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The best time to visit Cartagena is December through March, when the dry season brings 7 to 8 hours of daily sunshine, humidity under 80% and almost no rain. The trade-off is price: this is also peak season, so flights and hotels run 20% to 40% higher than the May to November stretch. Here is the month-by-month breakdown so you can weigh weather against cost. Decide on a base with the neighborhoods breakdown and average hotel rates.
Best Time to Visit Cartagena for Weather: December to April
December to April is the driest, sunniest window. February averages only 5mm of rain, January 8mm and March 15mm, so you can expect clear mornings and beach days nearly every day. Highs run 31°C to 32°C (88°F to 90°F) and the sea sits at 26°C to 27°C (79°F to 81°F). Late December into early January is the single busiest stretch, when Colombians and international visitors arrive for the holidays, so book 3 to 4 months ahead and expect the highest rates of the year. For exact monthly rainfall and sea temperatures, see the weather by month data table.
Best Time to Visit Cartagena for Lower Prices: May, June and September to November
May and June are the cheapest months for a dry-enough visit. Rain climbs to 100mm to 110mm but falls in short afternoon bursts, and mornings stay clear, so you can sightsee early and swim before lunch. September to November offers the deepest discounts but the most rain, with October averaging 230mm across 16 days. If you can handle a daily downpour, this is when you find hotel rates 30% to 50% below peak and far fewer crowds at the main sights. The where to stay guide lists hotels that hold up well in the wet season.
Best Time to Visit Cartagena for Events: January and November
January packs in the Cartagena International Music Festival (classical and chamber music in the Walled City’s churches and plazas) and the Hay Festival, a literature event held the last week of the month. November is the city’s party month: the Independence celebrations build to November 11 and the Miss Colombia pageant fills the first two weeks. For exact dates and what to expect, see the events and festivals guide. Bookmark the full Cartagena guide for the complete overview.
Months to Avoid in Cartagena and Why
October is the month to avoid if you dislike heavy rain: it averages 230mm over 16 wet days and can bring flooding in low-lying streets. August through September are also wet and, combined with 80% to 85% humidity, feel the most oppressive. If you do visit in October, pick a hotel with strong air conditioning and plan indoor things to do in Cartagena such as the Gold Museum and the Palace of the Inquisition for the rainy afternoons. Sort the logistics with the travel tips and FAQ guide.
