Colombia Weather & Climate: Monthly Averages

Colombia has a wide range of climate types. However, most parts of Colombia are affected by a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high temperatures throughout the year and fairly high amounts of rainfall, especially along the western coastal areas.

Regional Climate Differences

On the high plains to the east of the mountains, there is quite a bit of rain. As you move further east, precipitation decreases significantly. The far northeast of Colombia is the driest region, where a combination of a warm desert climate and a warm steppe climate is found.

Elevation and Temperature Variations

Large elevation differences in Colombia cause temperatures to drop with altitude. The low-lying areas have an average annual temperature of 24°C (75°F) inland and along the western coastal areas, rising to around 28°C (82°F) along the coast in the north and northeast. Areas between 1000 and 2000 meters (3280 - 6561 ft) have an average annual temperature of 16°C (61°F) to 19°C (66°F). The peaks above 4000 meters (13,123 ft) are freezing, with eternal snow in many places.

Seasons and Rainfall Patterns

Seasons in Colombia are mostly determined by rainfall patterns. The north has a rainy season from May to November and is relatively dry in the other months. The west coast along the Pacific Ocean experiences rainfall throughout the year, with no distinct dry season. In the Amazon region in southern Colombia, the seasons are reversed—June to September is slightly drier than the rest of the year, but even the so-called "dry" months receive significant rainfall.

Best Time to Visit Colombia

Given the diversity in rainfall patterns, it is difficult to define a single best travel period. However, looking at different climate charts, the period from December to March emerges as the best time to visit. For large parts of Colombia, this is considered the driest period.