Best time to visit Colombia

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Colombia

Best time of year to visit Colombia

A year-round destination, Colombia is known for chilly temperatures in the Andes and tropical climate in lowlands. December to March are busy months as it's the best time to visit Colombia. This dry period is perfect for exploring cities, beaches, and sites and participating in festivals like Feria de Cali, Carnival of Blacks & Whites, and Barranquilla Carnival. April to June is a short rainy season. Spring brings touristy Semana Santa and Easter celebrations, so plan your trip in advance. The mini dry season from July to August is a sweet time for exploring the Caño Cristales river and spotting humpback whales off the Pacific coast. The shoulder season runs from September until November with occasional rains, but most attractions are still open and the prices are lower.

23 THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBIA (DECEMBER 26 - JANUARY 04)

Feria de Cali

Feria de Cali

December 25–December 30 • event

Do you love dancing salsa? If you do, come to the heart of is all—Cali! Enjoy dancing and learning salsa at different parties and visit the Cali Fair

Christmas Lights (Alumbrados Navideños) in Medellín

Christmas Lights (Alumbrados Navideños) in Medellín

unconfirmedDecember–January • event

One of top 10 holiday lights destinations in the world

Carnival of Blacks & Whites

Carnival of Blacks & Whites

January 2–7 • event

This is one the most ancient carnivals in South America, its origins date back to the times of Spanish rule. Be ready to be painted in different colors!

Trekking in the Cocora Valley

Trekking in the Cocora Valley

December–February | June–September • activity

This amazing trek in Colombia is full of beautiful flora and fauna. Here you will have a chance to see the Colombian national tree, one of the biggest in the world—the wax palm

Beach Season

Beach Season

late December–April • activity

Enjoy the best beaches on the Caribbean coast in Colombia

Exploring Amazon

Exploring Amazon

July–December • nature

Discover the most fantastic and amazing animals in the largest rainforest on Earth

Bogota Guinea Pig Race

Bogota Guinea Pig Race

all year round (Sundays & holidays) • activity

Funny and entertaining, these races are unique to Bogota

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

all year round • activity

The first wonder of Colombia is located underground in the town of Zipaquira. It's one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country

Flamingo Watching

Flamingo Watching

December–January • nature

Observe these graceful creatures—pink flamingos in Los Flamencos Fauna and Flora Sanctuary

Chontaduro and Mojojoy

Chontaduro and Mojojoy

January–May | August–November • food

If you dare, try one of the best indigenous delicacies with worms inside!

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

December–January | July–August • activity

Explore Colombia on a horseback ride around the Cocora Valley or Medellín countryside

Surfing on the Caribbean Coast

Surfing on the Caribbean Coast

November–March | July–September • activity

Enjoy surfing at the best beaches on the Caribbean coast

Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) in Bogota

Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) in Bogota

all year round • activity

The biggest Gold museum in the world!

Ciudad Perdida Trek

Ciudad Perdida Trek

all year round (best December–March) • activity

Discover nature and indigenous groups while trekking at the Lost City

Sunday Ciclovía in Bogota

Sunday Ciclovía in Bogota

Sundays (all year round) • activity

Choose whatever you like—a bike, skateboard, or rollerskates! Ciclovia is the best way to go sightseeing and feel the real atmosphere of the Bogota City

Surfing on the Pacific Coast

Surfing on the Pacific Coast

April–December • activity

Enjoy one of the best surfing destinations for experienced surfers in Colombia

Monserrate Mountain

Monserrate Mountain

December–March (all year round) • nature

From every corner of Bogota you can see Monserrate mountain which dominates the city

Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing

December–April • activity

A hidden gem of the Caribbean sea

Fruiting and Flowering in the Amazon Rainforest

Fruiting and Flowering in the Amazon Rainforest

January–June • nature

Experience tropical jungle life in the Amazon and explore the best kinds of flowers and fruits

Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park

all year round (best time: February–March) • activity

Tayrona National Park is the best way to spend a couple of days in contact with nature, enjoy the best beaches in Colombia, explore the wildlife, and relax under palm trees

Buñuelos

Buñuelos

late December • food

Try these amazing traditional Christmas treats during the holidays and enjoy their cheesy taste with afternoon coffee or tea

