Weather in Colombia in December

The weather in Colombia in December marks the start of the dry season in many regions. Expect sunny days, blue skies, and warm temperatures in most of the country.

But don’t pack just shorts and sunscreen; this is Colombia, where the climate flips fast. The Pacific Coast and Amazon still see plenty of rain, while the Andes stay cool and spring-like, with crisp mornings and the odd afternoon downpour. December also means peak season. Towns light up with fireworks, festivals take over city plazas, and beaches start to fill up.

Here’s what to expect, and where to go, if you’re heading to Colombia in December.

Colombia in December at a glance

Colombia in December comes alive with fireworks, festivals, and candlelit celebrations. Beaches start filling up, mountain towns turn festive, and warm weather makes it easy to explore.

• Cartagena and the Caribbean coast average 77°F to 88°F (25°C to 31°C). Bogotá stays cool at 46°F to 66°F (8°C to 19°C), while Medellín is mild at 63°F to 81°F (17°C to 27°C). The Amazon and Pacific Coast remain hot, humid, and rainy.
• Top December activities include soaking up the sun on the coast, joining Día de las Velitas (December 7-8), and exploring colonial towns lit up for the vacations. Expect fireworks, live music, and street parties.
• Early December is quiet and affordable. After mid-month, domestic travel spikes, prices rise, and hotels fill up fast, especially over Christmas and New Year.

What is the weather like in Colombia in December?

The weather in Colombia in December depends entirely on where you go. Altitude and region make all the difference. 

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you when planning a trip to Colombia.

Andean region

Expect mild days and cooler nights. Bogotá sits at a high altitude, so December temperatures hover around 57°F (14°C). It’s drier than usual, but still chilly. Medellín is warmer and more consistent; they don’t call it the City of Eternal Spring for nothing.

Caribbean coast

December is hot, dry, and busy. Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta hit 86°F (30°C) most days, with sunny skies and warm evenings. This is peak season: the beaches, colonial streets, and coastal resorts fill up fast.

Pacific coast

Still wet. Rain is constant and the air stays humid, with average temperatures around 81°F (27°C). But if you don’t mind showers, you’ll find fewer crowds and raw, wild scenery, great for adding something different to your Colombia itinerary.

Amazon region

Leticia, the main hub, is warm and rainy in December. Temperatures average 81°F (27°C), and the rainforest is in full swing: lush, loud, and perfect for river safaris. Pack for rain, but expect wildlife.

Insular region

San Andrés and Providencia serve up blue skies and bath-warm seas. It’s prime time for diving and snorkeling, which is why December is one of the best times to visit Colombia’s islands. Expect sun, crowds, and high demand for hotels.

Temperatures in Colombia in December

Colombia’s December temperatures vary by region, one reason it’s a year-round destination. But with drier weather in many areas, this is often the best time to visit Colombia.

• Andean region: Bogotá stays cool, with highs around 66°F (19°C) and lows near 43°F (6°C). Medellín is milder, ranging from 82°F (28°C) to 61°F (16°C).
• Caribbean coast: Hot and dry, with highs of 88°F (31°C) and lows around 75°F (24°C).
• Pacific coast: Warm and humid, expect 86°F (30°C) highs and 73°F (23°C) lows.
• Amazon region: Temperatures range from 88°F (31°C) to 73°F (23°C), with high humidity and frequent rain.
• Insular region: San Andrés and Providencia stay tropical, with highs of 86°F (30°C) and lows of 77°F (25°C).

Is December a good time to visit Colombia?

December is a fantastic month to experience Colombia at its most vibrant. Dry weather kicks in across many regions, cities feel festive, and coastal areas deliver exactly the kind of heat and sun that northern travelers crave during winter.

If you’re heading to the Caribbean coast, places like Cartagena, Barranquilla, or Santa Marta, you’ll find long, hot days with barely a cloud in sight. Over on the islands, conditions are just as good, with warm water and top-notch diving. Inland, cities like Medellín and Cali offer comfortable days and cooler evenings, great for sightseeing or hiking.

