Weather in Colombia in October

Thinking of visiting Colombia in October? Note that this is one of the country’s wettest months, but it’s drier on the Caribbean coast and the islands of San Andrés and Providencia. At the same time, though Colombia’s Amazon region experiences rain around the year, October is one of its drier months. Read on to find out about the weather in Colombia in October, and to discover the answer to that all-important question — is October a good time to visit Colombia? 

What is the weather like in Colombia in October?

As mentioned above, the weather in Colombia in October varies considerably according to region, as detailed below.

Andean region

Across the region, expect mild temperatures ranging from 9°C (48°F) to 21°C (70°F) and frequent rainy season showers.

As a result of its altitude, Bogotá, the Colombian capital, will be one of the coolest destinations, while Medellín will be warmer — it’s known as the City of Eternal Spring for very good reason. 

Editor’s tip: read our guide to the weather in Medellín in October. 

Caribbean coast

Though you can expect showers on the Caribbean Coast, this is one of the better regions to visit in October due to comparatively low rainfall, and warm temperatures.

Taking Cartagena as an example, expect it to be hot and humid, with around 206mm (8.11 inches) of rainfall across the month. 

For context, the Andean and Pacific regions receive much more rainfall in October, but also note that during its dry season months (January-March), the Caribbean Coast sees a mere 1mm (0.04 inches) of liquid sunshine.

Editor’s tip: read more detail on the weather in Cartagena in October.

Pacific coast

As is typical of this region, Colombia’s Pacific Coast experiences heavy rainfall in October. In fact, this is often the rainiest month of the year, so come prepared for both rain and humidity that can make its average temperature high of 29°C (84°F) feel even hotter.

That said, October sits within the Pacific Coast’s whale-watching season, which is a pretty good reason to visit the region between July and November.

Amazon region

If you visit the likes of Leticia in the Amazon region in October, expect high humidity, frequent rain showers, and temperatures between 23°C (73°F) and 31°C (88°F) 

While this is in line with the region’s year-round tropical rainforest climate, note that with an average of 280mm (11 inches) of rainfall, October isn’t wet as other months. 

For example, May sees in excess of 350 mm (13.8 inches), though October is rainier than September, which sees around 220mm/8.7 inches.

Insular region

In October, the islands of San Andrés and Providencia in Colombia’s Insular region experience gloriously warm weather, and less rain than the mainland.

So, while you are likely to experience some showers, it’s a good area to visit in October if you’re hoping to enjoy beautiful beaches amidst smaller crowds than seen during the December-January high season.

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

Temperatures in Colombia in October

In line with the regional variations in weather patterns, September sees different areas of Colombia experience different temperatures. 

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

Andean region: expect mild temperatures ranging from 9°C (48°F) to 21°C (70°F). 

Caribbean coast: come to the drier Caribbean Coast for a temperature range of 24°C (75°F) to 32°C (90°F). 

Pacific coast: with a temperature range of 23°C (73°F) to 29°C (84°F), the Pacific Coast is also very wet and humid.

Amazon region: expect consistent warmth and high humidity, and a range of 23°C (73°F) ato31°C (88°F).

Insular region: San Andrés and Providencia generally see temperatures that hover from 25°C (77°F) to 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 October a good time to visit Colombia?

That all depends on what you most want to do during your visit, and how much rain you can handle! With that in mind, here are some pointers to consider when it comes to deciding whether visiting Colombia in October is good for you.

If you’re longing for beautiful beaches — and visiting the history-rich coastal city of Cartagena is on your travel wish-list — October is a great time to visit the Caribbean Coast. 

And the reasons? It generally enjoys drier and sunnier weather compared with other parts of Colombia, and crowds will be moderate.

Alternatively, if wildlife-watching is your bag, note that October is a great time to visit the Amazon and Pacific regions — just be aware that the Pacific is especially rainy in October.

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

What about crowds and costs?

Due to it being rainy season in many regions, Colombia is less crowded in October in comparison with the peak tourist seasons. These run from December to January, with another (smaller) spike from June to August. 

With fewer tourists, you might find more availability and potentially lower prices for flights, hotels and hostels compared with the high season.

And, when it comes to tours and activities, there may be more flexibility with bookings and the possibility of lower prices.

That said, the Caribbean Coast still attracts visitors due to its drier weather, but it won't be nearly as crowded as it is during the high season. 

Festivals and events in Colombia in October

October doesn’t see as many festivals and events in October as it does in other months, but here are a few dates to have on your radar.

Dia de la Raza 

12th October is Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day). While this isn’t a traditional Colombian festival, you might come across parties and events in bars and clubs.

Also note that as this is public holiday, some businesses may be closed. 

Halloween and All Saints Day

While trick-or-treating from house to house isn't really a thing in Colombia, some big cities (like Medellín) host costume parties in bars and clubs. 

These are typically multi-day affairs — with Saints Day is celebrated on 1st of November, many Colombians enjoy a three-day weekend.

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 October?

If you’re keen to experience a rewarding range of Colombia in October, 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.

Looking for more options for an autumn holiday? Also check out our list of the best destinations for an unforgettable holiday in October.

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. 
• 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.
• 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.