Climate and monthly weather forecast
Colombia

englishespañol中文
Share
Flag of Colombia
Flag of Colombia

The climate of Colombia

Colombia is a tropical country with a complex climatic pattern. The northern tip is semi-arid to arid (Köppen climate classification BWh, BSh). A significant portion in the north and central regions displays tropical savanna and monsoon types (Köppen Am, Aw). More than 50% of the land in the northwest and almost the entire southern half have a tropical rainforest climate (Köppen Af). Patches in the central and western regions have an oceanic climate, with its variants (Köppen Cfb, Csb). The Andes above 4000 meters have a mountain climate (Köppen ET). Colombia lies in the northern part of South America. Venezuela lies in the east and Brazil in the southeast. Ecuador and Peru are in the south, the Pacific Ocean in the west, Panama in the northwest, and the Caribbean Sea in the north. The equatorial location, high mountain ranges, and proximity to the vast ocean waters influence the climate.

Colombia lies on either side of the equator, between 12°N and 4°S, and has six natural regions. The Andes Mountains form the Andean Region, adjacent to the Pacific Coast. The region includes the Cordillera Occidental mountains, the Cordillera Central, and the Cordillera Oriental, with hot, temperate, cold, and frozen types of mountain climate. Magdalena, the principal river in the country, flows through the humid and low-lying Caribbean Region adjacent to the Caribbean Sea. The region also comprises of the Guajira Desert and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range. The Pacific Region lies near the Pacific Coast, is highly humid, and among the regions of the highest precipitation in the world. The Orinoco Region is a savanna, east of the Andes, in the northeast of the country. The Amazon Region is a rainforest in the Amazon Basin of southern Colombia. The Insular Region comprises maritime areas in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Pico Cristobal Colon and Pico Simon Bolivar are the highest peaks in Colombia at 5775 meters above sea level.

The best time to visit Colombia

The best time to visit Colombia is generally between December to March. The cold period is less rainy and has ample sunshine. The conditions are mild at low altitudes, and only the high mountains see snow and ice. The ocean waters at an average of 26.1°C (79°F) are warm on the Caribbean coast. The Pacific Ocean is warm throughout the year, but the coast is rainy all year round. A few areas receive low rainfall between August and November. The Amazon rainforest has better conditions during relatively dry periods. Precipitation is the most significant factor determining the best time to visit a particular region of Colombia and varies by season and altitude.

The worst time to visit Colombia

The worst time to visit Colombia is usually from April to October. The heat and humidity are high in most regions, and the rainfall is heavy. The equatorial regions receive almost daily rain, and the sticky atmosphere is unbearable for people from cold countries. Flooded rivers pose significant obstructions. The Amazon Basin is notoriously humid, wet, and uncomfortable in the summer. The arid regions in the north register severe temperatures above 40°C (104°F) in the hot season. Thunderstorms frequently occur in the mountains.

Spring weather in Colombia

In Colombia, spring is typically characterized by warm temperatures and moderate rainfall. It is essential to note that because Colombia straddles the equator, it does not have a traditional spring season like countries further from the equator. However, if one equates the period between March and May with spring, temperatures range from a warm 23.9°C (75°F) in the lowlands to a cooler 11.7°C (53.1°F) to 16.7°C (62.1°F) in the higher altitudes. Rainfall varies across regions, with the Pacific Coast receiving the highest amount during this time, while the Amazon region also sees considerable rainfall.

Summer weather in Colombia

Colombia's summer, typically from June to August, is marked by higher temperatures and rainfall, especially in the Amazon region. Daytime temperatures in the desert regions can soar up to 40°C (104°F), while night temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F). The average high temperatures during the hot season hover in the 29.4°C (84.9°F) to 36.1°C (97°F) range. The Andean region, on the other hand, experiences temperatures in the 11.7°C (53.1°F) to 16.7°C (62.1°F) range due to its high altitude.

Autumn weather in Colombia

The autumn season in Colombia, usually from September to November, is characterized by temperatures ranging from 23.9°C (75°F) at lower altitudes to a cooler range between 11.7°C (53.1°F) and 16.7°C (62.1°F) at higher altitudes. This period is typically part of the rainy season, with the Pacific and Amazon regions witnessing significant rainfall. In the northernmost tip of the country, in the arid Guajira Peninsula, precipitation is considerably less, recording less than 305mm (12.01") annually.

