Colombia is located directly on the equator, and the cycles of the rainy and dry seasons differ depending on altitude and region. Below, for convenience, we have categorized the seasons into "spring," "summer," "autumn," and "winter," summarizing the climatic features and major seasonal events.
Spring (March to May)
Climatic Features
- Temperature: There is a large regional difference; in lowlands, 25-30°C, and in highlands, around 15-20°C.
- Precipitation: The first half of the rainy season begins around April with an increase in afternoon showers.
- Characteristics: Alternating sunny weather and sudden thunderstorms.
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relationship with Climate |
| March to April |
Holy Week (Semana Santa) |
Catholic ceremonies. Outdoor parades held to coincide with the end of the dry season. |
| Late April |
Vallenato Legend Festival (Feria de la Leyenda Vallenata) |
Traditional music festival held during relatively stable weather before the rainy season starts. |
| May 1 |
Labor Day (Día del Trabajo) |
National holiday. Enjoying outdoor leisure with family and friends in the gentle climate of late spring. |
| Second Sunday of May |
Mother's Day (Día de la Madre) |
Family event. A tradition of enjoying meals outdoors while sensing the beginning of the dry season. |
Summer (June to August)
Climatic Features
- Temperature: Around 30°C in lowlands, 20-25°C in highlands.
- Precipitation: June is the latter part of the rainy season, while July and August may experience dry weather in some regions.
- Characteristics: Dry and wet patterns may reverse in different regions.
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relationship with Climate |
| End of June |
San Pedro Festival (Fiesta de San Pedro) |
Local religious festival. Events concentrated in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. |
| July 20 |
Independence Day (Día de la Independencia) |
Parades and fireworks nationwide. Large-scale celebrations taking advantage of the sunny weather of the dry season. |
| Early August |
Medellin Flower Festival (Feria de las Flores) |
Flower floats and concerts. The cool mornings and evenings of the dry season are ideal for viewing. |
| Mid-August |
Bogotá Summer Festival (Festival de Verano) |
Outdoor concerts and sports events held in relatively dry weather. |
Autumn (September to November)
Climatic Features
- Temperature: 25-28°C in lowlands, 15-20°C in highlands.
- Precipitation: Small rains increase in September and October, with the rainy season returning in November.
- Characteristics: Humidity changes become milder, and the harvest season begins.
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relationship with Climate |
| September to November |
Coffee Harvest Season (Cosecha de Café) |
Harvest festivals in coffee-growing areas. Celebrating the yield at the boundary of dry and rainy seasons. |
| October 31 |
Halloween (Halloween) |
Costume parties, mainly among young people. Cool and dry nights are suitable for outdoor activities. |
| November 2 |
Day of the Dead (Día de los Difuntos) |
Traditionally visiting graves. Families pay tribute amidst fallen leaves and light rain. |
| November 11 |
Cartagena Independence Day (Independencia de Cartagena) |
Historical celebrations in the coastal city. Ceremonies capitalizing on the sunny weather at the beginning of the dry season. |
Winter (December to February)
Climatic Features
- Temperature: 28-32°C in lowlands, 12-18°C in highlands.
- Precipitation: Peak of the dry season, with almost no rain.
- Characteristics: Sunny weather during the day, with cooler temperatures in the mornings and evenings in highlands.
Major Events and Culture
| Month |
Event |
Content and Relationship with Climate |
| December |
Christmas (Navidad) |
Church services and illuminations. The streets are festive under the sunny weather of the dry season. |
| December 25-30 |
Cali Fair (Feria de Cali) |
Salsa parades and concerts. Dancing shines in the dry and cool nights. |
| January 5 |
Black and White Carnival (Carnaval de Blancos y Negros, Pasto) |
Ethnic costumes and float parades. Events unfold using the cool mornings and evenings of the dry season. |
| February to March |
Barranquilla Carnival (Carnaval de Barranquilla) |
One of the largest carnivals in Latin America. Held for three days in the warm climate of the dry season. |
Summary of Seasonal Events and Climate Relations
| Season |
Climatic Features |
Major Event Examples |
| Spring |
A mix of sunny weather and afternoon showers |
Holy Week, Vallenato Festival, Labor Day, Mother's Day |
| Summer |
High temperatures and varying dry/wet patterns |
San Pedro Festival, Independence Day, Medellin Flower Festival, Bogotá Summer Festival |
| Autumn |
Variation in humidity and precipitation before the return of the rainy season |
Coffee Harvest Festival, Halloween, Day of the Dead, Cartagena Independence Day |
| Winter |
Continuous sunny weather of the dry season |
Christmas, Cali Fair, Black and White Carnival, Barranquilla Carnival |
Additional Notes
- Colombia has significant altitude differences, resulting in varying climatic feelings from "spring to winter" across regions.
- Many festivals are aligned with the Catholic calendar and agricultural cycles.
- The dry season mainly occurs from December to February and July to August, while the rainy season is centered around April to June and October to November.
- Since average temperatures vary greatly across coastal, lowland, and highland areas, it is important to consider the climate of the destination when planning a trip.
Colombia's climate and culture are deeply connected, and enjoying the unique events of each city and region allows one to experience harmony with the natural environment.
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