August in Colombia: Is it Worth it?
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August in Colombia is a beautiful sunny month with some showers in certain regions, without being bothersome.
It’s a great month for multi-day treks in Los Nevados or the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
It’s also a wonderful time to immerse yourself in Colombian culture, with dozens of festivals taking place throughout the country, such as the impressive Feria de Las Flores in Medellín.
With this guide, discover the destinations to prioritize and how to optimize your Colombian adventure during this month that ticks the boxes of nature, adventure, and culture.
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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AUGUST IN COLOMBIA
How to Enjoy Colombia in August
WEATHER IN AUGUST
Beautiful sunshine and some showers depending on your destination.
In Medellín, temperatures range between 18°C and 27°C, the mildness that prevails has earned it the nickname “City of Eternal Spring.”
The mornings are often clear and showers are concentrated at the end of the day. The conditions are ideal for strolling around the city.
In Bogotá, the evenings and mornings are cool, between 7°C and 19°C. The sun makes beautiful appearances during the day and the rains, which can occur at any time, are generally short.
In Cali, temperatures range between 20°C and 30°C. It is the driest period, with generous sunshine during the day. The nights remain warm and pleasant.
In August, the rainfall is rather mild and short-lived on the Caribbean coast.
In Cartagena, temperatures reach 33°C during the day with high humidity, but light sea breezes temper the heat in the evening.
The sea is calm and conditions are good for boating, snorkeling, and diving.
Santa Marta enjoys similar conditions, slightly more breezy. The Tayrona Park is accessible and the hiking trails are passable.
The Colombian Pacific is rainy all year round — this is what gives it its extraordinary floral and faunal diversity.
In August, the showers are intense but brief, followed by long clearings. Temperatures remain around 28°C and the sun shines strongly even through the cloud cover.
This is a good month to watch humpback whales and, with a bit of luck, witness a birth or the spectacle of courtship displays.
In August, the rainy season is over; the Amazon enters its hottest months and the low water season begins. The humidity level remains high, but the atmosphere is less stifling.
More and more hikes in the forest are accessible on foot, and it becomes easier to observe the animals.
The Llanos are in the middle of the wet season. It’s hot, especially in the middle of the day. Temperatures range between 24°C and 33°C. The nights are comfortable. There is high humidity.
The vast plains are flooded and are hardly visitable by jeep; it’s not the best time of year to go on a safari.
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What to do in Colombia in AUGUST
Cultural and natural richness of Colombia.
August is one of the best times to explore the Andean Colombia.
Bogotá deserves two to three days: the Candelaria and its street art, the Museo del Oro, Monserrate for a breathtaking view of the city.
Plan an extra day for the salt cathedral of Zipaquirá — a church carved into a mine 180 meters underground, an hour’s drive away — and a hike in the páramo de Chingaza, among frailejones and high-altitude lagoons, a unique ecosystem in the world.
In Boyacá, Villa de Leyva invites you to stroll through its white streets and on its vast cobbled square. The more adventurous will venture to the páramo d’Iguaque and its sacred muisca lagoon at 3,600 m.
In Santander, Barichara — considered the most beautiful village in Colombia — charms with its yellow stone streets, its vibrant crafts, and the legendary Camino Real through the canyon of Suárez.
A road trip by car between these two departments is a good idea to discover an authentic Colombia and stunning landscapes.
Three confidential destinations to discover the Caribbean coast differently.
Capurgana and Sapzurro: two little-known destinations, nestled at the end of the world, at the border of Panama, in the heart of the Darién jungle. Accessible only by boat or charter flight, these Afro-Colombian villages of Caribbean Chocó live outside of time.
In August, the sea calms down, the turquoise waters regain their clarity, and the diving conditions are excellent. Diving, secret beaches, jungle, local immersion — for the adventurous spirits.
Rincón del Mar is a small, authentic and remote fishing village, with a white sandy beach lined with palm trees and a local atmosphere. Snorkeling, swimming in bioluminescent plankton, walking in the mangrove, fishing trips, or excursions to the turquoise waters of the San Bernardo Islands.
Rincón del Mar is perfect to end your trip in Colombia
Isla Fuerte, 200 km south of Cartagena: a confidential Caribbean island that few travelers know. Few tourists, quality hotels, and one of the best diving spots on the Caribbean coast, with exceptionally preserved corals.
Antioquia reveals landscapes of lush mountains, deep valleys, rivers, and waterfalls — a natural setting perfect for strolling and adventure.
Guatapé and its Piedra del Peñol offer a superb view of the lake and the surrounding terrain.
