Cartagena Weather

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.

February is one of the driest, breeziest months — around 31°C/24°C (88°F/75°F) with virtually no rain and steady trade winds. The combination of sun, low rain, and calm seas makes it excellent for the islands and beaches. There's no single headline festival, but it stays firmly in the high season, with strong demand and prices to match. The weather is about as reliable as Cartagena gets. It's a great month for the Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca, and long walks through the walled city, with the wind making the heat more bearable than the still, humid wet-season months. Note: book ahead, as it remains busy and pricey. Midday sun is intense — do exposed sights early or late, wear strong sunscreen near the water, and keep drinking the local coconut lemonade and fresh juices.

March stays in the dry season — around 31°C/25°C (88°F/77°F) with little rain and plenty of sun. The trade winds ease slightly from February, so the heat can feel a touch stickier, but it remains a reliable, beach-friendly month. In years when Easter falls in late March, Semana Santa (Holy Week) brings a surge of domestic tourists and higher prices over that week — check the date if you're sensitive to crowds. The islands, Playa Blanca, and the Old City are all at their best, with clear water and dependable sunshine. UV is very high, so sun protection is essential. Note: outside the Easter peak, March offers excellent dry-season conditions. Do exposed sights early or late, hydrate constantly, and confirm strong air conditioning at your accommodation.