Climate in Colombia

What To Expect From the Weather in Colombia

Colombia is usually divided into five main climate zones, all of which experience very different weather to each other. However, this is only part of the story, as the altitude within those zones can play a big part in changing the climate you experience on your holiday in Colombia.

The Caribbean coast and the Central Andes are the regions most-visited by tourists, and both have a dry season running roughly from December to March, with a second short dry spell usually falling between July and September. The rest of the year sees fairly high rainfall, with temperatures remaining warm and steady on the coast, but at the higher altitudes in the mountains they drop as you head into summer.

Both the Amazon and the Pacific Coast experience steady temperatures and fairly high rainfall all year, while the Llanos savannah in the east of the country has short spring and autumn rainy seasons, although it is unlikely your Colombia holiday will take you into this region.

All other things being equal, it means that the best time to visit Colombia is generally either between December and March, or in the summer months of July and August, when it can be cooler in the mountains and in places like San Agustin.

Caribbean Coast

Colombia's Caribbean coast sees uniformly warm temperatures throughout the year, but marked rises in rainfall and humidity from May through to November. The rain tends to be in brief, warm, showers, however - so don't let the idea of a bit of rain put you off: really any time of year is good for visiting places like Cartagena.

Pacific & Coffee Triangle

The Pacific coast of Colombia gets drenched with a whole ocean's-worth of rain, and in spring and autumn it can get really very wet indeed. As you climb away from the coast into the hills of the Coffee Triangle, however, you'll find the climate gets more balmy: winter or summer are the best times to visit this area.