In Jardín, enjoy the charm of a colonial village and explore the surrounding waterfalls on foot or horseback.
If you don’t mind the daytime heat, stroll through Santa Fe de Antioquia, a beautifully preserved former colonial capital.
Outdoor sports enthusiasts can go paragliding from San Félix, above the Medellín valley, to admire the Andean massif.
Near San Carlos, lush gorges provide a magical setting for rafting down class 3-4 rapids and canyoning.
In Medellín, August means Feria de las Flores: ten days of celebration, concerts, and colors, with the impressive Desfile de Silleteros — more than 500 carriers parading with their spectacular floral structures in a contagiously festive atmosphere.
In August, the coffee region is particularly lush.
The hills of Salento, the Cocora Valley and its towering wax palms — the tallest in the world —: everything is a deep green.
July and August are among the best times to visit the region, with ideal conditions for hiking. The classic Cocora loop, about 5 to 6 hours through cloud forests, rivers, and meadows, is a must-do.
While Salento is the most well-known village, Filandia and Pijao, quieter and more authentic, offer a deeper immersion into local life, away from the tourist hustle and bustle.
It’s also a great month to visit a finca, understand the complete cycle of Colombian coffee — from planting to roasting — and leave with a few packages bought directly from the producers: a simple, local souvenir full of aromas.
What to do in Colombia in AUGUST
Colombia, a land of adventures.
Humpback whales travel more than 8,500 kilometers from Antarctica to reach the warm waters of the Colombian Pacific, where they give birth and nurse their calves.
On the Pacific coast, August is one of the best months to observe these giants of the sea during the breeding season: it’s the time of courtship displays, groups are more dense, and sightings are easier.
You can approach them by boat during guided tours, in strict compliance with regulatory distances. Believe me, seeing a cetacean weighing several dozen tons leap out of the water just a few meters away from you is an unforgettable experience.
The strategic destinations for observing humpback whales are Bahía Málaga, in the heart of the Uramba Natural Park, and, further north, Nuquí and the Gulf of Tribugá, with its authentic villages such as Coquí, Guachalito, Termales, Arusí or Punta Brava.
I recommend choosing an eco-lodge with a breathtaking view of the ocean; you’ll have a front-row seat.
In August, the site of Caño Cristales, one of the most wonderful natural wonders of Colombia, is in full swing.
Nestled in the heart of the Serranía de La Macarena National Park, this river owes its nickname and its extraordinary colors — intense red, yellow, green, blue, and black — to an endemic aquatic plant, the Macarenia clavijera, which thrives thanks to the perfect combination of sun and water level.
The result is striking: vibrant colored backgrounds, waterfalls, and natural pools to swim in. A visual spectacle you won’t find anywhere else on the planet.
And the Serranía de La Macarena is not limited to its multicolored river: endless savannas, dense jungle, abundant biodiversity, and authentic llanera culture complete the experience. Plan for at least 4 to 5 days.
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is one of the most extraordinary mountain ranges in Colombia — and on the planet: the highest coastal range in the world, with peaks over 5,000 meters above sea level, just a few kilometers from the Caribbean Sea.
Before undertaking the Lost City trek, a stop in Minca is a must. This small mountain village offers a breath of freshness and greenery: waterfalls, birdwatching in one of the richest biodiversity areas in the world, and visits to coffee and cocoa farms.
The trek to Ciudad Perdida, founded by the Tayrona people, is a must-do: 4 to 5 days of hiking in dense jungle, river crossings, and 1,200 stone steps to reach this exceptional archaeological site.
Attention: the trek usually closes in September at the request of the indigenous communities who wish to let these sacred sites and nature rejuvenate.
August offers ideal conditions to tackle a multi-day trek in the Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados: the skies are clear, the views of the snow-capped peaks are sharp, and the frailejones landscapes stretch infinitely.
The Nevado de Santa Isabel (4,995 m) is an excellent gateway to the Colombian glaciers. Without any particular mountaineering technique, this 3-day trek allows you to cross three distinct ecosystems while gradually acclimating to the altitude.
For seasoned hikers, the Nevado del Tolima (5,200 m) is another major challenge. This 4-day trek starting from Salento requires solid high-altitude experience.
© Tomplanmytrip
AUGUST EVENTS
A busy schedule all over the country.
La Feria de las Flores is the main event in August in Medellín. For ten days, the city comes alive with concerts, flowered chivas, parades of vintage cars, and exhibitions of orchids.
The highlight remains the Desfile de Silleteros, where the farmers of Santa Elena, a rural municipality perched in the mountains at the gates of Medellín and renowned for generations for its floral crops, come down to the city, carrying on their backs spectacular floral arrangements.
