Light rain shower 
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Cartagena de Indias sits on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, where a tropical climate keeps daytime highs at 31°C to 32°C (88°F to 90°F) all year and the sea warm enough to swim in any month. The weather splits into a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November, with October the wettest month at about 230mm of rain. This guide covers the climate month by month, the best time to visit, what to do, where to stay and the practical tips for a smooth trip.
Welcome to Cartagena
Cartagena is a walled colonial city founded in 1533 that grew rich as the main port shipping gold and silver back to Spain, which is why it needed the 11km of stone fortifications you can still walk today. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site of pastel streets, plazas and balconies, backed by the fortress of San Felipe and fronted by the modern beach strip of Bocagrande. The city is small enough to explore on foot in a few days, with the Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca reachable on day trips by boat.
Weather at a Glance in Cartagena
Cartagena has a tropical wet-and-dry climate with almost no temperature variation: highs stay 31°C to 32°C (88°F to 90°F) and lows 24°C to 26°C (75°F to 79°F) every month of the year. The dry season runs December to April, with February the driest month at about 5mm of rain and 8 hours of daily sunshine. The wet season runs May to November, peaking in October at 230mm across 16 rainy days, though rain usually falls as short afternoon downpours. The Caribbean stays between 26°C and 29°C (79°F to 84°F) year-round. For the full numbers, see the Cartagena weather by month guide.
Cartagena Seasonal Snapshot
- Dry season (December to April): 7 to 8 hours of sunshine, humidity under 80%, February the driest month at 5mm. Peak tourist season with the highest hotel rates.
- Wet season (May to November): short afternoon downpours, humidity 80% to 85%, October the wettest at 230mm. Lowest prices and fewest crowds.
- Sea temperature: 26°C (79°F) in January, peaking at 29°C (84°F) from September to October, so swimming works all year.
- Wind: steady northeast trade winds from December to March keep evenings comfortable.
Explore Cartagena: Your Complete Guide
- Weather by Month: month-by-month temperatures, rainfall and sea conditions with a full data table.
- Best Time to Visit: the best months for weather, lower prices and events, and which months to avoid.
- Things to Do: the fortress, the walls, museums, beaches and islands with hours and entry costs.
- Events and Festivals: the January music and literature festivals, FICCI film festival and November independence season.
- Neighborhoods: the Walled City, Getsemaní and the beach districts, with average hotel rates.
- Where to Stay: hotels by area and tier, with luxury, mid-range and budget picks.
- Travel Tips and FAQ: airport transfers, transport, money, safety, visas and health.
Where to Stay in Cartagena
The Walled City is the most atmospheric base, with colonial boutique hotels averaging COP 600,000 to COP 1.5 million (US$150 to US$375) a night. Getsemaní is the value and nightlife district, with hostels from COP 60,000 (US$15) a night, and Bocagrande is the beach strip with mid-range and chain hotels from COP 300,000 (US$75). The full where to stay guide breaks down each area with specific hotels.
Suggested Hotels in Cartagena
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
A 17th-century convent converted into a five-star hotel, with a spa, a pool facing the old cloister walls and the fine-dining 1621 restaurant on Santo Domingo Square. Best for couples who want historic architecture in the Walled City. Check rates and availability
Hotel Monterrey Cartagena de Indias
A four-star in a French-designed republican building facing the Clock Tower, with a small pool, rooftop terrace and colonial courtyard. Best for first-time visitors who want a central, lower-cost base. Check rates and availability
Media Luna Hostel Cartagena
A two-star hostel on Calle Media Luna in Getsemaní with a courtyard pool, shared kitchen and dorm and private rooms. Best for backpackers who want a social, budget stay near the nightlife. Check rates and availability
Cartagena Quick Facts
- Best months: December to March for dry, sunny weather.
- Warmest months: June to September, highs of 32°C (90°F).
- Wettest month: October at 230mm over 16 rainy days.
- Driest month: February at about 5mm of rain.
- Sea temperature: 26°C to 29°C (79°F to 84°F) year-round.
- Sunshine: 7 to 8 hours a day in the dry season, 5 to 6 in the wet season.
- Airport: Rafael Núñez International (CTG), 7km from the center.
Location and Climate Influences in Cartagena
Cartagena sits at 10°25’N on the Caribbean coast of Bolívar department, facing the open sea and backed by low hills, with La Popa (150m) the highest point in the city. Its latitude keeps the sun high and the heat constant, while the northeast trade winds from December to March push away rain and make the dry season noticeably more comfortable. In the wet season, the Intertropical Convergence Zone sits over the region and drives the afternoon storms. The sea moderates night temperatures, which is why lows rarely dip below 24°C (75°F) even in January.
