Weather in Cartagena in November

As a result of reduced rainfall, November sees the Colombian city of Cartagena shift from low season to shoulder season mode. Still warm, it’s a little less humid than August and September and sees rainfall decrease through the month. At the same time, visitor numbers rise as November wears on, and around the city’s Independence Day festivities on 11^th November. Read on for details on the weather in Cartagena in November, along with suggestions for what to see and do. 

Is November a good time to visit Cartagena?

Yes, November is a good time to visit Cartagena. Marking the transition from the rainy season to drier, slightly cooler months, the weather in Cartagena in November is ideal for enjoying everything the city and wider region has to offer.

That includes blissing out on Caribbean beaches, snorkelling idyllic islands, exploring UNESCO-designated historic attractions, and walking on the wilder side in the countryside that’s all the lusher in November thanks to the rain.

On the subject of rain, being a transition month, November still sees a fair share of liquid sunshine, though this decreases as the month progresses, making way for more consistently clear skies.

Another reason to visit Cartagena in November comes courtesy of its Fiestas de Independencia (Independence Day) festivities. Celebrated on 11^th November, this commemorates the city's declaration of independence from Spanish rule in 1811. 

Expect grand parades, feasting, dancing in the streets, and an influx of domestic visitors. More on this special event below.

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

Average temperatures in Cartagena in November

Having a tropical climate, temperatures remain pretty consistent around the year, with the weather in Cartagena in November experiencing average daytime temperatures of 30°C (86°F). This drops to around 24°C (75°F) at night.

For comparison, this is a little cooler than October, which experiences an average daily high of 31°C (88°F). 

As touched on above, November sees Cartagena shift from the wet season to the dry season. Though the month is drier overall, note that rainfall can be unpredictable — expect around 100-200mm (4-8 inches) of rain across the month.

This compares with rainfall in September and October often exceeding 200mm (8 inches). At the other end of the scale, December sees a drop to around 40mm (1.6 inches), while the driest months — January, February and March — see just 1mm (0.04 inches).

All that considered the weather in Cartagena in November is well suited to enjoying its outdoor historic sites, markets, beaches, and outlying nature reserves, with plenty of cafés, bars, museums, and galleries on hand for when showers strike.

Just remember to pack a light raincoat for the lingering rain. 

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?

As the weather shifts from the wet to the dry season, November sees Cartagena sit in a shoulder season that runs until early December.

Note that while the city experiences a moderate level of international visitor numbers across the month, domestic visitors increase around Independence Day celebrations on 11^th November.

Overall, though, visiting Cartagena in November offers an attractive balance between the dry high season and the low wet season. Put simply, November is less crowded and less costly than the peak season that runs from December to January, and it's less wet than the June-October low season months.

The moderate demand for flights, accommodation, and tour services in November means costs are moderate too. 

While you’re unlikely to secure the kind of deals that can be had during Cartagena’s wet low season, costs will be lower than they are in December and early January. 

Still thinking about where to vacation in November? Read the Rough Guide about the best places to travel in November and choose the right one for you.

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 November

With November seeing the city shift towards the dry season, November is a top time to enjoy all of Cartagena’s varied offerings just before peak season crowds — and costs — hit.

We’re talking about everything from enjoying its Caribbean coast and nearby nature reserves, to absorbing history, culture, and cuisine in town.

Here are some suggestions for how to make the most of your time in and around the city during this month.

Celebrate Fiestas de Independencia

If you’re in town on 11th November, you’re in for a special treat. This date sees the city commemorate its 1811 declaration of independence from Spanish rule — a pivotal moment in the history of both Cartagena and Colombia.

Lasting several days, Fiestas de Independencia is a vibrant, colourful event, with the Grand Parade (Desfile de la Independencia) a highlight. 

With street fairs and food festivals serving a taste of local cuisine, it's a bedazzlement of traditional dances, costumes, and music.

Discover local culture

To soak up more local culture, cuisine, and street art in one fell swoop, visit the vibrant Getsemaní district.

Boasting more bars and cafés than you can shake a stick at, with Plaza de la Trinidad hosting street performers around the clock, it’s a glorious place to eat, drink and make merry.

The same is true of Bazurto Market, which sees local artisans sell handmade crafts, jewellery, and traditional clothing alongside countless food stalls.

Editor’s tip: book a food-themed walking tour to savour regional specialties like arepas and ceviche at their best.

Explore UNESCO sites and museums

It’s fair to say that visiting Cartagena’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Walled City and Old Town is a must-do no matter when you visit. 

As November sits in a less-crowded shoulder season, you’ll be able to see them up close and spend longer appreciating them. 

The same is true of conditions in Cartagena’s excellent museums and galleries, among them the Museo del Oro Zenú (Gold Museum), the Caribbean Naval Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art. 

With rain less likely in the morning, consider touring them in the afternoon, perhaps after you’ve enjoyed the beach. Talking of which…

Soak up the captivating Caribbean coast and idyllic islands

Given that November sees less rainfall than the preceding months, be sure to spend time on beaches like Bocagrande and Castillo Grande.

We also suggest boarding a boat to the Rosario Islands. Known for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, the snorkelling and diving here are out-of-this-world.

It’s also a great place to kayak or paddle-board the calm waters before chilling out on pretty Playa Blanca.

Popular for obvious reasons, visiting the Rosario Islands in shoulder-season November is — in our opinion — more of a magical experience than it is during the crowded peak season.

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

Uncover nature

Into nature and wildlife? Be sure to take a trip to La Boquilla mangroves.

You’ll board a traditional canoe in the company of a local expert who’ll point out local and fauna, with birdlife being especially notable.

Further afield (some four hours away from the city) Tayrona National Natural Park is well worth visiting if you love walks on the wilder side.

Editor’s tip: one of the most rewarding routes in the park is the hike to the ancient indigenous village of El Pueblito. From here, the trail leads to stunning Cabo San Juan beach. 

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 the low season.
• May: expect more frequent rain showers as the wet season progresses, while temperatures remain warm, averaging around 31°C (88°F).
• June: the wet season continues with regular rain in this low-season month, though there are still plenty of sunny intervals. 
• 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.
• 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.