Weather in Colombia is far from uniform. Due to its extraordinary topography, each region of the country enjoys its own unique microclimate.

A tropical climate prevails in the northern part of the territory. There, the rainy season begins in May, continues through June, interrupts, then resumes in October before ending in November. The dry season extends from mid-December to mid-March. If you pass through the town of Mompox, you'll notice temperatures oscillate between 24°C and 37°C. In the municipality of Aracataca, it often reaches 34°C. The mercury rarely drops below 18°C. In Cartagena, the weather consistently shows temperatures between 19 and 40°C. The same applies to Santa Marta and the surroundings of Tayrona National Park.

If you visit central Colombia, you'll notice it's considerably cooler. In Bogotá, for example, temperatures range from 6°C to 19°C. In Villa de Leyva, they fluctuate between 17 and 18°C. And in Medellín, it's generally around 21°C. There, as throughout this part of the country, showers are less frequent between mid-December and mid-March.

It's warmer on the eastern side of the country. An intertropical savanna climate dominates the entire Llanos region. In this part of the territory, temperatures range between 17°C and 35°C. Heavy rains fall on these plains much of the year, especially from early April to late November. They typically ease between December and March. The same applies to the surroundings of Hato La Aurora nature reserve. Showers are far less frequent from year-end through late March. Outside this period, heavy rains make the trails nearly impassable, even in a 4x4.

You'll benefit from the dry season's advantages if you visit Colombia between November and March. During this period, showers are quite rare. Moreover, most Colombian festivals are organized between year-end and mid-February.

Visiting Colombia During Celebrations

If you visit the capital during this time, you may well enjoy the "Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro de Bogotá". Over two weeks of excitement, the city's neighborhoods fill with crowds to welcome parades, street theater, and concerts of all kinds. It's the most important cultural event in all of Colombia. Unfortunately, it only takes place every two years. The 2020 edition ran from January 30 to February 2.

The most important festival in the western part of the country is undoubtedly the "Feria de Cali", celebrated from December 25-30. This event brings excitement to the entire city with parades through the salsódromo, concerts set to tropical rhythms, and the famous bullfighting fair.

Then from January 2-6, the "Carnaval de Negros y Blancos de Pasto" takes place in the streets of San Juan de Pasto. This celebration allows Colombians to ring in the new year in grand style with impressive parades and extravagant costumes while swaying to traditional music.

From January 11-20, the city of Sincelejo celebrates its "Fiestas del 20 de enero" with parades of all kinds. This festival typically spans about ten days.

The "Carnaval de Barranquilla" is organized in the city of the same name from February 22-25. A true intangible cultural heritage of humanity, it showcases Colombian traditional music and clothing through a series of parades lasting approximately one week.

From late April to early May, Valledupar celebrates its own festival, the "Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata". This time, folk music is constantly highlighted through paseo, merengue, son, and puya. Parades, theater performances, and beauty pageants then crown these festive days.

Between June and July, Ibague celebrates its famous "Festival Folclórico Colombiano". During this festival, you can admire all the nuances of traditional Andean clothing to the rhythm of sanjuaneros, bambucos, and pasillos.

Late July sees the beach town of Santa Marta in celebration with its "Fiestas del Mar". During these festivities, allegorical floats parade through the streets, concerts are held throughout the city, and parades of all kinds delight the entire population.

If you pass through Medellín, we recommend its legendary "Feria de las Flores". It's typically held from late July to early August. On the program: an impressive parade of flower bouquets, floral exhibitions, and traditional music.

And around November, Colombia's most beautiful woman is crowned during the "Reinado Nacional de la Belleza".