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.

16 THINGS TO DO IN COLOMBIA (SEPTEMBER 22 - OCTOBER 01)

Caño Cristales River

Caño Cristales River

July–November • nature

Marvel the beauty of the colours of the liquid rainbow

Fiestas de San Pacho

Fiestas de San Pacho

September 19–October 5 • event

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

Humpback Whales

Humpback Whales

July–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

April–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

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

Coffee Harvest

Coffee Harvest

March–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!

Fat-Butted Ants or Hormigas Culonas

Fat-Butted Ants or Hormigas Culonas

May–November • food

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

Chontaduro and Mojojoy

Chontaduro and Mojojoy

January–May | August–November • food

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

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!

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

Lulo Fruit

Lulo Fruit

mid-September–mid-November • food

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

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

27 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

Feria de Cali

Feria de Cali

out of rangeDecember 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

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

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

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

out of rangeJanuary 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

out of rangeDecember–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

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

Beach Season

Beach Season

out of rangelate December–April • activity

Enjoy the best beaches on the Caribbean coast in Colombia

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!

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

Flamingo Watching

Flamingo Watching

out of rangeDecember–January • nature

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

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

out of rangeDecember–January | July–August • activity

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

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

Ciudad Perdida Trek

Ciudad Perdida Trek

out of rangeall year round (best December–March) • activity

Discover nature and indigenous groups while trekking at the Lost City

Monserrate Mountain

Monserrate Mountain

out of rangeDecember–March (all year round) • nature

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

Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing

out of rangeDecember–April • activity

A hidden gem of the Caribbean sea

Fruiting and Flowering in the Amazon Rainforest

Fruiting and Flowering in the Amazon Rainforest

out of rangeJanuary–June • nature

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

Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park

out of rangeall 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

out of rangelate December • food

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

Jazz Al Parque

Jazz Al Parque

out of rangeSeptember 9–10, 2023 • event

The premier jazz festival in Bogota with many free concerts

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

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

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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