The atmosphere in December is unmatched. From candlelit streets during Día de las Velitas (December 7-8) to booming fireworks on Christmas Eve, the energy is contagious. And while the second half of the month gets crowded and pricey, early December is still relatively calm, a sweet spot for those who like space without sacrificing good weather.

Why December is a good time to visit:

• Great mix of climates: beach weather on the coast, cooler air in the highlands.
• Vacation energy: from small-town celebrations to massive firework displays.
• Early December means fewer tourists and lower prices before the vacation rush.
• Excellent conditions for outdoor activities, from snorkeling to hiking.
• Seasonal foods, music, and traditions give you a front-argument seat to Colombian culture.

What about crowds and costs?

With the weather in Colombia in December drawing travelers from all over, this is peak season, and that means higher prices and bigger crowds. Flights, hotels, and tours fill up fast, especially in popular coastal spots.

If you're aiming for the best beaches in Colombia, like those on San Andrés, Providencia, or Cartagena’s coastline, book early. These destinations sell out quickly in December, and last-minute deals are rare.

For fewer crowds and better prices, think about arriving in late November, when conditions are still dry in many regions. Or head to the Pacific Coast, it's wetter, yes, but also quieter and far less touristy.

Where to go in Colombia in December

December is one of the best months to explore Colombia, with dry skies, warm beaches, and buzzing cities all coming together this time of year. 

From coastal getaways to mountain escapes, it’s the perfect time to experience some of the best places to visit in Colombia, whether you're after culture, adventure, or pure relaxation.

Cartagena and the Caribbean Coast

Hot, dry, and full of life. Cartagena’s colonial streets shine in the December sun, and the energy builds as Christmas and New Year’s approach.

Beach days are a must: Playa Blanca and Palomino stay busy, while the Rosario Islands or Tayrona’s coves offer more relaxed alternatives if you’re after fewer crowds.

Medellín

This city knows how to do December. The weather stays mild, the rain eases off, and the annual Alumbrados festival lights up the entire valley with massive vacation displays.

Wander local markets, take in the views from cable cars, and explore nearby towns like Guatapé for a colorful day trip.

Villa de Leyva

If you’re after crisp air and cobblestone charm, head to this colonial gem in the Andes. December evenings are cool, the skies are clear, and the town glows with vacation lights.

Time your visit with the early December Festival of Lights for something special, locals light candles and lanterns across the plaza.

San Andrés and Providencia

Expect turquoise water, coral reefs, and reggae beats. These Caribbean islands are laid-back but popular in December, so book ahead.

Diving and snorkeling are top draws, but beach-lazing is just as rewarding. It’s a full tropical escape, without leaving the country.

Coffee Region

Cool mornings, green hills, and fewer tourists than the coast. Towns like Salento and Filandia offer access to hiking trails, coffee farms, and the wax palm forests of Valle de Cocora. It’s a slower, more scenic side of Colombia, perfect if you want to dodge the beach crowds.

What to do in Colombia in December

No matter if you’re into beach escapes, mountain towns, or lively festivals, December in Colombia is packed with energy and variety. It’s one of the most festive months of the year, with dry weather in many regions and plenty to do from coast to Andes. 

Here are some of the best things to do in Colombia in December.

Join Día de las Velitas

Celebrated on the night of December 7, Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles) marks the unofficial start of the vacation season. Streets, balconies, and parks across the country light up with candles and lanterns. Medellín and Villa de Leyva go especially big, turning entire neighborhoods into glowing displays.

Hit the beach before peak crowds

Early December is your window for sun, sand, and space, especially on the Caribbean coast. Head to Cartagena, Santa Marta, or the islands before local vacation crowds arrive in the second half of the month. It’s prime weather for swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips.

Looking for quieter options? Try beaches near Palomino or the southern coast of San Andrés.

Explore Christmas lights in Medellín

Medellín’s Alumbrados Navideños are a serious affair. Each year, the city unveils massive light installations that stretch along the Medellín River and throughout major parks and plazas. The displays change yearly, but expect vivid colors, giant figures, and themed zones.

