Weather in Colombia in August

Given its altitude variations, Colombia experiences year-round regional differences in weather. In general, the weather in Colombia in August means heat on the Caribbean Coast, and mild temperatures and wet afternoons in the Andean region. Meanwhile, though they remain rainy, the Pacific Coast and Amazon regions are less wet than average. It’s also worth knowing that August is a good month to visit Colombia for festivals, among them Medellín’s fabulous Feria de Flores. Read on for detail on the weather in Colombia in August, along with the answer to that million-dollar question — is August a good time to visit Colombia?

What is the weather like in Colombia in August?

As mentioned above, Colombia experiences varied weather conditions as a result of altitude differences across its regions. Read on for detail on the weather in Colombia in August across some key areas.

Andean region

If you visit Colombia’s Andean region in August, you can expect mild temperatures averaging around 14°C (57°F), but come prepared for rainy afternoons — the region experiences its wet season from April to November.

Thanks to its altitude, Bogotá, the Colombian capital, is the one of the coolest destinations in the area around the year, including August.

Meanwhile, Medellín, “City of Eternal Spring”, will be warmer, as revealed in our guide to the weather in Medellín in August. August also sees this city host its celebrated flower festival.

Caribbean coast

Encompassing Cartagena and Santa Marta, Colombia’s tropical Caribbean Coast is hot in August, with day-time temperatures averaging around 31°C (88°F).

In the light of that, August can be a good month to visit Colombia’s Caribbean Coast, but note it falls within a wetter season. FYI, the region’s dry season run from December to April.

Editor’s tip: find out more about the weather in Cartagena in August.

Pacific coast

Though temperatures hover around 28°C (82°F) in August, Colombia’s Pacific Coast is known for its high rainfall throughout the year, and August is no exception. 

Given that August falls within the Pacific Coast humpback whale watching season that runs from July-November, it’s not a bad time to visit.

Amazon region

The likes of Leticia in Colombia’s Amazon region experiences hot and humid conditions around the year, along with frequent rain showers.

But, with an average of 220 mm (8.7 inches) of rainfall, August — and September — are less wet. For context, May sees in excess of 350 mm (13.8 inches), and June typically averages around 280 mm (11 inches).

At the same time, if you’re into hiking, August sits within the Amazon’s low water season that runs between July and December. During this period, the rivers are lower, which means you’ll have better access to trails. Oh, and this is also a great time to spot caimans.

Insular region

Including the islands of San Andrés and Providencia, the weather in Colombia’s Insular region is generally warm and sunny in August, with average temperatures around 29°C (84°F). 

As such, it's a good time to snorkel and enjoy the beaches in the company of far fewer tourists than you would in December and January.

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

Temperatures in Colombia in August

Going hand in hand with regional variations in weather patterns, you can expect to experience different temperatures in different parts of Colombia in August.

Read on for an overview of average low and high temperatures in a few key regions.

Andean region: nights are on the cool side, while days are moderately warm, with temperatures ranging from 9°C (48°F) to 22°C (72°F). 

Caribbean coast: temperatures range from lows of 24°C (75°F) to highs of 32°C (90°F). 

Pacific coast: similar to the Caribbean Coast, temperatures range from 23°C (73°F) to 30°C (86°F), though humidity makes it feel warmer, and its wetter, too.

Amazon region: consistently warm and humid, August temperatures range from 23°C (73°F) and 31°C (88°F).

Insular region: expect temperatures on the islands of San Andrés and Providencia to span 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F).

Want an overview of the weather in Colombia around the year? Read up on the best time to visit Colombia.

Is August a good time to visit Colombia?

The answer to that question depends on what you most what to see and do. First up, given that August sits in a mini dry season, it’s a great time to enjoy outdoor activities, especially in the Andean region.

In addition, August sees the Amazon in a low-water season that runs between July and December — all the better for accessing hiking trails.

Meanwhile, Colombia’s Caribbean Coast is rainier in August than during other months of the year. But, if you’re on a budget and prefer smaller crowds, it can be a good time to visit, though you can expect showers to interrupt your days on the beach.

When it comes to exploring Colombia’s cities, that fact that Medellín hosts its celebrated Feria de Flores in August might tempt culture vultures to take a trip here during this month. 

In general, August is a good month to visit for festivals and events — more on those below.

Still not sure where to go? Discover some of the best places to visit in August.

What about the crowds and costs?

If you visit Colombia in August, you’ll experience different levels of crowds and costs in different regions. 

For example, the Andean region sees a moderate number of tourists in August. Prices can be slightly higher than during off-peak periods — most notably December and January — but it's not excessively expensive in August.

At the same time, cities like Cartagena and Santa Marta see pretty high levels of tourism around the year. So, while crowds will be much smaller than they are during the December to January high season, you might experience some crowding at top attractions as a result of it being summer vacation season.

In contrast, the Pacific Coast is less touristy than the Caribbean. Prices are generally reasonable around the year, but accommodation can be limited, so book early — especially if you’re visiting to watch whales

Festivals and events in Colombia in August

In good news for travellers who are hoping to immerse themselves in local culture, a number of fabulous festivals and events are held in Colombia in August.

Bogotá's birthday

If you happen to be in the capital on 6th August, look out for events celebrating the founding of the city.

Feria de Flores, Medellín

Sitting top of Colombia’s festival tree is Medellín’s celebrated Feria de Flores flower festival. 

Held during the first two weeks of August, it sees local harvesters line the streets bearing huge floral displays. Also expect street parties and music performances.

Festival del Viento y de los Cometas

Held across the windiest weekend in August, Villa de Leyva’s famous Festival del Viento y de los Cometas (kite festival) sees crowds pack out the central plaza to showcase their kites and kite-handling skills.

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

Ready for your dream trip to Colombia in August?

If you’re keen to experience a rewarding range of Colombia in August, consider taking a trip that’s been curated by a Rough Guides' local expert.

As revealed in our guide to back-packing 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.

Still haven't decided where you're going this summer? Explore our list of the best August holiday destinations.

Visit Colombia in other months

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

• January: this peak season month is packed with festivals, with low rainfall in most regions. It's mild in the Andes, and hot on the Caribbean coast.
• February: the weather is similar to January, with minimal rainfall (especially in coastal and Andean regions) and slightly fewer visitors than January.
• March: with moderate visitor numbers, this transitional month remains dry in the north as it becomes wetter in the south.
• April: with low visitor numbers, this is the beginning of the wet season in the Andean and Pacific regions.
• May: wet season weather ramps up in most regions, with high rainfall in the Andean and Amazon regions, and small visitor numbers. 
• June: while the drier season starts in the Andes, the Amazon remains rainy. Visitor numbers increase as school holidays begin.
• July: it’s dry season in the Andes and Caribbean, while Amazon is still wet, and visitor numbers are high due to summer vacationers. 
• September: as the second rainy season starts in the Andes, visitor numbers decline.
• October: wet in most of the Andean region, October sees fewer tourists due to rain, though it’s drier on the Caribbean coast.
• November: this month sees the approach of the end of the rainy season in many regions, and visitor numbers increase through the month.
• December: as the dry season kicks in across most of the country, expect sun and high visitor numbers in this peak season month.