Winter weather in Colombia

During Colombia's winter season, from December to February, weather conditions vary significantly across the country due to its topography and geographic location. While the country does not experience a traditional winter, temperatures in the high Andean region can drop below freezing, and these regions may see snowfall. The average low temperatures in the lowlands range from 18.9°C (66°F) to 23.9°C (75°F) during this cooler season. Despite being the driest time of the year, the Pacific Coast still experiences considerable rainfall. The Caribbean and Pacific ocean temperatures remain warm, between 26.1°C (79°F) and 28.9°C (84°F), making them suitable for swimming all year round.

Weather in January

January falls in the midst of Colombia's dry season and is typically characterized by pleasant weather conditions, especially when compared to the preceding December. Temperatures during this month depend on the altitude, with higher altitudes experiencing cooler weather. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Following the dry and mild climate of January, February in Colombia is characterised by a gradual increase in temperatures across different regions. However, the general weather conditions remain relatively dry compared to the subsequent wet season. Temperatures in the capital city of Bogota, located in the elevated Andean region, maintain their cool nature due to the altitude, fluctuating from 16.7°C (62.1°F) to 23.9°C (75°F). Weather in February »

Weather in March

Transitioning from the relatively dry February, March witnesses a shift in the climatic conditions across Colombia as it moves closer to the wet season. A noticeable increase in temperature and humidity across various regions characterises this month. In the capital city of Bogota, located in the elevated Andean region, the temperature in March slightly increases, ranging from 17.2°C (63°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F). Weather in March »

Weather in April

April marks a distinct shift in Colombia's weather patterns as the wet season establishes its presence across the country. The month sees a further rise in temperature, humidity, and precipitation levels, particularly in certain regions. In Bogota, the capital situated in the Andean region, temperatures continue to rise slightly, with averages oscillating between 17.5°C (63.5°F) and 24.7°C (76.5°F). Weather in April »

Weather in May

May in Colombia brings a continuation of the wet season, seeing further increases in humidity and precipitation, while temperatures remain high, defining the overall climate of the month. Bogota, Colombia's capital located in the cooler Andean region, sees average temperatures ranging from 17.5°C (63.5°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F), reflecting a subtle increase from the previous month. Weather in May »

Weather in June

In June, the weather in Colombia continues to be influenced by the wet season, although there is a slight decrease in precipitation compared to May, hinting at the gradual transition towards a drier period. Temperatures across the country remain high, contributing to the overall warm and humid climate of the month. The Andean region, which houses the capital city Bogota, experiences temperatures ranging from 17.6°C (63.7°F) to 24.9°C (76.8°F). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July signals the onset of the less intense phase of the rainy season in Colombia. Despite the ongoing wet conditions, the month is marked by a notable decrease in rainfall compared to the peak months of May and June. The warmth, however, persists across the country, contributing to a humid climate throughout the month. In the Andean region, where the capital city of Bogota is located, temperatures remain relatively moderate due to the area's high altitude. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August in Colombia is characterized by a further shift towards drier conditions compared to the earlier months, as the less intense phase of the rainy season continues. Despite this, the warmth persists with consistently high temperatures across the country contributing to a humid climate. The Andean region, where Colombia's capital Bogota is situated, remains relatively temperate due to its higher altitude. Weather in August »

Weather in September

In Colombia, September marks the onset of the transitional phase from the rainy season to the drier period. Rainfall continues to decrease across the country, and the average temperatures remain relatively consistent, contributing to the country's tropical climate. In the high-altitude Andean region, where the capital Bogota resides, the temperature remains pleasantly cool due to the altitude. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Colombia signals the closure of the rainy season and the ushering in of the drier period. The country experiences further reduction in rainfall while maintaining stable, high temperatures consistent with its tropical climate. The Andean region, home to the capital city Bogota, exhibits relatively cool temperatures thanks to its high altitude. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Colombia serves as the doorway to the dry season, with rainfall reducing substantially across the country. Despite the lessening precipitation, the tropical climate remains dominant, as indicated by the consistently high temperatures. The Andean region, where the country's capital, Bogota, is located, maintains moderate temperatures because of its high altitude. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Colombia signals the onset of the dry season, characterized by significantly reduced rainfall. This transition does not impact the country's high temperatures, indicative of its perennial tropical climate. The Andean region, which houses Colombia's capital city, Bogota, continues to showcase relatively cooler temperatures due to its altitude. Weather in December »
[Resources]

Colombia

Weather forecast for your location

1. Click Locate me button
2. Allow the app to use your location