Weather in Colombia in April

With low-season levels of visitor numbers, the weather in Colombia in April sees the country shift to wet season mode. While rainfall is very high in the Amazon region and along the Pacific Coast, it remains relatively moderate on the Caribbean Coast and islands. At the same time, temperatures are warm or hot in many areas, but cooler in the Andean region, especially in high-altitude Bogotá. All that considered, this is a good month to enjoy less crowded, less expensive trips to some regions, while some areas of the Amazon could be cut off by rain. Read on for more detail on the weather in Colombia in April.

Colombia in April at a glance

April brings the rains across much of Colombia, but it’s far from a write-off. Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and active wildlife make it a rewarding time to visit—especially if you don’t mind an afternoon downpour.

• Temperatures stay warm and tropical on both coasts, ranging from 79°F to 88°F (26°C to 31°C), with high humidity. In Bogotá and the Andes, it’s cooler at 55°F to 66°F (13°C to 19°C), with crisp mornings and frequent showers.
• It’s a great month for birdwatching, especially in cloud forests and national parks. Just pack waterproof layers and expect some travel delays on rural roads.
• Tourist numbers are low outside Easter week, so you can enjoy better rates and quieter destinations — from Cartagena’s old town to the coffee region’s fincas.

What is the weather like in Colombia in April?

April is part of the rainy season in much of Colombia, which can mean afternoon showers and some disruptions if you’re moving between regions. But with a country this diverse, the weather really depends on where you go. Bogotá tends to be cool and cloudy, Medellín feels like spring with a chance of rain, and the Caribbean coast stays hot and humid. 

The Amazon gets heavy rain, but it’s also incredibly lush right now. You’ll find fewer tourists in April, which means more space at popular sites and better deals on accommodation. Roads can get muddy in rural areas, so check conditions if you’re heading off the beaten path. 

If you're flexible and don’t mind a little rain, April can still be a great time to explore — especially if you’re more interested in culture and food than perfect weather. Just bring layers, good shoes, and a backup plan. This can be a great time to plan your Colombia itinerary.

Average daily temperatures in April

April in Colombia brings warmth, humidity, and the first round of seasonal rain. In Bogotá, up in the mountains, daytime highs reach 65–70°F (18–21°C), while nights cool to 55°F (13°C). Medellín and Cali are warmer, sitting comfortably around 75–85°F (24–29°C). 

Coastal cities like Cartagena can feel hotter, hitting 88–90°F (31–32°C) most days, and staying warm at night with lows around 75–80°F (24–27°C). Expect afternoon showers, especially in the interior and jungle regions. They tend to roll in fast and hard, then disappear. It’s still a great time to explore. 

The country stays green, and beach towns remain lively. The Caribbean Sea sits at a bath-like 82°F (28°C), so swimming is always on the table. Days are long and steady with about 12 hours of daylight. You’ll want an umbrella or light rain jacket in your bag, but Colombia in April is still well worth the trip.

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Is April a good time to visit Colombia?

It’s fair to say that April is an interesting time to visit Colombia. As for whether it’s a good time to visit, it very much depends on which region/s you most want to explore, what you most want to see and do, and your personal weather preferences.

As highlighted above, April sees Colombia shift from the dry season to full-on wet season mode, with extremely high rainfall in the Pacific and Amazon regions. 

While this renders the rainforest all the lusher, heavy downpours might curb some of your plans. For example, the Amazon River rises dramatically in April, meaning some areas become inaccessible, and wildlife spotting isn't at its best.

Meanwhile, on the Caribbean Coast rainfall tends to be limited to shorter bursts in the afternoon or evening. With that in mind, you might want to base yourself in the likes of Cartagena, saving the Amazon region for less rainy months like July, August, or September.

If, on the other hand, you’re hoping to experience Colombian culture, it’s worth knowing that April hosts several unforgettable festivals and events, as highlighted below. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Colombia. 

• Shoulder season means fewer crowds, lower prices, and better availability
• Caribbean coast remains warm and sunny, ideal for beaches
• Prime whale-watching season along the coast
• Start of rainy season with heavy rainfall in Bogotá and Amazon regions
• Fiesta Leyenda Vallenata music festival in late April

What about crowds and costs?

We’ve already touched on the fact that April is part of a low season in Colombia. This runs until June, with a second low season also seen from September to November. 

This means you’ll have a more relaxed experience in the likes of Cartagena — which be pretty darn crowded and oppressive in high season — and on the islands.

