Weather in Cartagena in December

December sees the Colombian city of Cartagena shift to high season, with many international visitors lured by the warm temperatures and low rainfall of this dry season month. As such, it’s a vibrant time to visit, with increased crowds drawn to its UNESCO-designated treasures and Caribbean beaches and islands, while the atmospheric Old Town twinkles with lights and festive markets. Read on for detail on the weather in Cartagena in December, along with suggestions for what to see and do. 

Is December a good time to visit Cartagena?

There are plenty of reasons December is peak season in Cartagena. As to whether that makes it a good time for you to visit, depends on your preference for crowds, and your budget.

First up, the weather in Cartagena in December sees the city bask in warm, sunny conditions, with an average temperature range of 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F). This period also marks the start of the dry season, which means it offers clear skies and pleasant breezes.

As a result, it’s easy to see why Cartagena entices visitors from colder climes who are looking for winter sun and hoping to blend visiting beautiful beaches with exploring the city’s colourful streets and historic sites.

This being the festive season, December sees the city’s beauty enhanced by lights, with decorations adorning the old town’s plazas, and Christmas markets selling festive food and traditional crafts.

And now for the flipside — bigger crowds and increased demand for flights, accommodation, and tours bring bigger costs, so be sure to book as early as possible.

Keen to visit Cartagena? Talk to our local Colombia experts to kick-start creating your dream trip.

Average temperatures in Cartagena in December

Having a tropical climate, temperatures remain consistent around the year, with the weather in Cartagena in December averaging 24°C at night, and rising to 30°C (75°F to 86°F) during the day.

This is in line with November’s temperatures, and a little cooler than October, which experiences an average daily high of 31°C (88°F).

As mentioned above, December sits in Cartagena’s dry season. On average, December experiences around 40mm (1.6 inches) of rainfall throughout the month. 

This is a marked drop on November’s 100-200mm (4-8 inches), and the 200+mm experienced in September and October.

As a result, it’s clear why the weather in Cartagena in December draws so many tourists. Such conditions present the perfect backdrop for everything the city has to offer — beaches, historic sites, a thriving food and market scene, and nature and hiking adventures.

Editor’s tip: for a bigger picture of the weather, read up on the best time to visit Colombia.

What about the crowds and cost?

As will already be apparent, December is Cartagena’s peak season, with the biggest visitor numbers seen from mid-December through to mid-January. So, if you’re not a fan of peak season crowds — or prices — consider heading here later, or earlier. 

For example, shoulder-season November offers a good balance between the dry high season and the low wet season. And the reasons? It’s less crowded and less costly than the peak season that runs from December to January, and less wet than the June-October low season. The same is true of shoulder-season February.

But back to December. It remains a great month to visit if you’re seeking tropical temperatures and sun, minimal rainfall, and festive fun in a city that boasts a bounty of cultural treasures, alongside offering easy access to beautiful Caribbean beaches and nature reserves.

Looking for more options for your winter holiday? Explore our list of the best destinations to visit in December.

Unforgettable customisable Colombia itineraries

If you fancy seeing a rewarding range of Colombia, consider taking a trip that’s been curated by a Rough Guides' local expert.

As revealed in our guide to backpacking Colombia, going it alone takes some planning and can present challenges. In contrast, taking the Rough Guides’ route means our experts will take care of planning an unforgettable trip that’s been 100% tailored to your preferences.

Here are a few sample itineraries to spark inspiration:

• Magnificent Colombian Highlights (11 days): from exploring bustling Bogota and charming Cartagena to uncovering the natural wonders of Puerto Narino and Medellín’s vibrant culture, this trip is rich in experiences and magnificent in nature. 
• Fascination Colombia - Medellín and Cartagena (11 days): this immersive two-centre trip will see you divide your time between Medellin and Cartagena, with each base offering opportunities to experience a richness of Colombian culture, from taking authentic cooking classes to exploring the great outdoors on horseback.
• Unforgettable Colombia - cities, coffee, and islands (13 days): encompassing Colombia's three main areas, including the capital, Bogotá, the beautiful colonial town of Villa de Leyva, and Cartagena, this diverse trip will see you uncover coffee culture in lush hillsides and valleys before blissing out on the idyllic Islas del Rosario.

