
Best Times to Visit in Cartagena, Colombia
1. High Season (December - April)
Enjoy the best weather with less rainfall during these months. Tourist attractions are bustling, but it's worth it.
- Best Weather: Lower chances of rain and cooler temperatures
- Crowded Attractions: Popular tourist destinations can be busy during this period
- Higher Prices: Accommodation and food prices may increase during high season
2. Low Season (May - November)
Visit during the off-peak season for a more relaxed vibe and cheaper prices. Be prepared for occasional rain.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Less crowded tourist destinations offer a calmer experience
- Affordable Prices: Lower costs for accommodation, food, and activities during low season
- Rainy Weather: Occasional rain showers can be expected during the low season
3. Festival de los Museos (April)
Celebrate culture and art at this annual event, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and live performances.
- Cultural Immersion: Explore Cartagena's rich cultural heritage through various events and exhibits
- Unique Experiences: Participate in workshops and live performances showcasing local talent
- Crowded Events: Popular festival attractions can become quite busy during the event
4. Carib Festival (June - July)
Experience Caribbean music and dance at this lively annual festival celebrating Cartagena's Afro-Colombian heritage.
- Authentic Culture: Immerse yourself in the vibrant Afro-Colombian culture through music and dance
- Lively Atmosphere: Enjoy energetic concerts, parades, and street parties during the festival
- Crowded Events: Popular festival attractions can become quite busy during the event
5. Rum and Coconut Festival (July)
Savor Cartagena's famous rum and coconuts at this annual festival showcasing local cuisine and drinks.
- Tasty Delights: Indulge in delicious dishes featuring local rum and coconut ingredients
- Cultural Experiences: Learn about the history and production of Cartagena's traditional rum and coconut products
- Crowded Events: Popular festival attractions can become quite busy during the event
6. Santafé de Bogotá (March)
Visit Cartagena's sister city, Santafé de Bogotá, during its annual carnival for a unique cultural experience.
- Cultural Exchange: Experience the rich culture of Colombia's capital city during its vibrant carnival
- Unique Celebration: Participate in traditional Colombian dances, music, and food during the festivities
- Travel Requirements: Requirements for traveling to Bogotá, such as visas or vaccinations, should be considered
7. Easter Week (March - April)
Witness the passionate processions and solemn celebrations during Holy Week in Cartagena.
- Religious Celebration: Experience the deep religious devotion of Colombians during Holy Week
- Historical Context: Learn about the historical significance of Easter Week in Cartagena's colonial past
- Crowded Events: Popular processions can become quite busy during this sacred week
8. Christmas Season (December - January)
Celebrate Christmas in Cartagena with traditional Colombian customs, colorful lights, and festive atmosphere.
- Holiday Spirit: Participate in Christmas-themed events and celebrations throughout the city
- Traditional Customs: Experience local Colombian customs, such as nativity scenes and roscón de reyes (Three Kings Bread)
- Crowded Events: Popular Christmas attractions can become quite busy during the holiday season
9. San Juan de Abril (April 23 - 24)
Celebrate San Juan de Abril with beach parties, bonfires, and traditional rituals to honor Saint John.
- Beach Celebrations: Enjoy lively beach parties and festivities during the celebration
- Traditional Rituals: Participate in traditional rituals such as jumping over bonfires for good luck
- Crowded Events: Popular celebration attractions can become quite busy during the event
10. Navidad de Negros (December 24 - 29)
Experience Afro-Colombian traditions at this celebration honoring Saint Peter Claver and the Virgin Mary.
- Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Cartagena's rich Afro-Colombian culture during this celebration
- Traditional Processions: Witness colorful processions and live music throughout the city
- Crowded Events: Popular celebration attractions can become quite busy during the event
11. Full Moon Party at Playa Blanca (Monthly)
Dance the night away at this monthly full moon party on beautiful Playa Blanca.
- Beach Party: Enjoy a lively beach party under the light of the full moon
- Music and Dancing: Listen to live music and dance the night away with fellow revelers
- Crowded Events: The full moon party can become quite busy, especially during high season
12. Gastronomy Festival (October)
Savor delicious food and drinks from around Colombia at this annual gastronomy festival.
- Tasty Delights: Indulge in a variety of traditional Colombian dishes and drinks
- Cultural Experiences: Learn about the history and techniques behind Colombia's diverse cuisine
- Crowded Events: Popular festival attractions can become quite busy during the event
13. Historical Cartagena Tour (Year-round)
Explore Cartagena's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at your own pace.
- Cultural Exploration: Discover Cartagena's rich history and colonial architecture
- Flexible Schedule: Plan your tour according to your own schedule and interests
- Informative Guides: Learn from knowledgeable guides about Cartagena's history and culture
14. Rum Tasting Tour (Year-round)
Indulge in a guided rum tasting tour to discover Cartagena's famous rum production.
- Tasty Beverages: Sample various rums and learn about their unique flavors
- Educational Experience: Learn about the history, production, and tasting techniques of Cartagena's rum
- Guided Tour: Explore Cartagena's rum distilleries with a knowledgeable guide
15. Beach Relaxation (Year-round)
Relax on beautiful Caribbean beaches and enjoy Cartagena's tropical climate all year round.
- Scenic Beauty: Experience the stunning beauty of Cartagena's pristine beaches
- Relaxing Atmosphere: Take a break from city life and unwind on the beach
- Year-round Weather: Enjoy Cartagena's tropical climate with temperatures ranging between 26-30°C (79-86°F)