The parade features competitions in different categories, where each silletero showcases their creativity and floral expertise. A cultural heritage of the Nation, this unique spectacle in the world attracts visitors from all over the globe.
Around the parade, more than 200 free activities punctuate the program.
Make sure to book your accommodation several months in advance; Medellín fills up quickly.
In mid-August (the scheduled date varies from year to year), Cali ignites for the Petronio Álvarez Festival, one of the most authentic and intoxicating festivals on the continent.
For five days in mid-August, the Alberto Galindo sports complex transforms into a huge stage dedicated to the Afro-Colombian sounds of the Pacific. Marimba, Cununo, Bombo, Chirimía: the instruments resonate until the end of the night in front of nearly half a million spectators.
Le Petronio is also a gastronomic celebration; the stands are brimming with ancestral flavors: seafood, coconut, Pacific herbs, and viche, the traditional sugarcane alcohol. A rare immersion into Afro-Colombian identity. Admission is free.
Every year, in mid-August, the sky of Villa de Leyva fills with giant and colorful kites for the Festival of the Wind.
Since 1975, the largest kite competition in the country takes over the main square of this Boyacá colonial gem. August, the windiest month of the year, offers ideal conditions to see impressive kites soaring, performing acrobatic maneuvers and synchronized aerial choreography.
Professionals and amateurs compete with creativity under the gaze of a family audience from all over the country. Between flights, take the time to stroll through the white streets of the city and taste its famous chocolate beer.
Bogotá Summer Festival: Every August, Bogotá takes to the streets for its Summer Festival: several days of free outdoor activities in the parks and public spaces of the capital. Concerts, sports, crafts, gastronomy—a great opportunity to discover the city in a relaxed and popular atmosphere.
Bahía Solano Bay Festival: On the Pacific coast, Bahía Solano celebrates in August the whales and the culture of the Chocó, mixing music, gastronomy, and sea outings—a festival rooted in the identity of this unique region.
Pereira Harvest Festivities: In the heart of the Coffee Zone, Pereira celebrates, in August (in July depending on the year), its agricultural tradition and culture with parades, concerts, and family activities.
© Tomplanmytrip
Tourism in AUGUST
A lively but affordable month, depending on your destination.
August is one of the most lively months in Colombia, driven by major festivals that attract mainly local tourism, especially in Medellín and Cali.
The most well-known destinations, like Cartagena or the Tayrona Park, see an influx of Colombian family tourism — without reaching the saturation of December or Semana Santa. It’s a good balance: lively atmosphere without inconvenience.
The prices of the agencies remain reasonable. However, since the foreign tourists are mostly European, the flights from Europe are more expensive than in the low season.
If your stay coincides with a festival, remember to plan ahead for your bookings.
In Medellín, during the Feria de las Flores, accommodations fill up quickly and prices rise significantly — it’s best to book 4 to 6 months in advance.
© Tomplanmytrip
Packing for AUGUST
Some basics not to forget, depending on your destination.
A light waterproof garment is essential, no matter your destination in Colombia in August.
Sunscreen remains a must: even under a cloudy sky, equatorial UV rays are strong.
Also, bring mosquito repellent, particularly useful on the Pacific and in the Amazon.
Your camera and an external battery: the Feria de las Flores, the whales, the kites of Villa de Leyva… Plenty of moments to capture.
In addition to a raincoat, think about technical clothing that dries quickly and waterproof shoes for hikes in the jungle. Depending on your itinerary and destination, you will be lent boots for particularly muddy trails.
Take a suitable backpack and a waterproof cover to protect it during sea trips. You will likely have to jump from the boat onto the beach when arriving at your eco-lodge; think about clothes that can get wet and closed-toe shoes, so they don’t float away.
For outings at sea, bring a windbreaker and a protection device for your camera against the spray.
For treks, equip yourself with good waterproof hiking boots and a suitable backpack.
The essential is to prepare your equipment according to your destination: warm clothes and a good mountain jacket if you go up in altitude in Los Nevados, loose clothing, and water bottle to stay hydrated if you do the trek to the Lost City.
Good walking shoes for sometimes muddy trails, technical clothing that dries quickly, and a light poncho for high-altitude showers.
Light and colorful clothes to immerse yourself in the party — Colombians love festive outfits.
Closed and comfortable shoes for long parade days and a secure fanny pack to keep your important belongings with you in the crowd.
For the Desfile de Silleteros in Medellín, arrive early to find a good spot along the route and plan for water and sunscreen.
