Weather in Colombia in March

In short, the weather in Colombia in March means mild, dry conditions in the Andean region, high temperatures on the Caribbean Coast, while it’s wetter and more humid in the Amazon region and Pacific Coast. So, depending on where you head, visiting Colombia at this time of year offers opportunities to enjoy a breadth of experiences — from beach breaks and adventure trips, to cultural immersion in cities and coffee-producing regions. And all this in the company of smaller shoulder season crowds. Read on for detail on the weather in Colombia in March, along with some itinerary ideas.

What is the weather like in Colombia in March?

Given its varied topography, visiting Colombia in March means your experience of the weather will differ depending on which region you visit. 

In general, this shoulder-season transitional month between the dry and wet seasons sees the north remain dry as the south starts to experience increased rainfall.

Read on for detail on the weather in Colombia in March in regions you might want on your trip radar.

Andean region

In cities like Bogotá, the Colombian capital, March is part of the dry season. The same is true of Medellín, the “City of Eternal Spring”, as revealed in our guide to the weather in Medellín in March.

Note that Bogotá is cooler, with average lows of 9°C (48°F), compared with Medellín’s average low of 16°C (60°F).

Being lower in altitude, Cali is warmer, with maximum daily temperatures of 30°C (86°F). All three locations see low levels of rainfall through March.

For wider context, note that the Andean region has two dry seasons (December to February, and July to August) and two wet seasons (April to June, and September to November).

Caribbean coast

Including culture-rich Cartagena, Barranquilla and Santa Marta, Colombia’s Caribbean Coast experiences hot and humid weather in March. 

With warm sea temperatures, average daily highs of 33°C (91°F), and smaller crowds and lower costs than you’ll experience in the December-February high season, it’s a great time to head here for a sunny beach break.

Editor’s tip: discover more detail on the weather in Cartagena in March.

Pacific coast

Along the Pacific Coast, conditions are generally hot and wet throughout the year, though January and February see lower levels of rain. 

Come March, expect high humidity and frequent rain showers.

Amazon region

March sees Colombia’s Amazon region in the wet season, with heavy rains, high humidity, and temperatures often hitting 31°C (88°F). 

Despite the rain, wildlife-watching trips remain rewarding — just come prepared with wet-weather gear.

Insular region 

In March, the islands of San Andrés and Providencia in Colombia’s Insular region enjoy warm tropical weather, while rainfall remains relatively low. When showers strike, they come in the form of short blasts. 

Add to that moderate shoulder-season visitor numbers and warm sea, and March is a wonderful month to bliss out on beaches, snorkel, and soak up the islands’ natural beauty and relaxed vibe. 

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

Temperatures in Colombia in March

Covering regional weather variations, read on for detail on temperatures in different areas of Colombia in March.

Andean region: March temperatures range from 9°C to 22°C (48°F to 72°F) in Bogotá, 16°C to 28°C (60°F to 82°F) in Medellín, and 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F) in Cali.

Caribbean coast: hot and humid in March, Colombia’s Caribbean Coast experiences a range of 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F) through the month.

Pacific coast: in March, temperatures on the Pacific Coast range from 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F), with high humidity and frequent rain showers.

Amazon region: wet season March sees temperatures ranging from 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F). 

Insular region: tropically warm-to-hot, San Andrés and Providencia enjoy a temperature typically range of 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) in March.

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

Is March a good time to visit Colombia?

Falling after the December-February peak season, and before the full pelt of the rainy season, shoulder-season March offers a satisfying balance between pleasant weather conditions and fewer tourists.

For example, March is still dry season in the Andean region. This means you can go full culture vulture in cities like Bogotá and Medellín, walk on the wilder side in the Andes, and drink in sublime scenery and culture at coffee plantations (alongside drinking down world-class coffee, of course).

Looking to bag yourself some serious beach action for a better price, and with more space? Caribbean coastal areas like Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta are warm and sunny at this time of year, with moderate rainfall, and moderate tourist numbers, too.

However, it's worth noting that the Amazon region and parts of the Pacific coast experience heavier rainfall during this time, which could affect your plans. 

That’s not to say you should rule out these regions, though — just come prepared with the right clothing and a flexible approach you your itinerary.

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

What about crowds and costs?

Sitting in a shoulder season, March sees moderate levels of tourist visitors compared with the December-February high season. This comes as a result of the rain beginning to ramp up in some regions, and the fact that holiday season festivals and events are over.

However, since March is considered part of the dry season in many regions, it’s still a pretty popular time for travellers who are looking to escape colder climates.

While not as high as in the peak season, the cost of accommodation, flights, and tours in popular destinations may be slightly elevated compared with the April to June and September to November low seasons.

That said, book early, and you might still get to grab a good deal.

If you're still looking for options for your spring trip, also explore our list of the best holiday destinations in March.

Festivals and events in Colombia in March

Colombia hosts a few fine cultural events in March, which offer you the opportunity to dig deeper into the destination. Be sure to check the exact dates, though —  they can vary from year to year.

Ibero-American Theatre Festival 

Held every two years, Bogotá’s Ibero-American Theatre Festival is one of the world’s biggest theatre festivals.

Typically starting in late March and lasting for a few weeks, the festival sees the city transformed into a vibrant stage, with theatre groups from around the globe presenting street plays and cultural exhibitions.

Holy Week (Semana Santa)

Observed across Colombia with processions and rituals, especially in cities like Popayán and Mompox, Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Colombia either falls in March in April.

As for why to experience it, note that Holy Week in Popayán hosts UNESCO-designated rituals that date back to the sixteenth century.

From the Tuesday to the Saturday before Easter, between 8pm and 11pm, a series of five processions devoted to Mary, Jesus, the Cross, the Laying in the Tomb, and the Resurrection follow a two-kilometre route through the town centre.

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 March?

Keen to experience a rewarding range of Colombia in March? 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.

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.
• 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. 
• August: similar to July, it’s dry in the north, wet in the south, and summer peak season continues.
• 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.