Best Time to Visit Cartagena: Weather, Seasons and Prices Month by Month

Photo: All the streets around old-town Cartagena look like this. The colors vary, but they are often strong, and lots of nice balconies. HDR of 3 handheld shots. This time Photomatix was not able to crisply align the images, but I insisted in using it because it is the only shot Ihave of this nice blue building. Cranked up the smart sharpen to make up the fuzziness, used Freaky Detail again (http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2010/archives/8691), which is similar to Nik Tonal Contrast. For scenes with walls like these I prefer freaky detail because Tonal Contrast enhances the roughness of the walls too much. I masked the sky and street when applying freaky detail. Some dodging on the shadowed walls, and then Nik Skylight filter to give it a more sunny look.

Jet Set LatAM · When to Go

Cartagena is warm every single day of the year, so the real question is not “will it be hot?” — it will — but “will it rain on my boat day?” The Caribbean city runs on two seasons, dry and wet, and the difference shapes everything from beach plans to hotel rates.

The short answer

The best time to visit Cartagena is December through April, the dry season, when skies are clear, humidity eases and boat trips to the islands run like clockwork. It is also high season, so book hotels early.

Cartagena by season

December to April: dry season and high season

Blue skies, steady breezes and the city at its most festive. Christmas and New Year are the busiest (and priciest) weeks; January through March is reliably sunny. March and April are still dry and often a little calmer once the holidays are over.

May to November: rainy season and better prices

Rain usually arrives in short, heavy bursts, often in the afternoon, and leaves plenty of the day for exploring. Humidity is heavier, so plan walks for the morning. Flights and hotels are generally cheaper, especially in summer.

October and November: the wettest stretch

October is typically the rainiest month. If you visit now, keep island days flexible. Late November, just before the Christmas rush, can be a sweet spot as the rains taper off.

Best time for…

• Beaches and the Rosario Islands: December to April, when the sea is calmer and trips rarely get cancelled.
• Lower prices: May to November, outside holiday weeks.
• Fewer crowds: shoulder weeks in late April, May and late November.
• Festive energy: December and New Year, when the Walled City is lit up and buzzing.

What to wear in any season

Light linen, a wide-brim hat and flat sandals year-round, plus a light layer for air-conditioned restaurants. See our full guide on what to wear in Cartagena.

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Where to stay

The Walled City for romance and walkability, Getsemaní for character and nightlife, Bocagrande for beach access. The flight search and live accommodation map below help you plan the rest of the trip.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Cartagena?

January to March, when the dry season is in full swing and the holiday crowds have thinned.

When is rainy season in Cartagena?

Roughly May to November, with October usually the wettest month. Showers tend to be short.

What is the cheapest time to go?

The rainy season, outside of holiday periods, typically brings lower flight and hotel prices.

Is Cartagena hot all year?

Yes — expect around 30 °C most of the year, with more humidity in the rainy months.

Keep reading

• Where to eat in Cartagena
• Designer boutiques in the Walled City
• A seven-day Cartagena itinerary

Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you book or buy through them, Jet Set LatAM may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This is a researched editorial guide; details, hours, prices and travel advisories change, so confirm before you go.