Colombia Cartagena Weather in January — Climate Guide
January in Cartagena is very-high
Cartagena Weather in January — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 31° / 24°
- Rainfall
- 2mm · 1 days
- Crowds
- Very busy
As of 2026, Cartagena in January averages a high of 31°C and low of 24°C with 2mm of rain over about 1 days. Hot, dry, and breezy — averages 31°C/24°C (88°F/75°F) with strong trade winds. Light, loose, breathable clothing only; sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+, and a refillable water bottle. Swimwear for the beaches; a light layer for indoor air conditioning.
January is very-high for Cartagena.
January is the heart of Cartagena's dry season — hot at around 31°C/24°C (88°F/75°F) but breezy, with almost no rain and reliable sunshine. The trade winds take the edge off the humidity and keep the seas calm for island days.
It's also the busiest and priciest month, with the Hay Festival (a major international literature-and-arts event) and the Cartagena International Music Festival drawing crowds in late January. The city is at its liveliest.
Travel score
Cartagena January Weather Stats
Avg High
31°C
Avg Low
24°C
Rainy Days
1
2mm total
Sunshine
9h
Daily avg
Humidity
78%
humid
UV Index
11
Extreme
Wind
22 km/h
Gusts 38
Sea Temp
27°C
Avg water temp
Crowds
Very busy
At attractions
January Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
16 μg/m³
PM10
30 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
36°C
Nighttime
26°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
22 km/h
Max gust 38 km/h
Activities Recommended for January
January Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reliable sun and almost no rain
- Breezy trade winds ease the humidity
- Calm seas — best for the islands
- Festival season (Hay, Music Festival)
Cons
- Busiest, priciest month of the year
- Hotels and tours sell out — book ahead
- Strong midday sun and heat
- Crowded Old City and beaches
January Events & Festivals
- Peak dry season — sunny, breezy, calm seas
- Hay Festival Cartagena (late January) — international literature & arts
- Cartagena International Music Festival (January)
- High season — busiest and priciest of the year
Cartagena in January — Full Picture
January is the heart of Cartagena's dry season — hot at around 31°C/24°C (88°F/75°F) but breezy, with almost no rain and reliable sunshine. The trade winds take the edge off the humidity and keep the seas calm for island days.
It's also the busiest and priciest month, with the Hay Festival (a major international literature-and-arts event) and the Cartagena International Music Festival drawing crowds in late January. The city is at its liveliest.
This is prime time for the Rosario Islands and beaches — clear water, calm seas, and dependable sun — and for walking the Old City, though midday heat still demands shade and water.
Note: book hotels and tours well ahead, as this peak window sells out and prices climb. The heat is constant year-round, so plan exposed sights for early morning or late afternoon and keep hydrating.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Hot, dry, and breezy — averages 31°C/24°C (88°F/75°F) with strong trade winds. Light, loose, breathable clothing only; sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+, and a refillable water bottle. Swimwear for the beaches; a light layer for indoor air conditioning.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
31.7°C
24.7°C
4.7/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
32°C
25°C
8.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
31°C
25°C
12.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current31°C
24°C
1.3/mo
Cartagena Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Best) | 31° | 24° | 1d·2mm | 9h | 78% | 11 | Very busy | Peak |
| February (Best) | 31° | 24° | 0d·1mm | 9h | 77% | 11 | Busy | Peak |
| March (Best) | 31° | 24° | 1d·3mm | 9h | 77% | 12 | Busy | Peak |
| April (Best) | 32° | 25° | 4d·25mm | 8h | 78% | 12 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| 32° | 25° | 9d·95mm | 7h | 80% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 25° | 8d·80mm | 7h | 79% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 25° | 7d·65mm | 8h | 78% | 11 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 25° | 10d·110mm | 7h | 80% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 25° | 12d·130mm | 6h | 81% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 25° | 13d·140mm | 6h | 82% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 25° | 12d·130mm | 6h | 81% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| December (Best) | 31° | 24° | 3d·15mm | 8h | 79% | 11 | Very busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Cartagena January Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is January a good time to visit Cartagena?
Cartagena in January is very-high. Tourist crowds are very busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Cartagena in January?
Cartagena January averages a high of 31°C and a low of 24°C.
Does it rain much in Cartagena in January?
Cartagena January averages 2mm of rainfall over about 1 rainy days.
What should I wear in Cartagena in January?
Hot, dry, and breezy — averages 31°C/24°C (88°F/75°F) with strong trade winds. Light, loose, breathable clothing only; sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+, and a refillable water bottle. Swimwear for the beaches; a light layer for indoor air conditioning.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Cartagena in January?
Cartagena January sunrise is 06:15 and sunset is 18:00, with 11h 45min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Cartagena in January?
Cartagena January air quality (AQI) averages 42, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 16μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Cartagena in January?
In January, Cartagena is great for Rosario Islands snorkeling, Old City walls at sunset, Hay Festival events.
Is January peak season in Cartagena?
Cartagena January crowds are very busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Cartagena
View Other Months
Planning a January trip to Cartagena?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.