You've probably seen the postcards. Those vibrant, sun-drenched streets of the Walled City where the bougainvillea looks like it’s been photoshopped. But if you’re actually planning a trip, looking up weather Cartagena Cartagena province Bolivar Colombia can feel a bit like reading a riddle.
Is it always hot? Basically, yeah.
But "hot" in January feels worlds apart from "hot" in October. Honestly, the humidity here is the real boss of the city. It dictates everything from when you should take a nap to why your hair will suddenly double in volume the second you step off the plane at Rafael Núñez International Airport.
The Two-Season Reality
Forget spring, summer, fall, and winter. Cartagena doesn't do those. Down here in the Bolivar department, the climate is technically "tropical wet and dry," but locals just call it Verano (Summer) and Invierno (Winter).
Verano is the dry season. It runs from roughly December to April. This is when the "Brisa" hits. These are the trade winds that blow in from the northeast, and they are a godsend. Without that breeze, the 88°F (31°C) heat would feel like sitting inside a toaster.
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Then you’ve got Invierno, the rainy season, from May to November. But don’t picture London drizzle. It’s more like a dramatic operatic performance. The sky turns a bruised purple, the clouds dump a lake's worth of water in forty minutes, and then the sun comes back out to steam everything dry.
Why October is the Wildcard
If you’re looking at a calendar and see October, be careful. Historically, October is the rainiest month in Cartagena province. We're talking an average of nearly 8 inches of rain.
There's a specific quirk about Cartagena’s infrastructure you should know. Because the city is old—like, 16th-century old—and sits right at sea level, heavy rains can cause flash flooding in certain neighborhoods like El Líbano or even parts of the Old Town. One hour of rain and suddenly the street is a canal.
The Humidity Factor: It’s Not the Heat
You'll see the thermostat hit 90°F (32°C) and think, "I can handle that."
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You might be wrong.
The relative humidity in Bolivar stays around 80% to 84% year-round. In the rainy season, it can spike to nearly 100%. When the air is that saturated, your sweat doesn't evaporate. You just stay damp. It’s a sticky, heavy heat that makes a 15-minute walk feel like a workout.
If you’re visiting between June and September, you’ve got to pace yourself. Local life reflects this. You’ll notice the streets go quiet around 1:00 PM. Everyone is hiding in the AC or under a fan. They aren't being lazy; they're surviving.
The Winds of March
March is often the windiest month. While this keeps you cool, it actually makes the sea quite choppy. If you’re planning to take a boat out to the Rosario Islands, March can be a bumpy ride.
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Interestingly, the "rainy" season is often better for snorkeling. Why? Because the winds die down, the waves flatten out, and the underwater visibility improves. It’s one of those weird trade-offs where "bad" weather for the city is "good" weather for the reefs.
Practical Survival Tips for Bolivar’s Climate
- Cotton is King: Seriously, leave the polyester at home. You want linen or light cotton.
- Hydrate Beyond Water: The heat in the Caribbean drains electrolytes fast. Grab a limonada de coco or a fresh coconut from a street vendor.
- The Afternoon Strategy: Plan your outdoor sightseeing (like the Castillo San Felipe) for 8:00 AM or after 4:30 PM. Doing the fortress at noon is a recipe for heatstroke.
- Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: Cartagena is close to the equator. The sun here is "spicy," as my local friends say. You will burn in 20 minutes if you aren't careful.
Is There a "Best" Time to Visit?
Most experts and long-term expats point to February and March as the sweet spot. The trade winds are still blowing, the rain is almost non-existent, and the holiday crowds from December have thinned out.
However, don't sleep on late November. The Independence Day celebrations (November 11th) bring an electric energy to the city. Yes, it might rain, but the parties are so loud you won't even notice the thunder.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're booking right now, check the moon phases if you're worried about flooding. High tides combined with the rainy season (September–November) can make some coastal roads in Bocagrande tricky to navigate.
Always pack a small, sturdy umbrella—not just for the rain, but for portable shade. It’s a total game-changer when you’re waiting for a taxi in the midday sun. Finally, make sure your hotel has "Aire Acondicionado." In Cartagena, a ceiling fan is a suggestion; AC is a necessity.