Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Cartagena
🇨🇴 Cartagena, Colombia · South America
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
32°
24°
Great
Feb
33°
25°
Great
Mar
33°
25°
Great
Apr
32°
25°
Good
May
30°
25°
Good
Jun
30°
25°
Good
Jul
30°
25°
Good
Aug
30°
25°
Good
Sep
30°
25°
Good
Oct
29°
24°
Good
Nov
29°
24°
Good
Dec
30°
24°
Good
Month-by-Month Weather in Cartagena
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryRecommended | 32°C | 24°C | 2 | 11h | 82% | 3 | Great | View |
| FebruaryRecommended | 33°C | 25°C | 2 | 11h | 82% | 3 | Great | View |
| MarchRecommended | 33°C | 25°C | 5 | 11h | 82% | 6 | Great | View |
| April | 32°C | 25°C | 15 | 11h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| May | 30°C | 25°C | 26 | 10h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
| June | 30°C | 25°C | 25 | 10h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
| July | 30°C | 25°C | 25 | 10h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
| August | 30°C | 25°C | 27 | 10h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
| September | 30°C | 25°C | 28 | 9h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| October | 29°C | 24°C | 29 | 9h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| November | 29°C | 24°C | 24 | 10h | 82% | 3 | Good | View |
| December | 30°C | 24°C | 10 | 11h | 82% | 3 | Good | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to Cartagena
Spring (March to May)
Avg: 32°C high, 25°C low
Spring in Cartagena brings gradually warm temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 32°C (90°F) while nights cool to 25°C (77°F). This is one of the wetter periods, so waterproof gear is recommended.
Summer (June to August)
Avg: 30°C high, 25°C low
Summer is the hottest season in Cartagena, with temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F). The heat can be intense, but mornings and evenings remain pleasant for sightseeing. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (September to November)
Avg: 29°C high, 24°C low
Fall in Cartagena is a transitional season with changing conditions. Temperatures settle around 29°C (84°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night. Rainfall picks up during this period, so waterproof clothing is advisable.
Winter (December to February)
Avg: 32°C high, 24°C low
Winter in Cartagena brings the cooler period, though temperatures remain warm by most standards. This can actually be one of the most comfortable times to visit if you prefer less intense heat.
When to Avoid Cartagena
The least favorable time to visit Cartagena is April and May. During this period, you can expect very hot temperatures, heavy rainfall, high humidity.
April
Challenges: very hot temperatures, heavy rainfall, high humidity
May
Challenges: heavy rainfall, high humidity
June
Challenges: heavy rainfall, high humidity
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for Cartagena
Packing recommendations for visiting Cartagena during the best travel months (January, February, March), when temperatures range from 25°C to 33°C:
- +Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton or linen)
- +Shorts, t-shirts, and sandals for daytime
- +Sunscreen and sunglasses
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
Cartagena Year-Round Climate Overview
Cartagena has a tropical climate (Koppen classification: Af). The warmest month is March with highs of 33°C, while the coldest month is November at just 29°C. Annual rainfall averages 1495mm across approximately 218 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 32 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 30 |
| Low °C | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Rain Days | 2 | 2 | 5 | 15 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 24 | 10 |
| Rain mm | 9 | 6 | 19 | 73 | 176 | 169 | 152 | 178 | 200 | 255 | 198 | 60 |
| Sun h/day | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 11 |
| Humidity % | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 |
| UV Index | 3 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
Considering alternatives to Cartagena? Compare the best travel months for nearby cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Cartagena?+
The best time to visit Cartagena is January, February, March. During these months, temperatures average 33°C (91°F) with 11 hours of daily sunshine and only 3 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit Cartagena?+
The least ideal time to visit Cartagena is April and May. During this period, you can expect very hot temperatures, heavy rainfall, high humidity. While Cartagena can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is Cartagena good to visit in summer?+
Summer in Cartagena (June to August) brings temperatures of 30°C (86°F) highs and 25°C (77°F) lows, with about 10 hours of sunshine and 26 rain days per month. Consider visiting during the recommended months instead for better weather.
What is the rainy season in Cartagena?+
The rainy season in Cartagena runs from May to November, when average rain days increase to 26 days per month. Total monthly precipitation during this period averages 190mm.
What should I pack for Cartagena?+
When visiting Cartagena during the best travel months (January, February, March), pack lightweight breathable clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Rain gear is generally not needed. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.
Is January a good time to visit Cartagena?+
Yes, January is one of the best months to visit Cartagena. Expect average highs of 32°C (90°F), 11 hours of daily sunshine, and only 2 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for Cartagena
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
More Travel Weather Guides
Explore weather guides for other popular destinations: