaval, when the locals take to the streets to party and take part in parades. Being around Villa de Leyva in December (7-9) is a special time of the year for the festival of the lights featuring superb firework displays. 
February is Carnival time in all of South America and nowhere is this more evident in Colombia, than in Barranquilla. Pereira holds a harvest festival in August.

 

Colombian Carnival

Ultimately, there’s really no bad time to visit Colombia. Tourists come 365 days a year and the vast majority have hugely positive experiences. However, with these tips for the best time to visit Colombia, you can hopefully have the best trip possible in this South American paradise.