Best Time to Visit Cartagena: When to Make the Most of the Magic of Colombia’s Caribbean Treasure

Cartagena is a city where it is always summer. With its brightly colored colonial streets, lively plazas, and stunning Caribbean beaches, the city never leaves you.

But if you want the best months to go to Cartagena, there are two months that you should remember if you want to experience the city at its best.

Cartagena’s Climate: Everything You Need to Know

Cartagena has a tropical, warm and hot climate throughout the year.

It will be between 75°F (24°C) and 90°F (32°C) regardless of when you visit.

There truly are just two seasons you’ll have to endure:

Dry season: December to April

Rainy season: May to November

Even during the rainy season, you typically receive some sun hours a day. Showers are short and strong and vanish as quickly as they come.

Best Sun and Best Beach Days: December to April

Best weather is from December to April.

Cartagena’s dry season with sunny clear days, shimmering seas and reduced humidity.

Ideal weather for:

Walking about the cobblestone streets of the Walled City

Sunset cocktails at Café del Mar

Day excursions to Rosario Islands to snorkel and swim

With the current weather being so fantastic, it’s absolutely tourist time in Cartagena – especially from Christmas, New Year, and Easter holidays. The flights and accommodations are a bit more expensive, but there are catching energies within the city.

Tip: Book your stays and tours beforehand!

About Optimum Time for Small Crowds and Fair Deals: May to June

Peaceful and tranquil, and then May and early June is a surety.

Technically, yes, the start of the rainy season, but lots of sunshine and short shower rains remain.

You will gain:

* Less crowd blocking the Walled City

* Lower hotel rates

* Better bookings at the good restaurants

It is a perfect season for tourists who will not complain about some rain afternoons for less crowd and lower rates.

Best Time to Enjoy Festivals and Local Culture: November

November is the month if you want to witness Cartagena’s celebratory mood in its best form.

That’s when the city celebrates the Independence Day Festival (Fiestas de la Independencia) — a parade, live music, folk dance, beauty contests, and street party-filled week.

It’s one of Cartagena’s standouts, with Caribbean passion, pride, and color on display.

The city is wild. But if you like parties and culture then it’s worth the trouble.

Tip: November is also part of the rainy season. So carry an umbrella or raincoat just in case.

When You’d Rather Not Visit Cartagena

Cartagena is pleasant throughout the year, but October tends to be the rainiest month.

Spotty heavy drops sometimes spill over and cause minimal flooding, so it’s ever so much more of a hassle to sightsee.

All that being said, you’ll receive some sporadic sunshine and lower prices if you don’t mind taking a gamble on the weather.

Also Read: Isla Grande Cartagena: Stay, Sleep & Explore Colombia’s Island Paradise

Quick Peek: Best Times to Visit for Every Type of Traveler

Best Weather: December to April

Best Prices and Low Season: May and early June

Best to Visit Festivals: November

Avoid if Possible: October (heavy rain)

Final Word: Cartagena Is Always a Good Choice

Cartagena’s loveliness will surround you and leave you breathless, wherever you’re.

Wherever you go, it has enchantment — a vibrant and colorful energy. Which you will feel in each plaza, beach, and sunset.

If you need sunshine and a party scene guaranteed, December to April is the ticket.

If you’d prefer to steer clear of crowds and cheaper prices are your thing, May, June, or even November might be your best bet.

Wherever you are, its beauty will be there to sweep you off your feet.