South America’s Caribbean coast stretches along northern Colombia and Venezuela, and includes the islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao just offshore. Most trips focus on Colombia: Cartagena, Santa Marta, Tayrona National Park and the Guajira Peninsula. The simple answer for timing is the dry season, December to April.
The seasons
Dry season (December–April)
- Sunny, breezy and relatively low in humidity. Daytime highs are around 30–32°C.
- Best for Cartagena’s old city, the beaches of Tayrona and the Rosario Islands.
- Peak prices and crowds come at Christmas, New Year and Easter (Semana Santa).
- February to March tends to be the driest and windiest, which is good for kitesurfing near Cabo de la Vela and Santa Marta.
Shoulder months (May–June and November)
Fewer people, with some showers, and prices that are lower. These can be a good compromise if you’re flexible.
Rainy season (roughly May–November)
There are two wet periods, with heaviest rains in September to November. Expect hot, humid days and heavy afternoon downpours. Trails in Tayrona can be muddy, and rough sea can interrupt boat trips. There is often a short drier spell around June to August known as veranillo (little summer).
Hurricanes
The Caribbean hurricane season runs from June to November, but northern Colombia and Venezuela are mostly south of the usual storm track, so direct hits are rare. Colombia’s San Andrés and Providencia islands, further north, are more exposed. Hurricane Iota struck Providencia in 2020. Check forecasts if traveling to the islands from August to November.
By destination
- Cartagena: Warm all year. December–March is the most comfortable, while September–October has the most rain. The walled city is pleasant in the evening whatever the month.
- Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park: Best in the dry season. The park closes for a few weeks each year (typically in February and again around June or October) for maintenance and for cultural reasons, so check dates before booking.
- Minca and the Sierra Nevada: Cooler, greener and rainier. Good for birdwatching, and dry-season mornings are often clearer.
- La Guajira: A desert landscape. Best in the dry months, though it is hot throughout the year.
- Ciudad Perdida trek: Typically open all year, but the wet season brings mud and river crossings. December to March is easier.
- Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao: Sunny and dry through most of the year, and outside the hurricane belt.
Timing by activity
| Activity | Best months |
|---|---|
| Beaches and island trips | Dec–Apr |
| Hiking in Tayrona and Ciudad Perdida | Dec–Mar |
| Kitesurfing and windsurfing | Jan–Apr |
| Diving and snorkeling | Dec–Apr, though visibility is good in other months too |
| City sightseeing | Dec–Mar, evenings year-round |
| Carnival in Barranquilla | February or early March |
Practical tips
- Book early for Christmas, New Year, Carnival and Easter. Cartagena hotels fill up weeks ahead.
- Pack light cotton clothing, a rain jacket, insect repellent, a hat and strong sunscreen.
- Bring cash for Tayrona entry and for beach vendors, since ATMs are limited near the park.
- Check conditions for sea swimming. Currents at some Tayrona beaches such as Arrecifes can be dangerous.
- Plan flexible days in the wet season, with outdoor plans in the morning and indoor options for afternoons.
For most visitors, late December to March is the safest bet, while May to June or November gives the best balance between price and weather.
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