As always, with low seasons meaning lower demand, you’ll almost certainly be able to enjoy lower prices for airfares and accommodation.  If you're still deciding, see our guide to the best time to visit Colombia. 

Where to go in Colombia in April

April is part of Colombia’s rainy season, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to visit. Showers tend to be short and predictable, with warm days in between. The landscapes are especially lush, crowds are lighter, and costs are often lower. It’s a great month for nature, festivals, and fewer tourists.

Zona Cafetera (Coffee Region)

April is one of the rainiest months in the coffee region, but it’s also when the countryside looks its best. Rolling hills are bright green, the air smells like wet earth and flowers, and the showers usually pass quickly. You can tour coffee farms, soak in hot springs near Santa Rosa de Cabal, and hike through the wax palms of Cocora Valley. Just bring a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes — you’ll still get plenty of dry hours to explore.

Mompox

This sleepy town on the Magdalena River is peaceful year-round, but April gives it something extra. Semana Santa (Holy Week) brings centuries-old religious processions, candlelit streets, and a haunting kind of beauty to the colonial center. Even if you miss the vacation, the atmosphere lingers through the month. It’s hot and humid, but the mix of history, music, and slow river life makes Mompox feel timeless.

Leticia and the Amazon

April is high water season in the Amazon, which means more of the rainforest is accessible by canoe. You can glide through flooded forests, spot pink river dolphins, and visit indigenous communities that are easier to reach by boat. The rain can come hard and fast, but the wildlife is active and the whole ecosystem feels alive. Leticia makes a good base, and guided excursions go deeper into the jungle.

What to do in Colombia in April

With the rains come green hills, full rivers, and fewer travelers. April is a time to lean into nature, cultural events, and local rhythms. It’s not the driest month, but it’s often more interesting—especially if you like your travel with a side of spontaneity.

Explore Colombia’s festivals

April can be a surprisingly good time for local festivals. Semana Santa takes place in towns across the country, with elaborate parades, live music, and temporary street food stalls. Popayán and Mompox are especially known for their processions. Even smaller towns get involved. It’s a unique way to see Colombia’s cultural traditions up close.

Go birdwatching

Rainy season means more food for birds, which means more birds to see. Colombia has the highest number of bird species in the world, and April is a prime month for spotting them in cloud forests and wetland reserves. Try Valle del Cauca, the Sierra Nevada foothills, or even day trips from Bogotá. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it — just bring binoculars and let a guide point things out.

Take a food tour in Medellín

April’s unpredictable weather makes it a great month for food-focused travel, and Medellín is one of the best cities for it. You can hop between neighborhood markets, snack on empanadas and fresh fruit, and learn how local ingredients shift with the seasons. The city stays warm even when it rains, and there are plenty of covered areas if you get caught in a downpour.

Plan your trip with our Colombia itineraries

Our Colombia itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Colombia itinerary 10 days: Ten days in Colombia gives you a taste of the essentials: Bogotá’s museums, Medellín’s vibrant neighborhoods, and the colorful streets of Cartagena.

Looking for more options for your vacation in April? Find the perfect vacation destination with our top suggestions.

Visit Colombia in other months

To be better informed before reservation your trip, find out what to expect of the weather in Colombia around the year.

• January: this peak season month is packed with festivals, with low rainfall in most regions. It's mild in the Andes, and hot on the Caribbean coast.
• February: the weather is similar to January, with minimal rainfall (especially in coastal and Andean regions) and slightly fewer visitors than January.
• March: with moderate visitor numbers, this transitional month remains dry in the north as it becomes wetter in the south.
• May: wet season weather ramps up in most regions, with high rainfall in the Andean and Amazon regions, and small visitor numbers. 
• June: while the drier season starts in the Andes, the Amazon remains rainy. Visitor numbers increase as school vacations begin.
• July: it’s dry season in the Andes and Caribbean, while Amazon is still wet, and visitor numbers are high due to summer vacationers. 
• August: similar to July, it’s dry in the north, wet in the south, and summer peak season continues.
• September: as the second rainy season starts in the Andes, visitor numbers decline.
• October: wet in most of the Andean region, October sees fewer tourists due to rain, though it’s drier on the Caribbean coast.
• November: this month sees the approach of the end of the rainy season in many regions, and visitor numbers increase through the month.
• December: as the dry season kicks in across most of the country, expect sun and high visitor numbers in this peak season month.