Best time to visit Cartagena for good weather
When is the best weather in Cartagena? Monthly breakdown of temperature, rainfall, and sunshine hours — ranked by what actually matters for your trip.
Best month
March
Excellent dry-season weather with the post-Carnaval lull — good value and reliable sunshine.
↑Prices returning to moderate after the February peak: many walled-city hotels at 15–20% below their January rates
↑Near-zero rain and 9+ hours of sunshine: the Rosario Islands and Barú beach trips operating flawlessly through the month
↑The walled city less congested than peak season: colonial streets walkable without the January cruise-ship crowd surge
All months ranked — Good weather
Best match
Excellent dry-season weather with the post-Carnaval lull — good value and reliable sunshine.
#1 for good weather
Best match
The driest month with Carnaval — perfect Caribbean weather and Colombia's biggest street party.
#2 for good weather
Best match
Peak dry season — the walled city in Caribbean sunshine with near-zero rain.
#3 for good weather
Best match
End of dry season with sporadic showers — still excellent, and noticeably more affordable.
#4 for good weather
Best match
High season begins — Christmas and New Year in the walled city, festive and expensive.
#5 for good weather
Strong option
Brief mid-season dry spell (veranillo) — slightly better conditions and some summer holiday visitors.
#6 for good weather
Strong option
Rainy season begins — afternoon downpours most days but warm; prices drop noticeably.
#7 for good weather
Strong option
Rain easing — the city reawakens as the dry season approaches; still affordable.
#8 for good weather
Strong option
Wet season deepens — heavy rain daily, the walled city emptied of visitors, lowest prices.
#9 for good weather
Strong option
Wet season resumes after the veranillo — heavy rain back, still uncrowded and cheap.
#10 for good weather
Strong option
Peak of wet season — heaviest rain and highest hurricane risk; avoid unless budget is everything.
#11 for good weather
Strong option
Wettest month and highest hurricane risk — the lowest prices coincide with the worst conditions.
#12 for good weather