Weather in Colombia in February

 The weather in Colombia in February is dry and warm in most regions, with plenty of sunshine along the coast and in the Andes. Beach towns like Cartagena stay hot, while cities like Medellín feel more springlike. It’s a great time to explore the country without heavy rain. Barranquilla Carnival kicks off mid-month, so if you’re heading that way, book early.

Colombia in February at a glance

February falls during the dry season in Colombia, which makes it a good time to explore cities, visit the coffee region, or relax on the Caribbean coast. You'll find mostly sunny days across the country.

• Average temperatures are around 45 to 68°F (7 to 20°C) in Bogotá, 75 to 88°F (24 to 31°C) in Cartagena, and 63 to 82°F (17 to 28°C) in Medellín. Rain is minimal in most areas.
• Excellent time to visit with dry weather ideal for hiking, beach time, and outdoor activities across all regions
• It's a popular travel time, so expect more visitors and higher prices, especially during events like Carnaval de Barranquilla. If you're traveling this month, it's worth reservation hotels and tours ahead.

Ready to see Colombia? Have our local Colombia travel experts create the perfect customized itinerary.

What is the weather like in Colombia in February?

February is part of Colombia’s dry season, which runs from December through March. That means warm days and not much rain across most of the country. In coastal areas like Cartagena, daytime temperatures usually reach around 82 to 88°F (28 to 31°C), often with light sea breezes. In Bogotá, which sits at high altitude, things stay cooler, with daytime highs around 68°F (20°C).

The dry weather makes it easier to plan hikes, beach days, or visits to archaeological sites without having to work around sudden rain. You’ll still want sun protection and to stay hydrated, especially if you’re traveling between different elevations or spending long days outside.

Rainfall is generally low this time of year. Most popular destinations see between 1.1 to 2 inches (30 to 50 millimeters) of rain during the month, and the Caribbean coast tends to get even less, often under 0.8 inches (20 millimeters).

Because it’s high season, expect more travelers and higher prices in major destinations. That said, it’s a good time to move around the country with fewer weather-related delays and more stable conditions overall. This can be a great time to plan your Colombia itinerary.
 

Average daily temperatures in February

Wondering what the weather in Colombia in February is like? It’s generally warm and dry across most of the country, though temperatures vary quite a bit depending on the altitude.

In Bogotá, which sits at 8,660 feet (2,640 meters), you’ll get spring-like days with highs around 67°F (19°C) and cooler nights that dip to about 44°F (7°C). Over on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena stays hot and humid, with daytime highs near 88°F (31°C) and warm nights around 76°F (24°C). Medellín, known for its consistent climate, usually sees highs around 82°F (28°C) and lows near 61°F (16°C). See our guide to how many days do you need in Medellin.

February is part of the dry season, so you’ll likely have clear skies and very little rain. Compared to wetter months, it's noticeably drier and a bit warmer. In higher elevations, mornings can feel crisp but tend to warm up by midday. Down by the coast, it's hot throughout the day.

The Caribbean Sea stays warm too, around 81°F (27°C), so it’s a good time for swimming or other water activities around places like Santa Marta or San Andrés. The Pacific coast is similar in temperature, though the water can be rougher.

Because Colombia is near the equator, daylight is steady year-round. Expect about 12 hours of daylight each day, with sunrise around 6:00 AM and sunset close to 6:00 PM.
 

Is March a good time to visit Colombia?

March is a great month to travel in Colombia. Most regions are still in the dry season, which means sunny weather and good road conditions. You’ll be able to enjoy beaches on the Caribbean coast, explore highland towns, or dive into the coffee region without battling heavy rains. Tourist numbers drop a bit after the vacation rush in January, so it's easier to find deals on hotels and flights. It’s also the start of the whale watching season on the Pacific coast, which runs for several months. And in the Coffee Triangle, farms are still in harvest mode, so it’s a good time for tasting tours.  For many people, this is still one of the best times to visit Colombia.

• Dry weather in most regions
• Fewer tourists and better prices
• Ideal for both cities and beaches
• Whale season starts on the Pacific
• Coffee harvest continues

What about crowds and costs?

The first thing to note about crowds and costs in Colombia in February is that it sits within a high season that runs from December, with another high season running from June to August.

The December-February peak period coincides with dry weather in most parts of the country and local vacations. For example, you can expect a high volume of local and international visitors in the February carnival season.

With increased visitor numbers comes increased demand for flights and accommodation, which in turn means higher prices. As a result, it’s wise to book accommodation and activities in advance. You'll especially want to book in advance if you're headed to Colombia with kids.