What to do and see in Cartagena in December

Being in the dry season, and energised by peak season crowds, December is a wonderful time to enjoy the full diversity of Cartagena’s attractions and activities under shimmering festive lights. 

Here are some of the best things to see and do in Cartagena in December.

Meander Christmas markets

Let’s kick off with the obvious — December is the festive season, while you might be tempted to spend a lot of time on the coast and beaches, don’t miss browsing Cartagena’s Christmas markets.

They pop up all over the city selling handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and decorations, along with delicious festive food specialities. 

Editor’s tip: also visit bustling Bazurto Market, which sees local artisans sell handmade crafts, jewellery, and traditional clothing, alongside countless stalls selling fresh food.

Take a walking tour of undercover history

With the warm December weather perfect for walking tours, discover Cartagena’s UNESCO-designated attractions in the company of a local guide. We suggest booking tours for as early as possible in the day to avoid the biggest crowds.

The historic streets of the Old Town are resplendent with colonial architecture, colourful houses, and lively plazas, with the imposing Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas esteemed for being the biggest fortress built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies.

Editor’s tip: go to Getsemaní at dusk to spend cooler evenings exploring this vibrant neighbourhood. It’s known for its street art, music, and local restaurants and bars.

Explore idyllic islands

One of the most popular experiences to enjoy from Cartagena is taking a boat trip to the beautiful Rosario Islands, with December’s warm, dry weather being absolutely perfect for this experience. 

Most trips stop-off so you can snorkel the stunning coral reefs. On arrival, take your pick from kayaking or paddle-boarding the calm waters, or stretching out on Playa Blanca.

Editor’s tip: love nature and photography? Take a night-time tour of the Rosario Islands to be enchanted by bioluminescent plankton.

Head out of town for hiking adventures

More easily tackled in dry season months like December, outdoor adventures await in biodiverse beauty spots within reach of the city.

Though a four-hour drive from Cartagena, visiting Tayrona National Natural Park comes highly recommended for hikers and nature lovers. 

With trails suitable for all abilities, it’s a great way to escape the crowds and see a different side to Colombia, not least when you follow the trail to the ancient indigenous village of El Pueblito and walk on to Cabo San Juan beach. 

Still making up your mind? Read up on the best things to do in Colombia, and get the Rough Guide to Colombia.

Visit Cartagena in different months

To be better informed before booking your trip, find out what to expect of the weather in Cartagena around the year.

• January: expect hot, dry weather and average temperatures of 31°C (88°F) in this peak season month.
• February: similar to January, shoulder-season February sees hot, dry conditions with temperatures averaging 31°C (88°F), and fewer tourists than January.
• March: the heat continues as the dry season transitions towards more humid conditions later in the month — still ideal for hitting the beach.
• April: this marks the start of the wet season, with increased humidity, occasional showers and fewer visitors as the shoulder season shifts to low season.
• May: expect more frequent rain showers as the wet season progresses, while temperatures remain warm, averaging around 31°C (88°F).
• June: the wet season continues with regular rain in this low season month, though there are still plenty of sunny intervals. 
• July: similar to June, July offers a mix of rain and sunshine, with daytime temperatures still hitting an average of around 31°C (88°F).
• August: another mix of rain, and hot, sunny days. Expect visitor numbers to remain low, and look to mix the beach with indoor cultural activities.
• September: this low season month sees the city enter the peak of the wet season, but it remains hot.
• October: this is usually the wettest month, so expect significant rainfall and prepare to be flexible with your travel plans.
• November: the rain starts to decrease during November as the region shifts back to the dry season, with visitor numbers increasing as the month wears on.