Most people pack for Cartagena's heat and forget the humidity and the rain. Highs barely move from 30°C (86°F) to 33°C (91°F) all year, but from May to November it rains on 19 to 25 days a month, often in short, heavy afternoon bursts. Pack light, quick-dry clothes and protect your phone.
Cartagena weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 33°C91°F | 33°C91°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 32°C90°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 30°C86°F | 30°C86°F | 31°C88°F |
| Low | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 26°C79°F | 25°C77°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F |
| Rain days | 4 | 5 | 6 | 15 | 21 | 24 | 19 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 21 | 12 |
Season by season
Dry season
December–MarchThe best stretch for beaches and the Rosario Islands. Highs run 31°C (88°F) to 33°C (91°F), January has just 4 rain days, and a steady breeze takes the edge off in the afternoon. December is the changeover, with 12 rain days.
Shoulder season
AprilApril is the turn. It ties with March as the hottest month at 33°C (91°F), and rain days jump to 15. Expect heavy afternoon showers and pack a light rain layer.
Wet season
May–AugustHot and wet. Highs sit at 31°C (88°F) to 32°C (90°F) and rain falls on 19 to 24 days a month, with June the wettest of the four at 24. Mornings are often clearer, so do the walled city and boat trips early and keep afternoons flexible.
Rainy season
September–NovemberThe wettest stretch of the year, with 25 rain days in both September and October and 21 in November. Highs stay at 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (88°F), so it's warm rain, not cold. Streets in Getsemaní and Bocagrande can flood briefly after a downpour.
What to bring to Cartagena
0 of 23 packed- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Mosquitoes come out on the islands and in the evenings, and a 20% picaridin lotion rated for up to 12 hours covers most of a day of boats and beaches.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
Afternoons in the walled city sit at 31°C (88°F) to 33°C (91°F) with heavy humidity, and a handheld fan is the cheapest relief you can carry.
- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
The speedboats out to the Rosario Islands bounce hard on open water, so chew one 30 to 60 minutes before you board.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
It seals a wet swimsuit away from dry clothes on the boat back from the islands, and the waterproof zipper keeps your phone safe from spray.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
A slip-on foam clog is the easy answer for wet boat decks, beach days and the walk home after a sudden downpour.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
At 31°C (88°F) to 33°C (91°F) every day you'll drink more than you think, and this one keeps water cold for 24 hours.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
With 25 rain days in September and October, a day bag with sealed zippers keeps your phone and passport dry when the afternoon storm hits.
Clothing
- Linen or cotton shirts and dresses · 5Highs sit between 30°C and 33°C all year
- Quick-dry shorts · 3Clothes dry slowly in the humidity
- Smarter outfit for dinner · 1People dress sharper at night inside the walls
- Swimwear · 2Beaches and the Rosario Islands
- Light rain layerMay–Nov brings 19 to 25 rain days a month
- Wide-brim sun hatFor the midday sun
Footwear
- Sandals with proper straps · 1 pairUneven cobbles across the walled city
- Breathable sneakers · 1 pairWalking from the Clock Tower to Getsemaní
Gear
- Sunglasses
- Compact umbrellaShort, heavy afternoon bursts, Sep–Oct wettest
Health and toiletries
- High-SPF sunscreenHot all year, January has just 4 rain days
- After-sun lotion
- Anti-chafe balmHeat and humidity on long walks
Documents and money
- Passport
- Small cash for boats and vendors
Tech
- Plug adapter for non-US visitorsType A and B at 110V; US plugs fit
What shoes should you pack for Cartagena?
Sandals with proper straps and a pair of breathable sneakers. The walled city is cobbled and uneven, and you'll walk it end to end, from the Clock Tower to Getsemaní. For boat trips to the islands, wear something you don't mind getting soaked.
What do people wear in Cartagena?
Light and loose. Linen shirts, cotton dresses and shorts are normal in the Old City by day, and people dress a bit sharper at night, especially for dinner inside the walls. Pack one smarter outfit and a hat for the midday sun.
What plugs does Cartagena use?
Colombia uses type A and B plugs at 110V, the same as the US and Canada, so US travelers don't need an adapter. Travelers from the UK, Europe or Australia do, and should check that chargers are dual voltage.
Tours and things to do in Cartagena
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Cartagena.
What should you leave at home for Cartagena?
Leave the jeans and anything heavy. At 32°C (90°F) with this humidity, they'll never dry. A thick hoodie and heavy hiking boots are dead weight too, and so is suede in the rainy months.
Packing for Cartagena: questions people ask
When is the rainy season in Cartagena?
Roughly May to November, with 19 to 25 rain days a month. September and October are the wettest at 25 each.
What should I wear in Cartagena?
Light, breathable clothes in linen and cotton, a hat and sunscreen. Highs sit between 30°C (86°F) and 33°C (91°F) all year.
Do I need a jacket in Cartagena?
Not a warm one. Lows never drop below 24°C (75°F), so at most bring a light rain layer for the wet months.
Is Cartagena humid?
Very. It's hot all year and wet for most of it, so clothes dry slowly and quick-dry fabrics make life easier.
Do I need a plug adapter in Cartagena?
Not from the US or Canada. Colombia uses type A and B plugs at 110V, so UK, EU and Australian travelers need one.
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