The best time to travel to Colombia for outdoor activities, in our opinion, is late January to early March and August to September. These months offer great conditions for outdoor adventures, wildlife spotting and nature activities, typically featuring pleasant weather and budget-friendly prices.
However, if you can’t make it in those months, don’t worry. The temperature in Colombia varies more in relation to altitude rather than time of the year, and, compared to Europe or North America, Colombia offers a pleasant climate all year round.
Below is a detailed guide with more information on weather, prices and things to do in Colombia, depending on the time of the year.
The absolute best time to visit Colombia for outdoor activities involving wildlife spotting, in our experience, is late July to September.
Whale watching season in Colombia usually lasts from July to October/November: during this time humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic to the warmer Pacific ocean to procreate.
The river Caño Cristales displays its 7 colores between late July and November (see Things to do in Villavicencio and Meta).
Between June and September many Colombian regions feature a small dry season with little rain, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and trekking.
Photo by Silvana Palacios, whales in Chocó (mod.)
Colombia’s proximity to the equator and unique geography result in significant temperature variations based on altitude rather than the time of year. Altitude levels vary considerably between travel destinations; for instance, Santa Marta sits at sea level, whereas Bogota boasts an altitude of over 2,600 meters (8,500 feet).
As a general guide, temperatures tend to be warm to hot along the coast, while elevations exceeding 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) offer spring- or autumn-like conditions during the day, transitioning to chilly or cold temperatures at night. This implies that, in Colombia, you can quite easily change your climate by changing your location.
Rainy season lasts roughly from April to November, with a break between June and September, and dry season lasts typically from December to March. In the Amazon region June to September are actually the “driest” months with the lowest water levels in the rivers. The drier months (December to March and June to September) are considered the best time to visit the Andean region of Colombia in terms of weather.
Please note that even during the rainy season, it usually doesn’t rain all day.
Climate change is noticeable in Colombia, too, so these weather rules of thumb aren’t as reliable as they used to be. Also climate phenomena like “El Niño” and “La Niña” (when the waters of the central and eastern Pacific Ocean become warmer or cooler than usual) influence the amount of sun and rain.
That being said, compared to many other countries, Colombia basically welcomes travelers with favorable weather and climate throughout the year.
May, September, and October are the months with the fewest visitors in Colombia, marking the low season and offering the cheapest time to visit Colombia. However, prices in Colombia are generally very affordable, so no need to feel limited to those months.
The only times you may really want to avoid, if you are concerned about prices and crowds, are the Christmas and Easter holidays, which are the main travel periods for Colombians and mark the high season. The Christmas holidays start around the 15th of December and last to the 15th of January approximately. The Easter holidays, known as “Semana Santa” in Colombia, occur in the week leading up to Easter Sunday.
Colombian school holidays are in June and July, which are also popular travel periods in Colombia. During these times, prices may increase in top travel destinations and tourist attractions may get crowded. However, the holiday seasons offer a great opportunity to experience Bogotá with fewer people and less traffic, as many locals travel elsewhere during this time.
As a solo traveler, consider that in low-season months it may be more difficult to find other travelers to team up with for tours and activities that require a group to take place.
Special Tip: Colombia has an incredible amount of bank holidays. (Always check the calendar!) In order to avoid the crowds, we recommend to dedicate these days to exploring hidden gems rather than top tourist attractions.
Check out our destination articles to find out about the best time to visit specific cities and regions. You’ll find the information after the list of things to do. Here are some examples:
Last Update: November 30, 2024
Discover more:
Colombia Travel Inspirations: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems
Colombia Travel Tips: Overview and Links to more Solo Travel Advice
Colombia Slow Travel Itineraries: Discover Colombia by bus and overland