Cartagena, Colombia Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Cartagena
Located in Colombia, Cartagena experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate with year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season. Afternoon temperatures peak near 89°F (32°C) in April and dip to about 85°F (29°C) in November, with around 47.7 inches (1212 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: April - highs near 89°F (32°C)
- Coldest month: November - highs near 85°F (29°C)
- Record high: 98°F (37°C) · Record low: 69°F (21°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: October (26 rainy days) · Sunniest: March (11.4 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical wet-and-dry - year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on April. Highs average 89°F (32°C) and overnight lows stay near 78°F (25°C). The coolest month is November, with typical highs of 85°F (29°C) and lows around 77°F (25°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 98°F (37°C) and dropped as low as 69°F (21°C).
Rain, sun and snow
October is usually the wettest month. It brings about 7.4 inches (187 mm) of rain over 26 days, while February is the driest. March brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.4 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 88° | 76° | 4 | 0.5 in | 11.1 h/day | 75% |
| February | 89° | 76° | 2 | 0.2 in | 11.3 h/day | 72% |
| March | 90° | 76° | 5 | 0.6 in | 11.4 h/day | 74% |
| April | 89° | 78° | 14 | 2.5 in | 11.0 h/day | 79% |
| May | 87° | 78° | 23 | 5.7 in | 9.7 h/day | 84% |
| June | 86° | 78° | 24 | 6.0 in | 9.5 h/day | 84% |
| July | 87° | 78° | 21 | 5.2 in | 9.8 h/day | 83% |
| August | 87° | 78° | 23 | 5.6 in | 9.4 h/day | 84% |
| September | 86° | 78° | 24 | 5.5 in | 9.3 h/day | 85% |
| October | 85° | 77° | 26 | 7.4 in | 9.1 h/day | 85% |
| November | 85° | 77° | 22 | 7.4 in | 9.3 h/day | 85% |
| December | 87° | 76° | 9 | 1.2 in | 10.9 h/day | 80% |
Cartagena month by month
Cartagena weather in January
January brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), about 4 wet days.
Cartagena weather in February
February brings highs around 89°F (32°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), about 2 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Cartagena.
Cartagena weather in March
March brings highs around 90°F (32°C), lows near 76°F (25°C), about 5 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Cartagena.
Cartagena weather in April
April brings highs around 89°F (32°C), lows near 78°F (25°C), about 14 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Cartagena.
Cartagena weather in May
May brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 78°F (26°C), about 23 wet days.
Cartagena weather in June
June brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 78°F (26°C), about 24 wet days.
Cartagena weather in July
July brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 78°F (26°C), about 21 wet days.
Cartagena weather in August
August brings highs around 87°F (30°C), lows near 78°F (26°C), about 23 wet days.
Cartagena weather in September
September brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 78°F (25°C), about 24 wet days.
Cartagena weather in October
October brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 26 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Cartagena.
Cartagena weather in November
November brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 22 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Cartagena.
Cartagena weather in December
December brings highs around 87°F (31°C), lows near 76°F (25°C), about 9 wet days.
Seasons in Cartagena
March through May
March through May in Cartagena is hot, with daytime highs averaging 89°F (31°C) and nights around 77°F (25°C); expect showers on roughly 41 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
June through August
June through August in Cartagena brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 87°F (30°C) and nights around 78°F (26°C); expect showers on roughly 69 days across the season.
September through November
September through November in Cartagena runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 85°F (30°C) and nights around 77°F (25°C); expect showers on roughly 73 days across the season.
December through February
December through February in Cartagena is hot, with daytime highs averaging 88°F (31°C) and nights around 76°F (24°C); rain falls on about 14 days over the three months.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Cartagena?
Is Cartagena hot in summer?
Is Cartagena cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Cartagena get in a year?
Best time to visit Cartagena
The best time to visit Cartagena is generally December to March, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 89°F (32°C).
Pack for Cartagena with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - April nights average 78°F (25°C).
Cartagena temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.