Hike in the Coffee Region

With cooler air and clear skies, December is a great time to explore the hills around Salento and Filandia. Hike through the wax palm-filled Valle de Cocora or take a horseback ride to waterfalls and viewpoints. Dry trails and green views make this one of the most scenic spots for a pre-vacation escape.

Planning your trip to Colombia in December

December is one of the most dynamic times to experience Colombia. Many regions get dry, sunny weather, the cities go all-out with lights and festivities, and the coast offers a solid escape from northern winters. 

Early December is quieter and easier on the wallet. By mid-month, things shift into full-on vacation mode; expect bigger crowds and higher prices.

What to pack

Colombia doesn’t have traditional seasons, so packing depends more on altitude than time of year. Here’s how to cover your bases:

• For the Andes (Bogotá, Medellín, Salento): Bring layers. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially in Bogotá, but days are usually mild. A light jacket, sweater, and decent walking shoes will do the trick.
• For the Caribbean coast and islands: It’s hot and humid, think shorts, swimwear, and plenty of sunscreen. A hat and loose, breathable clothing will keep you comfortable.
• For the Amazon or Pacific coast: Pack for rain. Quick-dry clothes, a light rain jacket, and waterproof shoes are essential. Don’t forget insect repellent.
• Festivals and nightlife: Colombians dress well when they go out, so throw in something smarter for evenings, even if you’re just hitting a local bar or plaza party.

Tip: A small flashlight or headlamp can come in handy during evening power outages in rural areas, which still happen now and then.

Planning your Colombia itinerary

Colombia’s geography makes for natural contrasts: you can be sipping cocktails on a Caribbean beach one day and hiking misty mountains the next. December is a good time to mix it up.

• 10 days in Colombia: Start in Bogotá for museums and markets, then travel north to Villa de Leyva for a quieter vibe. Fly to Santa Marta to hike Tayrona or relax by the sea. Wrap up in Medellín or Salento.
• 2 weeks in Colombia: Combine city, coast, and jungle. Bogotá > Villa de Leyva > Medellín > Coffee Region > Cartagena > Leticia (Amazon). You’ll see Colombia’s full range of landscapes and cultures in two weeks.
• 3 weeks in Colombia: Go deeper and take your time. Start in Bogotá, then head to Villa de Leyva and Barichara for colonial towns and epic landscapes. Continue north to Santa Marta for Tayrona and Palomino. From there, hop to Cartagena and the Rosario Islands. Fly south to Medellín for Christmas lights and day trips to Guatapé, then wind down in the Coffee Region or finish strong in the Amazon.

Early December is ideal for smoother travel. Once mid-month hits, book everything in advance, especially transport and accommodation. Buses fill fast, and domestic flights get pricey close to Christmas and New Year.

When to book

Early December still counts as shoulder season in many parts of Colombia: quieter cities, more availability, and better prices. But things shift fast. From mid-December, domestic travel ramps up, and by the time Christmas hits, flights, buses, and hotels are often packed.

If you’re traveling between December 20 and January 5, book transport and accommodation at least a month in advance. This is prime vacation time for Colombians and international visitors, especially on the Caribbean coast, in Medellín, and on the islands.

Expect inflated prices around Christmas and New Year’s, especially in places like Cartagena, Santa Marta, and San Andrés. For popular boutique hotels and beach stays, reservation two months ahead isn’t overkill.

Emergency weather information

The weather in Colombia in December is mostly dry and sunny in many regions, but not everywhere. The Amazon and Pacific coasts remain hot, humid, and rainy. Heavy showers can disrupt river transport, close rural roads, and delay regional flights.

If you’re heading into remote areas, the Amazon, Pacific coast, or mountainous zones in southern Colombia, keep your itinerary flexible. Flights from places like Leticia or Bahía Solano are often weather-dependent.

For bus travel, landslides and road closures are rare in December but not impossible in wetter regions. Always check with your accommodation or transport provider before setting off.