Weather in Cartagena in June

If you’re thinking of visiting the Colombian city of Cartagena in June, note that this low season month sees moderate visitor numbers as a result of it sitting in the rainy season. That said, June isn’t the rainiest month of the year, and temperatures remain hot. So, if you pack and plan accordingly — beach and outdoor activities in the morning; culture in the afternoon — June can be a great month to visit. Read on for detail on the weather in Cartagena in June, along with suggestions for what to see and do. 

Is June a good time to visit Cartagena?

If you prefer smaller crowds, lower costs, and don’t mind rain, June is a good time to visit Cartagena.

With the weather in Cartagena in June typically seeing a temperature range of 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F), fans of hot tropical climates will be very happy, with the month’s wet season showers offering refreshing respite from the humidity.

As a result of the rain, June is a low season month, with smaller crowds being all the better for exploring the city’s UNESCO attractions in a more relaxed style — no queues, and no jostling!

Moreover, the rain usually comes in short bursts, so you’ll still get to enjoy the area’s beaches and water-based activities, with plenty of cultural experiences on hand for those rainier afternoons. 

We’re talking everything from café-hopping and visiting museums and galleries to taking food-themed tours and dance classes.

Oh, and if you’re into diving, those in the know hail June one of the best months for visibility, which makes it a top time to take a trip to the idyllic Rosario Islands. More on that later.

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

Average temperatures in Cartagena in June

With a tropical climate, Cartagena experiences year-round warmth, with the weather in Cartagena in June seeing an average range of 25°C (77°F) at night and 31°C (88°F) during the day.

This is similar to May, with June being a little cooler in the evenings, but still pleasantly warm for strolling the charming Old Town after dusk and alfresco dining.

For a bigger picture of the weather, June’s temperatures are slightly warmer than the January-March average range of 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F).

As highlighted above, June is part of the wet season and sees around 101mm (3.98 inches) of rainfall across the month. This is a little less than May, and considerably less than October, which sees around 206mm (8.11 inches).

At the other end of the scale, January, February, and March only experience 1mm (0.04 inches).

As a general rule, June’s rainfall comes in short, heavy bursts that are often quick to clear and give way to sunshine. Bearing that in mind, if you have a flexible approach to plans and pack a raincoat, umbrella, and cool, lightweight clothing, you’ll be set for a great trip.

Editor’s tip: for a bigger picture of the weather, read up on the best time to visit Colombia.

What about the crowds and cost?

Part of a low season that runs until November, if you visit Cartagena in June, you can expect small crowds, and lower prices for flights and accommodation.

At the same time, the city remains vibrant, with no low-season reduction in access to attractions and a wealth of places to stay.

In contrast, Cartagena’s high season (which peaks from December to January, with another high experienced during the Semana Santa Easter weeks), sees a large volume of international tourists, and hiked prices.

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

Unforgettable customisable Colombia itineraries

If you fancy seeing a rewarding range of Colombia, consider taking a trip that’s been curated by a Rough Guides' local expert.

As revealed in our guide to backpacking 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.

What to do and see in Cartagena in June

As a result of the rain, our top tip for visiting Cartagena in June is to be flexible with your plans and to mix up uncovering culture with enjoying outdoor adventures on land and sea. Here are some suggestions for how to do exactly that.

Tour the wonders of the Walled City

Visiting Cartagena’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Walled City and Old Town is a must-do no matter when you visit, with June having the low season advantage of there being fewer crowds.

To better understand the significance of what you’re looking at, take a guided tour to discover the history behind the likes of San Felipe de Barajas Castle, the Palace of the Inquisition, and the Santo Domingo Church.

Snorkel and dive around idyllic islands

One of the most memorable trips to take from Cartagena is to book a boat excursion to the beautiful Rosario Islands. 

Being in low season, enjoying this experience in June is all the more personal. In addition, underwater visibility is usually especially great at this time of year.

The reefs around these parts boast a bounty of marine life and corals. As such, they’re beloved by snorkellers and divers alike.

To enjoy the islands’ natural beauty, you could also kayak or paddle-board the calm waters that lap their idyllic shores before resting up on pretty Playa Blanca.

Editor’s tip: experience the magic of bioluminescent plankton on a night-time tour of the Rosario Islands.

Visit Bazurto Market

Offering a deep dive into local life, visiting Bazurto Market is a wonderful way to experience Cartagena’s living culture up close.

Amidst the market's labyrinth of passages, you’ll find a huge variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood that are unique to the region. 

Food aside, the market has a section devoted to handmade crafts, jewellery, and traditional clothing, with musicians showcasing traditional champeta and vallenato music.

Editor’s tip: foodies could look to book a food-themed walking tour of the market or wider city, during which you’ll most likely find yourself sampling regional specialties like arepas and ceviche at their best.

Explore museums and galleries

From the Museo del Oro Zenú (Gold Museum) which showcases exquisite gold artefacts, to the Caribbean Naval Museum, Cartagena isn’t short of fascinating museums to enjoy during rainier periods.

While these tend to attract big crowds during the high season, June’s moderate visitor numbers will see you explore them in a more immersive fashion.

We also recommend checking out Casa Museo Rafael Núñez, the home of a four-time president of Colombia. Meanwhile, art aficionados will want to head to the Museum of Modern Art) to see contemporary and modern works by Colombian and Latin American artists. 

Editor’s tip: head to the colourful Getsemaní district to soak up local culture and street art — there are plenty of bars and cafés to shelter in when showers strike.

Watch wildlife in Agricola las Camelias

Thanks to the rain, June renders the countryside around Cartagena lush and green, which adds extra beauty to wildlife-focussed tours.

We suggest you pack your raincoat and set off early to tour Agricola las Camelias in the footsteps of esteemed naturalist Alexander von Humboldt. 

About 50 minutes from Cartagena, this 60-hectare nature reserve plays host to 200+ species of birds. You’re also likely to catch sight of howler monkeys, sloths, and anteaters. 

Editor’s tip: if you’re into wildlife and nature, take a canoe tour of La Boquilla’s mangrove forests.

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

Visit Cartagena in different months

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

• January: expect hot, dry weather and average temperatures of 31°C (88°F) in this peak season month.
• February: similar to January, shoulder-season February sees hot, dry conditions with temperatures averaging 31°C (88°F), and fewer tourists than January.
• March: the heat continues as the dry season transitions towards more humid conditions later in the month — still ideal for hitting the beach.
• April: this marks the start of the wet season, with increased humidity, occasional showers and fewer visitors as the shoulder season shifts to low season.
• May: expect more frequent rain showers as the wet season progresses, while temperatures remain warm, averaging around 31°C (88°F). 
• July: similar to June, July offers a mix of rain and sunshine, with daytime temperatures still hitting an average of around 31°C (88°F).
• August: another mix of rain, and hot, sunny days. Expect visitor numbers to remain low, and look to mix the beach with indoor cultural activities.
• September: this low season month sees the city enter the peak of the wet season, but it remains hot.
• October: this is usually the wettest month, so expect significant rainfall and prepare to be flexible with your travel plans.
• November: the rain starts to decrease during November as the region shifts back to the dry season, with visitor numbers increasing as the month wears on.
• December: the dry season begins with less rainfall and more sunny days. Temperatures average around 31°C (88°F), making it a popular time for visitors.