When’s the Best Time to Visit Cartagena

The beautiful area of the old city, Cartagena in Colombia, has been a tourist favorite because of its charm, history, and beaches.

This tropical destination offers various tourist attractions, like island hopping, boat tour, or even walking tour, all year round. Cartagena gives you different places and numerous tourist destinations, such as the walled city, colonial architecture, some nice beaches, Rosario Islands, Islas Del Rosario, and many more to explore.

Know the best time to visit Cartagena, Colombia, and the different events and festivals, like the Caribbean carnivals; you should check them out by reading this blog post. Let’s dig in!

Best Months to Visit for the Best Weather

Generally, the best months to visit Cartagena for the best weather are the dry season which is from December to April. Usually, the average temperature from December to April ranges from 82F, while the average low temperature is 79F to 80F, and its average high temperature is around 88F.

During this dry season, you’ll enjoy the beaches near Cartagena, Colombia’s Caribbean Coast, such as Playa Blanca, warm seawater, and other outdoor activities perfect for large groups. Daytime average temperatures reach the 80s, while nighttime weather drops to the 70s. Rain is scarce during these warm months.

During these months, Cartagena is open to most tourists and citizens. If you wish to visit Cartagena from December to March, you need to book in advance, as it’s a hectic time, and the prices tend to increase.

Peak Seasons

The peak seasons are from December to January and the Lenten season, particularly during the Holy Week. During these peak seasons, expect large crowds, busy streets, and packed beaches with slightly expensive accommodations in Cartagena.

Also, the peak seasons are the best time to visit Cartagena, Colombia, if you want to meet new people and immerse yourself with the natives to learn the city’s culture. Cartagena’s nightlife also gets wild during this period and will certainly highlight your vacation.

Various celebrations are also widespread, with film and music festivals, flotillas, parades, and religious feasts from late November to January’s first two weeks.

However, one of the disadvantages of visiting during the peak season is the influx of people that can affect your stay. The crowd can make it difficult for you to appreciate the city’s key locations and tourist spots. The weather and temperatures tend to get very humid, especially during Holy Week. If you are not booking in advance, expect accommodations to be fully booked or their rates to go up.

Off Seasons

The rainy season in Cartagena, Colombia, starts from August until November. During this time, accommodations are affordable, and groups are sparse.

If you want the cheapest rates possible, visit Cartagena, Colombia, during October and November, when the rainy season and hurricane season officially kick in. However, expect heavy rains and tropical storms, so you might be unable to do outdoor activities.

Although September is still rainy, it is the least expensive month to visit Cartagena, Colombia. That is because most hotels offer a significant discount from Late August. Additionally, don’t expect the weather to drop cold because the rain showers will hardly change the temperature in Cartagena. You can still dress as you would during the warmer days.

During the rainy and low seasons, visiting boutique shops and restaurants for a good shopping session and trying out local Cartagena delicacies is best.

An advantage of visiting Cartagena during this season is there are fewer crowds and quieter streets, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful and relaxing city.

The off-season is also an excellent time to travel when you don’t want to meet people and want to unwind with your family. As mentioned earlier, hotels like La Boquilla and other deals are cheap until early November, so it’s the best time to travel when you’re on a budget.

Festivals & Events

A trip to Cartagena will not be complete without joining and celebrating festivals that showcase the city’s incredible culture. Below is the list of phenomenal festivals you can join when visiting Cartagena:

Storyland Festival 

Storyland Festival happens every January, and it’s one of the biggest music festivals in Colombia. It’s the perfect festivity if your companion enjoys EDC music with its diverse line-up of stars. Storyland Festival is a two-day party event happening north of Colombia.

Barranquilla Carnival 

The Barranquilla Carnival is a feastful celebration day before the Lenten Season arrives, and it’s known as Mardi Gras in other parts of the world. This festivity is a traditional weekend party filled with colorful dances, music, and costumes before the Catholics begin to fast and reflect during the 40-day lent.

Hay Festival 

Another phenomenal event is the Hay Festival, which showcases debates, development, and education on international cultural exchange. This ten-day event is an art and literary festival and is an excellent choice for book enthusiasts and those who wish to learn about the culture of Cartagena.

International Film Festival of Cartagena de Indias

The Cartagena Film Festival happens every March and is a film festival that mainly focuses on promoting Columbian television series, short films, and Latin American films. In reality, the International Film Festival of Cartagena de Indias is the oldest one in Latin America.

Festival del Dulce

Festival del Dulce is an annual event from March to April that features local sweet delicacies and candy treats in the Caribbean.

Folklore Festival 

The folklore Festival is in early July in a century-old mansion called El Palmeral de las Casas Grandes of La Palma. This festival features an exhibition of traditional costumes in Cartagena, where natives and tourists can become aware of the city’s old traditions, culture, and even dances.

Feria de las Flores 

The Feria de las Flores is an eventful procession filled with cross-eating and dancing in July or August as farmers celebrate the eradication of slavery. Several farmers will carry giant floral arrangements as they go up the hill.

Cartagena Independence Day 

Cartagena Independence Day is an eventful holiday every November 11 when locals celebrate the freedom of Cartagena and its declaration of independence from the Spanish. Every November 11, streets are brimming with parades and crowds dancing to liberation.

Month-by-Month Guide

Whether you’re visiting Cartagena during the driest or the rainiest months, there’s something in store for you year-round. Here’s a quick month-by-month guide to help you plan your itinerary in Cartagena.

1. The driest months are from December to March. It’s also the best time to visit Cartagena during these months.

2. The highlands are soggy from May to December, with heavy rains and storms during October and November.

3. During September and October, the Caribbean Coast is in its wettest state during the rainy season.

4. August is an excellent month to travel. Expect lesser rain showers in the mountainous areas. However, the Caribbean Coast remains wet.

5. Carnivals officially start from February to early March, with the Barranquilla Carnival as the wildest.

6. Cartagena is a Catholic nation, so during Easter celebrations, various processions occur in April. Easter is also when local celebrities take a break and vacation.  

7. If you want to visit Tayrona National Park, a popular tourist destination, remember that it is unavailable during February. It’s when local indigenous communities perform their rituals to clean the park.

8. Humpback whales start to migrate from Antarctica to the Pacific Coast from July until November. When you visit during these months, you’ll likely be able to observe these creatures.

Cartagena All Year Round

Although Cartagena is an old town, it has it all for a woman over 50 like you, from beautiful beach destinations, restaurants, and boutique shops to eventful festivities and carnivals.

It’s the perfect place to be when you want to enjoy swimming, do outdoor activities, check out the boutique shops, and try out the local delicacies. Remember to have fun with its various festivals and celebrations. Undoubtedly, the best time to visit Cartagena depends on what you’re after. So what are you waiting for? Book a trip today!

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