Traveling on a budget? You could consider visiting in one of the country’s low seasons, which run from April to June and September to November. Just be aware these are also Colombia’s wettest months.

Where to go in Colombia in February

February falls right in the middle of Colombia’s dry season, which makes it a good time to explore different parts of the country without having to plan around rain. Here are some of the best places to visit in Colombia.

Cartagena

February in Cartagena usually means sunny days, warm temperatures, and sea breezes that help cut the humidity. It’s a good time to walk through the old city’s streets, especially in the mornings and evenings. The historic center stays lively with performers, vendors, and music in the plazas. Nearby beaches like Playa Blanca or the Rosario Islands are close enough for day trips, with clear water that’s great for swimming or snorkeling. There are some of the best beaches in Colombia.At night, you can walk along the old city walls or find an outdoor table for fresh seafood and cold drinks.

Medellín

The weather in Medellín holds steady in February, with warm afternoons and cooler nights. It’s easy to get around using the city’s metro and cable cars, which also give you a great view over the valley. If you’re interested in street art or local history, head to Comuna 13 for a guided walk through the murals and staircases with someone who lives there. The city’s parks and public spaces tend to stay busy, especially on weekends, with music, dancing, or food stalls. If you want to get out of the city, you’re close to small towns like Guatapé or Santa Fe de Antioquia, which are easy day trips.

Coffee Triangle

February is a dry and active time in Colombia’s main coffee-growing region. Many farms are in the middle of the harvest, so you can visit and see how the coffee is picked, processed, and roasted. Some even let you try roasting small batches yourself. Towns like Salento and Filandia are good bases for exploring the area, with colorful buildings, central plazas, and local cafés. Just outside of Salento, the Cocora Valley is known for its tall wax palm trees and winding trails through cloud forest.   For more advice, see our Colombia travel tips.
 

What to do in Colombia in February

February’s dry weather makes it easier to plan a wide range of activities, from coastal downtime to inland treks. It’s a good time to explore different landscapes across the country. Here are some of the best things to do in Colombia.

Go whale watching

February is prime time for seeing humpback whales along Colombia’s Pacific coast. These whales migrate from Antarctica to give birth in the warmer waters near towns like Nuquí and Bahía Solano. Boat trips usually run daily and bring you close enough to watch whales breaching and surfacing nearby. You’ll likely also see dolphins and sea turtles, and the surrounding jungle coastline is home to tropical birds and other wildlife.

In these remote towns, many tours are run by local Afro-Colombian communities, who also prepare traditional seafood dishes and play coastal music during the evenings. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Colombia.

Carnaval de Barranquilla

The UNESCO-recognized Carnaval de Barranquilla is traditionally held four days before Ash Wednesday, which means the exact dates vary each year, usually falling in late February or early March.

One of Colombia's biggest and most colorful events, it’s held in the city of Barranquilla and kicks off with “Battle of the Flowers” (Batalla de Flores)—a large parade led by the Carnaval Queen.

After the Gran Parada (Great Parade) showcases traditional dances and Monday’s Orchestra Festival, the carnival concludes with the symbolic Burial of Joselito Carnaval.

Trek to Ciudad Perdida

If you’re interested in multi-day hikes, February is one of the better times to take on the Ciudad Perdida trek. The route takes you deep into the jungle and involves several river crossings, steep climbs, and long days of walking. The dry season makes the rivers easier to cross and the paths less muddy, though the trek is still tough with high humidity and uneven terrain.

Planning your trip to Colombia in February

Our Colombia itineraries are built to help you cover ground without feeling rushed. They give you a clear route through the country while leaving room to slow down, add side trips, or stay longer in places you enjoy. Colombia rewards a bit of planning, especially with internal flights, but flexibility is easy once you’re there.

• 10 days in Colombia itinerary: Ten days is enough for a strong introduction. Most trips focus on Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, with time for historic centers, food scenes, and a taste of Caribbean culture. It’s fast-paced but gives you a good sense of the country’s diversity.
• 2 weeks in Colombia itinerary: Two weeks lets you expand beyond the main cities. Add the Coffee Region, Tayrona National Park, or Salento for nature and small-town stops. This version balances cities with landscapes and gives you more downtime between travel days.
• 3 weeks in Colombia itinerary: Three weeks allows for a deeper, slower journey. Along with the highlights, you can include places like the Pacific coast, the Amazon, or extended time in the Andes. It’s ideal if you want to explore different regions without constantly moving on.