October in Colombia: Is it Worth it?
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October in Colombia is one of the rainiest months of the year. The afternoon showers spare almost no region.
But it would be a mistake to stop at the raindrops; October still has its advantages.
The landscapes are a bright green, and some destinations remain attractive, like the Amazon, at the very end of the dry season, and the Pacific coast, where it’s your last chance to see whales.
A big advantage: there are almost no tourists and prices are more affordable.
Moreover, on the festive side, October holds some great surprises.
Thanks to this guide, discover which destinations to explore during this enticing month if you don’t like crowds.
We constantly explore Colombia to find what’s truly worth it — authentic places, stays and experiences, far from tourist traps. Then we build your ideal trip in a logical and optimized way, so you make the most of it, without rushing everywhere, truly connected to the country.
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OCTOBER IN COLOMBIA
How to enjoy Colombia in October
WEATHER IN OCTOBER
Rain showers almost everywhere with regional variations.
This is the wettest time of the year in the Andes.
In Bogotá, October is the rainiest month of the year: days of continuous rain are not uncommon, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 19°C. Completely sunny days can be counted on the fingers of one hand.
In Medellín, the situation is more nuanced. Temperatures remain warm (between 18°C and 28°C), and the rains, often in the late afternoon, do not prevent perfectly usable mornings.
In Cali, the days are hot and humid (20°C–30°C). Stormy episodes in the late afternoon are frequent, but the city remains lively.
In October, the Caribbean coast is in the middle of the rainy season.
In Cartagena, showers are frequent, rainfall can be significant and flooding may occur.
On the side of Santa Marta and Palomino, it rains even more and there are also risks of flooding in Santa Marta. The trails in Tayrona Park are muddy. Attention: the park closes from October 19 to November 2.
La Guajira enters a brief rainy season, making the desert difficult to navigate — it’s not a good time to venture there.
The Pacific coast is rainy all year round; October and November are often the wettest months.
Temperatures remain high (25–28°C), and humidity is omnipresent. But it is precisely these combined conditions that give this region its unique and wild character.
October marks the end of the dry season in the Amazon. It is hot (from 23°C to 31°C) and humid. Short showers are not excluded.
The river level is at its lowest; the trails are passable; wildlife is easily observable from the banks.
It’s a very favorable time to explore the jungle from Leticia, before the rains resume starting in November.
In October, the rains remain frequent in the Llanos; it’s hot (from 23°C to 30°C) and the high humidity weighs down the air.
The waterlogged savannas offer landscapes of strange beauty. It is not the best time to go on a wildlife safari.
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What to do in Colombia in OCTOBER
Between last chance and authenticity.
The rains are starting to arrive, but October is still a good time to explore the Amazon from Leticia.
The river is at its lowest level, revealing white sand beaches along the banks, and the trails are clear for hiking in a forest with incredible biodiversity.
The experiences that await you are unforgettable: watching the monkeys in the canopy, taking a night canoe trip to meet the caimans, discovering giant water lilies in the early morning, admiring the majestic port of a Ceiba, or witnessing the sunset of the hoazins — those strange and emblematic birds of the Amazon.
Beyond the fauna and flora, discovering the Amazon is about meeting the people and understanding their deep respect for their land: a stop in the peaceful small town of Puerto Nariño, fishing for piranhas with the locals, living within the indigenous communities and their ancestral traditions.
Plan for at least 4 to 5 days to truly feel all the magic of this enchanting world.
On the Pacific coast, October marks the end of the season for humpback whales, many of which have already begun their return journey to the southern seas.
The very last mothers and their calves, now strong enough to face the journey, linger near the shores, around Bahía Solano and Utria National Park. More calm, less fearful, they allow themselves to be approached closely. Watching them from a small boat is an unforgettable experience.
The Pacific coast has other surprises for you: vast deserted black sand beaches, dense jungle, incredible mangroves, waterfalls, baby turtles hatching on the beach, and delicious cuisine – my favorite in Colombia.
Plan for 4 to 5 days and book in advance — Accommodations often have limited capacity. I recommend choosing one with an ocean view to try and spot whales from your hammock.
Nestled in the heart of the Serranía de La Macarena National Park, Caño Cristales is one of the most unique natural wonders on the planet.
