Last checked: 25 October 2026 by Lia. Sources: IDEAM climate normals for Cartagena; Colombian public holiday calendar. Hero photo: Joe Ross from Lansing, Michigan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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The quick version
Come from December to April for dry weather and sea breezes.
| Months | Weather | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Dec–Apr | Dry, sunny, breezy | Peak from mid-December to mid-January and at Easter |
| May–Jun | Some rain | Moderate; busier from mid-June |
| Jul–Aug | Hot, short rains | Busy in Colombian school holidays |
| Sep–Nov | Wettest, humid | Quieter, apart from November festivities |
Heat
Cartagena is hot and humid all year. Walk early or late, and hide from the middle of the day. If you train, do it at sunrise. The walls are flat enough for an easy loop, and after mid-morning the heat wins.
Rain
Rain usually comes as heavy showers rather than all-day downpours. Streets in some areas flood briefly after storms.
Busy periods
Colombian holiday periods fill hotels and boats: late December to mid-January, Semana Santa (Easter week) and mid-June to July. Book early and expect higher prices. Cartagena’s independence festivities in November pull a crowd too. Treat that week like a holiday, because the city does.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Cartagena?
February or March: dry, breezy and past the New Year peak.
When is the rainy season in Cartagena?
Roughly May to November, wettest in October and November.
Is Cartagena affected by hurricanes?
It lies at the southern edge of the Caribbean hurricane belt and direct hits are rare, but storms can bring heavy rain.
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