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Cartagena sits at 10°25’N on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, which gives it a tropical wet-and-dry climate with almost no temperature swing across the year. Daytime highs run 31°C to 32°C (88°F to 90°F) in every month, and the Caribbean stays between 26°C and 29°C (79°F to 84°F), warm enough to swim in year-round. The real variable is rain: a dry season runs December to April, then a wet season May to November, with October the wettest month at roughly 230mm (9 inches). Use this best time to visit Cartagena guide to match your trip to the season.
Cartagena Weather by Month: December to April (Dry Season)
December through April is the dry season, the stretch most travelers plan around. December averages 30mm of rain over about 3 days, January drops to 8mm, and February is the driest month with only 2mm to 5mm across a single rainy day. March climbs to 15mm and April reaches 50mm as the season turns. Highs sit at 31°C to 32°C with nighttime lows of 24°C to 25°C. This is the sunniest part of the year with 7 to 8 hours of sunshine a day and the lowest humidity, around 74% to 78%, so it feels noticeably less sticky than mid-year. Bookmark the full Cartagena guide for the complete overview.
Cartagena Weather by Month: May to November (Wet Season)
May to November is the wet season. May brings 110mm of rain, June 100mm, July 90mm and August 120mm, before the peak arrives in September at 150mm and October at 230mm spread over 16 rainy days. November eases to 130mm. Rain usually falls as short, heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day drizzle, so mornings often stay clear and hot. Highs hold at 32°C and humidity runs 80% to 85%, which is what makes this season feel hotter than the thermometer suggests. For the least rain, see the things to do in Cartagena list and plan indoor sites for afternoons. Sort the logistics with the travel tips and FAQ guide.
Cartagena Weather by Month: Sea Temperature and Sunshine
The Caribbean off Cartagena stays at 26°C (79°F) from January through March, warms to 27°C (81°F) in April and May, and peaks at 28°C to 29°C (82°F to 84°F) from June to October before easing back to 27°C in November and December. Sunshine averages 7 to 8 hours a day from December to April and 5 to 6 hours a day during the wet season. Because the sea is warm all year, beach days on Cartagena’s beach districts work in any month, though December to April gives you the most reliable sun.
Cartagena Average Temperatures and Rainfall by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainfall | Sea Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C (88°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 8mm | 26°C |
| February | 31°C (88°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 5mm | 26°C |
| March | 31°C (88°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 15mm | 26°C |
| April | 32°C (90°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 50mm | 27°C |
| May | 32°C (90°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 110mm | 27°C |
| June | 32°C (90°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 100mm | 28°C |
| July | 32°C (90°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 90mm | 28°C |
| August | 32°C (90°F) | 26°C (79°F) | 120mm | 28°C |
| September | 32°C (90°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 150mm | 29°C |
| October | 31°C (88°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 230mm | 29°C |
| November | 31°C (88°F) | 25°C (77°F) | 130mm | 28°C |
| December | 31°C (88°F) | 24°C (75°F) | 30mm | 27°C |
Once you settle on a month, plan the practical side with our where to stay in Cartagena guide, and check the calendar in the events and festivals guide before you book flights.