Bring some “chic” outfits: Colombians like to dress up to go out. Some trendy bars and restaurants have a dress code.
© Tomplanmytrip
MY TIPS FOR AUGUST
To properly prepare for your trip to Colombia.
If you plan to venture into wilder and more challenging places, such as the Amazon, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, or Los Nevados, it’s better to be well prepared physically.
Besides the heat and humidity, depending on your destination, you may face uncomfortable modes of transportation (boat, jeep), hikes on difficult terrain, and basic accommodations.
If you’re going on a trek in Los Nevados, keep in mind that the altitude changes everything: besides the cold, the air is thinner, and the effort becomes more demanding.
Flexibility and patience will be valuable allies: in Colombia, unexpected events are part of the journey and are often the source of memories.
For these unusual destinations, I strongly recommend going through a local agency or contacting us directly to organize your trip.
If you plan to spend 7 days in Colombia, focus on one region.
Medellín and Antioquia: Medellín, its history through Comuna 13 and the incredible Feria de las Flores, if the dates coincide, then explore Guatapé and its Piedra del Peñón and enjoy the peaceful life of a colonial village like Jardín or Jericó.
The Pacific Coast: Bahía Solano or a remote village in the Gulf of Tribuga, south of Nuquí, for whales, a jungle hike, and the vast black sand beaches bordered by lush vegetation.
The Coffee Region: A stop in Bogotá for its museums and historic center, then Salento or a more authentic colonial village, like Filandia or Pijao, a hike in the Cocora Valley, and a visit to a coffee and chocolate finca.
The Amazon: Leticia from Bogotá, as the starting point of your adventure deep in the jungle. Hikes, animal watching, encounters with indigenous communities, before returning to Bogotá for a well-deserved rest.
If you plan to spend 15 days in Colombia, you can combine two regions, or even three at most:
Bogotá, Villa de Leyva & Coffee Region: the capital for its museums and street art, the authenticity of Villa de Leyva, its kite festival if the dates coincide, and the paramo of Iguaque, then head to the colonial villages of the Coffee Region and the giant wax palms.
Cartagena, Caribbean Coast & Caño Cristales: the colonial magic of Cartagena, a dream stay on the Rosario Islands or on the San Bernardo archipelago, and head to Caño Cristales for the river of five colors.
Coffee Region, Medellín & Pacific Coast: the mountainous and coffee landscapes of the Coffee Region, its colonial villages and its wax palms, the cultural dynamism of Medellín, then the wild magic of the Pacific and its whales.
Bogotá, Los Nevados & The Coffee Region: Bogotá, then head to Los Nevados for a multi-day trek. Then head to the Coffee Region: peaceful villages like Filandia or Pijao, and wax palms in the valleys of La Carbonera or La Samaria, beautiful alternatives to Cocora. Return to Bogotá for its museums and La Candelaria.
© Tomplanmytrip
My favorite activities in Colombia
Contact the best local agencies directly to organize these experiences
La Guajira : Cabo de la Vela, Punta Gallinas & Macuira park 4d
Colombia
4 Days
1 place
Enjoy 4 days of adventure in the La Guajira desert, with a mix of classic and new destinations.
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Cartagena: Rent a boat to explore the Rosario Islands 1d
Colombia
1 Day
3 places
A tailor-made boat trip to enjoy the Rosario Islands: Find the most stunning islands and either dodge the tourists or party with them.
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Santa Marta : The Lost City [Ciudad Perdida] trek 4d
Colombia
4 Days
1 place
Discover the magic of the Ciudad Perdida and its importance for the indigenous communities.
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The Cerros de Mavecure and Its Unforgettable Landscapes 4d
Colombia
4 Days
2 places
Imagine three massive hills rising from the ground in the middle of a vast jungle plain.
View this tour
Leticia: the Amazon from a jungle ecolodge, private lodge 5d
Colombia
5 Days
1 place
Stay in the world's largest forest and discover its wonders and diversity.
View this tour
Yopal : Safari in los Llanos from a nature reserve 4d
Colombia
4 Days
3 places
Gallop at full speed across the vast plains of the Llanos, discovering an admirable natural habitat.
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Caño Cristales: discover the famous rainbow river - group option 4d
Colombia
4 Days
1 place
Imagine the spectacle of a multicolored river winding through unique landscapes.
View this tour
Los Nevados: Santa Isabel glacier ascent 3D
Colombia
3 Days
1 place
The perfect combo of high and medium-altitude mountains plus the discovery of numerous ecosystems.
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See more activities?
We test and select the best activities in Colombia especially for our readers.
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