Nicknamed “the river of five colors,” it owes its brilliance to the blooming of the Macarenia clavigera, an endemic aquatic plant whose hues explode under the combined effect of the sun and the water level.
October is one of the last months to enjoy it before the site closes at the end of November. Less crowded than in high season, it’s a good time to visit away from the crowd — even if the lack of sun can make the spectacle less impressive.
Beyond the river, the Serranía offers many other discoveries: powerful waterfalls, endless savannas, amazing rock formations, dense jungle, breathtaking biodiversity, and a very lively llanera culture.
Plan for 4 to 5 days and keep some flexibility in your schedule — the weather conditions can change it.
Barichara is one of the most beautiful colonial villages in Colombia. Its cobbled streets, houses with immaculate lime walls, and dizzying views of the Suarez canyon make it a unique destination — romantic, authentic, soothing.
In October, the village moves at its own peaceful pace, far from the tourist hustle and bustle. The rainy season greens the landscapes and cools the temperatures; the conditions are ideal for hiking in the Chicamocha Canyon, on the Caminos Reales — these ancient pre-Columbian paths that connect Barichara, Guane, and Jordán through breathtaking cliff landscapes and surprising vegetation.
Between hikes, the village can be explored at a leisurely pace: discover a vibrant ancient craftsmanship, savor the generous Santander cuisine, sip a good coffee, mingle with the locals on a terrace in the main square, and witness unforgettable sunsets from the viewpoints.
Barichara is to be savored — plan for 5 to 7 days to fully experience its soul.
In October, the Coffee Region presents a tranquil face.
The climate is mild all year round thanks to the altitude (between 1,200 and 1,800 m); the mornings are often clear and showers appear in the early afternoon. October is no exception to this weather.
International travelers are rare; the villages breathe — it’s the perfect time to stroll through the streets of Salento without the crowds, or to discover Pijao and Filandia in their most authentic daily life.
If you want to hike in the Cocora Valley to admire the immense wax palms or walk the paths that connect the villages in a lush nature, I recommend leaving early in the morning.
October is also in the middle of the main coffee harvest season — the opportunity to visit a coffee finca to understand the complete cycle of its production, from the hand-picked red cherry to the cup, and to taste this beverage that makes Colombians proud.
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OCTOBER EVENTS
Between arts and traditions.
Founded by Colombian filmmaker Luis Ospina, the Festival de Cine de Cali is held every year at the end of October.
It is one of the oldest film festivals in Latin America, with a particularly strong lineup of documentaries and independent Ibero-American cinema.
Outdoor screenings, meetings with directors, and a genuine film-loving atmosphere make this event a valuable cultural moment.
A good reason to visit Cali if you are a cinema enthusiast.
In Bogotá, October is also the month of cinema. The Bogotá International Film Festival (BIFF) is held every year around the second week of October.
For over ten years, it has established itself as a major platform for world independent cinema, with Colombian premieres of award-winning films at the biggest international festivals.
The programming revolves around several themes — Masters, New Directors, Colombia Viva — and is aimed at both professionals and the curious general public.
Screenings in iconic venues of the capital, open masterclasses, and a lively intellectual atmosphere make the BIFF an unmissable event if you’re a cinephile and staying in Bogotá during its programming.
San Basilio de Palenque, 1 hour and 30 minutes drive from Cartagena, is one of the most iconic villages on the Caribbean coast. Founded by freed slaves during the colonial era, it has preserved a unique culture and language in Colombia.
Since 1985, every year in October, the Drum Festival makes the village come alive for four days. Percussion, traditional dances, singing, and cultural exchanges: the event celebrates and passes on the Afro-Colombian heritage with infectious energy.
There is no hotel here — you will need to find accommodation with locals, an opportunity to experience a true immersion in daily life deeply rooted in traditions, and to taste the local cuisine — a rare and authentic break, just a few kilometers from Cartagena.
Every year, around mid-October (check the program dates), in the heart of the desert of Tatacoa, in the department of Huila, the Tatacoa Festival transforms the arid landscape into an open-air dance floor.
More than 5,000 people converge on the desert for three days of electronic music — techno, house, and tech house — featuring around 30 national and international artists.
