Weather in Cartagena in October

Come October, the Colombian city of Cartagena experiences the height of the region’s rainy season, so expect it to be hot and humid, with rainfall averaging around 206mm (8.11 inches) across the month. As a result of the rain, this is low season, which means while your outdoor activity plans might be disrupted by downpours, you stand a good chance of bagging a bargain on accommodation. You’ll also have more space to explore the city’s UNESCO attractions. Read on for details on the weather in Cartagena in October, along with suggestions for what to see and do. 

Is October a good time to visit Cartagena?

As is usually the case when it comes to deciding the best time to visit a destination, the answer to that question is very much linked to why you’re visiting, and what you most want to see and do during your trip. 

In this case, you need to be aware that the weather in Cartagena in October is hot, humid, and often rainy. In fact, it’s usually the wettest month of the year, which might be a problem if you’re hoping to spend all your days stretched out on a Caribbean beach from dawn to dusk. 

That said, given that Cartagena is celebrated for its UNESCO-designated cultural and historic attractions, chances are, you aren’t just coming for the city’s Caribbean coastal activities. Exploring said cultural and historic attractions are likely to be pretty high on your travel wish list.

All that considered, if you’re mainly coming to Cartagena for culture — and are in the market for a cheaper trip with fewer crowds — you could consider low-season October a pretty good month to visit.

Alongside its UNESCO wonders, the city isn’t short of museums and galleries to visit when showers strike. In addition, the plentiful cafés, bars, and restaurants feel more authentic in low-season months like October.

Lastly, given that rain showers usually strike in heavy bursts in the late afternoon, lovers of lush scenery will adore exploring the great outdoors around Cartagena in October. 

Just come prepared with suitable wet-weather walking gear, look to hike early in the day, and you’re good to go.

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

Average temperatures in Cartagena in October

Having a tropical climate, temperatures remain pretty consistent around the year, with the weather in Cartagena in October seeing an average daily high of 31°C (88°F). 

Typically dropping to around 24°C (75°F) at night, this October range is pretty much on a par with temperatures in August and September. 

As already mentioned, October is often the wettest month of the year in Cartagena and sees an average of 206 mm (8.11 inches) across the month.

For context, the dry season months of January, February, and March see just 1 mm (0.04 inches).

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?

In keeping with many other destinations that experience tropical rainy season conditions, October is a low-season month in Cartagena. 

The corresponding reduction in demand for flights, accommodation, and tour services means you might just bag a bargain on your flights and accommodation, and crowds will be much smaller than they are during the city’s high season. 

FYI, Cartagena’s peak high season period runs from December to January, with an additional spike in visitor numbers seen during Semana Santa (Easter week). Expect higher prices during these times. 

Meanwhile, if you’re hoping to avoid peak rainy season, but prefer moderate crowds and prices, think about visiting in the February-April and late-November to early-December shoulder seasons.

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

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 October

As in September, given that October sits at the heart of the rainy season, we recommend putting culture at the top of your itinerary, being flexible with your plans, and scheduling outdoor activities for the cooler, less rainy mornings.

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

Explore UNESCO sites and museums

Full disclosure — visiting Cartagena’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Walled City and Old Town is a must-do no matter when you visit. 

But note that since October is the low season, you’ll have the pleasure of seeing them in a less-crowded state — all the better for taking photos and exploring without the jostling that comes with being in a big crowd.

Cartagena also isn’t short of fascinating museums and galleries to visit when the rain strikes — from the Museo del Oro Zenú (Gold Museum) to the Caribbean Naval Museum, to the Museum of Modern Art.

Uncover local culture

To soak up local culture, cuisine, and street art, be sure to spend time in the colourful Getsemaní district.

Blessed with a bounty of bars and cafés to shelter in when showers strike, it’s a vibrant place to eat, drink, and make merry, with Plaza de la Trinidad playing host to musicians and performers around the clock.

We also suggest visiting Bazurto Market, which sees local artisans sell handmade crafts, jewellery, and traditional clothing alongside all the fresh food stalls.

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

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

Watch wildlife in Agricola las Camelias

Thanks to the rain, October sees the countryside around Cartagena in lush livery, which enhances the beauty of wildlife-focussed tours.

So, 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 is home to 200+ species of birds. Also keep your eyes peeled for 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.

Discover Afro-Colombian history in San Basilio de Palenque

Take a tour of San Basilio de Palenque village to learn about Afro-Colombian history, and enjoy traditional music and local cuisine.

Founded by escaped enslaved people in the 17th century, this has UNESCO World Heritage site status as a result of its cultural significance — this was the first free African settlement in the Americas.

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).
• 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.
• 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.