When to Go

December through February is the best and driest time to visit Colombia. Colombians also travel during these sometimes hot and humid months, so hotel rooms are harder to come by and restaurants and tourist attractions feel crowded; advance planning is essential. While visiting during a festival adds an exciting cultural edge to your trip, you'll experience inflated prices and often overwhelming crowds. Mid-June to mid-July is also a busy time, because locals take advantage of school holidays. March falls at the tail end of the dry season, and September often provides a break during the rainy season, making both months great options for bargain prices and plenty of peace and quiet.

Climate

Colombia is often perceived as being a steamy tropical country, but its climate varies greatly with altitude. Along the Caribbean coast, temperatures are an average of 82°F (28°C); in Bogotá, the average is a chilly 54°F (12°C). The valley cities of Medellín and Cali have pleasant weather, with temperatures in between.

There are no real seasons in Colombia, but rainfall and brisk weather are common October to November and April to June. The dry season usually runs December to March in mountainous areas, mid-December to April and July to September in low-lying coastal regions.

The following are the average monthly maximum and minimum temperatures for Bogotá.