An experience as exotic as it is festive, in a unique setting: ochre rock formations, a starry sky, without light pollution, and a rare collective energy.
An original idea if you are a fan of electronic music, but don’t expect to be alone enjoying this scene with an exceptional aesthetic.
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Tourism in OCTOBER
The advantages of the low season.
Sure, it rains, but October is the low tourist season par excellence in Colombia. The major destinations that, in December or July, are crowded see their attendance drop significantly.
Accommodations are more easily available, and the prices are much more attractive than in high season.
If you’re the type who prefers to interact with the locals rather than with other tourists, October is your month. However, if you’re traveling solo and plan to meet travel companions, it will be more difficult.
In October, there are fewer tourists in the country, but it’s better to take some precautions for destinations whose season is coming to an end, such as the Pacific coast and Caño Cristales. Accommodations don’t have a large capacity for guests.
Also, consider booking your activities, such as sea trips to watch the whales.
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Packing your bag for OCTOBER
To deal with a fickle sky.
A light but effective raincoat is absolutely necessary. Slip a waterproof windbreaker or a compact poncho into your bag; they will come in handy.
Good waterproof shoes (or closed-toe water-resistant sandals) are also welcome, especially for hikes or after a storm in the city.
A waterproof backpack (or a protective cover) to protect your belongings, camera, and phone.
In Bogotá and the coffee region, plan for a warm jacket for the evenings — it can be cool at high altitudes.
Yes, you will encounter rain, but bring your hat and sunscreen: when the sun comes out, or even through the clouds, it hits hard.
In these two humid regions, light technical quick-drying clothes, long-sleeved shirts and long pants against mosquitoes, closed sandals for outings and boat trips.
For hiking in the jungle, you will probably be offered boots. Believe me, you will appreciate it.
A good mosquito repellent is essential.
Forget the suitcase: a compact backpack is much more suitable for traveling by boat and on jungle trails.
In the Amazon, don’t forget a small travel pharmacy.
Remember to take good walking shoes, a suitable backpack, and a water bottle.
Colombians love to dress up for a night out; plan for some slightly more elegant outfits for your evenings. Some trendy restaurants and bars have a dress code.
© Tomplanmytrip
MY TIPS FOR OCTOBER
To properly prepare for your trip to Colombia.
October in Colombia requires a bit of flexibility and patience.
Accepting that the weather might disrupt a plan, improvising a completely different activity when rain shows up — that’s part of the deal.
Depending on your destination, especially at Caño Cristales, keep one or two “buffer” days in case the weather disrupts your outing; it would be a shame to leave empty-handed. Don’t worry, you’ll easily find ways to keep busy, and remember that taking your time is one of the keys to a successful trip.
But traveling in Colombia in October means discovering the country with a different face: less touristy, more authentic, with landscapes of lush and green vegetation. A Colombia that’s a bit more raw and sincere.
If you plan to spend 7 days in Colombia, focus on just one region.
Amazon: 5 days in the heart of the jungle from Leticia, in a private ecolodge, with forest hikes and visits to indigenous communities. Then 2 days in Bogotá for museums and gastronomy.
Pacific Coast: Whale watching near Bahia Solano, then exploring the jungle and deserted black sand beaches in authentic villages south of Nuqui, like Arusi or Termales.
Barichara, Santander: The peaceful charm of Barichara, meeting its artisans and gastronomy, and exploring the Chicamocha canyon.
If you plan to spend 15 days in Colombia, you can combine two regions, or even three at most:
Amazon & Barichara: Multi-day treks in the jungle from Leticia, then well-deserved rest in Barichara and hikes in the stunning landscapes of the Chicamocha canyon.
Pacific Coast & Coffee Region: Discover the jungle, whale watching, and visit the villages of the Gulf of Tribuga, south of Nuqui, then the laid-back charm of the colonial villages in the coffee region, with visits to fincas and hiking in the Cocora Valley.
Caño Cristales & Barichara: Explore the Serranía de La Macarena, with Caño Cristales, then enjoy a relaxing stay in Barichara, its magical viewpoints, vibrant crafts, and discover the canyon on the Caminos Reales.
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