Caiman Watching

Caiman Watching

July–December • nature

The Amazon rainforest is home to the well-known caiman. Don't miss a chance to discover different kinds of these reptiles during the low water season

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

December 31 • event

Choose between a wild beach party or a noisy street celebration to ring in New Year in Colombia

20 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Feria de Las Flores (Flower Festival)

Feria de Las Flores (Flower Festival)

unconfirmedAugust 4–14, 2023 • event

Feel the beauty of nature and explore more than 60 unusual and stunning kinds of flowers

Barranquilla Carnival

Barranquilla Carnival

out of rangeFebruary 10-13, 2024 • event

Barranquilla’s carnival can give you a lot of unforgettable memories and invaluable experiences. This is the best way to discover the folklore of Colombia and learn about its culture

Caño Cristales River

Caño Cristales River

out of rangeJuly–November • nature

Marvel the beauty of the colours of the liquid rainbow

Yipao Parade

Yipao Parade

out of rangeJuly 1, 2022 • event

Iconic Colombian vehicles may pack as much as you need, including agricultural produce, livestock, furniture, families, the entire households—and that deserves to be celebrated. Desfile de yipao happens twice a year: late June–early July in Calarcá and early October in Armenia

Fiestas de San Pacho

Fiestas de San Pacho

out of rangeSeptember 19–October 5 • event

The mix of Catholic and African traditions is highlighted with stunning processions

Manizales Fair

Manizales Fair

out of rangeJanuary 08 - January 14 • event

Enjoy this Colombian festival in Manizales and witness the crowning of the Queen of Coffee and enjoy the best coffee in the region during the holidays

Humpback Whales

Humpback Whales

out of rangeJuly–October • nature

Thousands head to warm equatorial waters to breed, feed, have some rest and meet with curious tourists

Diving and Snorkeling on the Caribbean Coast

Diving and Snorkeling on the Caribbean Coast

out of rangeApril–November • activity

Explore one of the best marine habitats in Colombia while diving and snorkelling on the Caribbean coast. The area is famous worldwide for its fantastic coral reefs

Totumo Mud Volcano

Totumo Mud Volcano

out of rangemid-January–April • activity

Have you ever tried a mud bath inside of a volcano? If not, don't miss this chance to try an incredible experience swimming and diving in mud

Tatacoa Desert

Tatacoa Desert

out of rangeJune–August (all year round) • nature

Enjoy the beauty of Colombia's second largest dry area with rocky landscapes, amazing cacti, and silence while laying in a hammock

Colombian Folk Festival in Ibagué

Colombian Folk Festival in Ibagué

out of rangeJune 17-July 3, 2024 • event

Discover the musical capital of Colombia at the Ibague Folk Festival. Folk and traditional music and dances await you!

Coffee Harvest

Coffee Harvest

out of rangeMarch–June | September–October • nature

It doesn't matter if you are a fan of coffee or you not, the coffee regions of Colombia are a must-see for everyone!

Comic Con Colombia

Comic Con Colombia

out of rangeJune 9–12, 2023 • event

See the Republic of Colombia celebrate popular culture in a full swing

Fat-Butted Ants or Hormigas Culonas

Fat-Butted Ants or Hormigas Culonas

out of rangeMay–November • food

This famous Colombian delicacy roughly translates into English as "big-butt ants"

Semana Santa (Holy Week) & Easter

Semana Santa (Holy Week) & Easter

out of rangeMarch 24–31, 2024 • event

The holy week in Colombia is celebrated with colorful religious performances and ceremonies

Black Land Crab Migration

Black Land Crab Migration

out of rangeApril–July • nature

Witness spectacular natural phenomena on the island of Providencia

F-AIR Colombia

F-AIR Colombia

out of rangeJuly 12–16, 2023 • event

Enjoy five unforgettable days at the international aeronautic fair

Lulo Fruit

Lulo Fruit

out of rangemid-September–mid-November • food

Colombia is home to this indigenous tropical fruit called lulo. It's one of the best fruits for juice!

Jazz Al Parque

Jazz Al Parque

out of rangeSeptember 9–10, 2023 • event

The premier jazz festival in Bogota with many free concerts

Barranquijazz Festival

Barranquijazz Festival

out of rangeSeptember 13–17, 2023 • event

The most important jazz event at the Caribbean region of Colombia

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