Colombia in January: Is it Worth it?

I fell in love with Colombia in 2015, and then with Aleja, a Colombian woman, in 2019. Now living in Colombia, I spend my time discovering the country's hidden gems and crafting extraordinary itineraries.
CEO

Thomas Espeute

Editeur

Updated on

30/09/2024

January is one of Colombia’s most popular months for tourists and also the perfect time to enjoy ideal weather.

With this guide, you’ll discover which destinations to visit and which to avoid if you’re trying to dodge the crowds. You’ll also learn where to soak up the festive atmosphere of Colombia and experience its traditional celebrations firsthand.

Providencia Island Colombia - Manzanillo beach - Caribbean Islands

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JANUARY IN COLOMBIA

How to enjoy Colombia in January

WEATHER IN JANUARY

The Colombian summer is truly here, though it varies from region to region.

The dry season begins in the Andean region in January. In Medellín and Pereira, temperatures range from 17°C to 25°C, with an average of 21°C. Low humidity keeps the air comfortable despite occasional cloudy skies. Rain showers are rare, short, and mild.

In Bogotá, temperatures are cooler, from 7°C to 19°C, with chilly mornings and evenings. However, the absence of humidity makes the atmosphere quite pleasant. Rainfall is scarce and brief.

In Cali, which is hotter and more humid, temperatures range from 19°C to 29°C. January is still the driest month, with only occasional short showers.

The Caribbean coast experiences its dry season. Temperatures vary between 24°C (76°F) and 31°C (87°F), with an average of 27°C (80°F). The high humidity can make it feel extremely hot and humid, sometimes oppressive during peak hours.

It barely rains, and it’s the sunniest month of the year.

There’s a wind, which helps ease the heat but can also make sea travel rougher.

The Pacific coast is the wettest part of Colombia, with rainfall year-round. The “dry” season is short and barely noticeable, starting in January and ending in early April.

In January, it’s warm, with temperatures ranging from 24.5°C (76°F) to 27°C (81°F) and an average of 25.5°C (78°F).

Rain remains frequent but is less intense than between April and December.

The humidity is very high, often creating a suffocating feeling. January tends to have the clearest skies of the year.

January in the Amazon brings temperatures from 23°C (74°F) to 30°C (86°F), with an average of 26°C (78°F), so it’s pretty hot.

This is the rainy season and the time of high waters for the Amazon River. Frequent rains bring amounts close to the maximum levels recorded in the peak wet season (February).

The humidity is extremely high, making the air feel stifling at times. The sky remains cloudy for much of the day.

In January, Los Llanos experiences temperatures from 20°C (68°F) to 32°C (89°F), with an average of 26°C (78°F), meaning it’s very hot, particularly at midday.

It’s the dry season, and January is the driest month of the year, with the lowest levels of rainfall.

The humidity is very low.

Best time to visit Colombia

Cayo Cangrejo - Providencia Island - Colombia - Caribbean Islands - Tom Adrien

what to do in Colombia in January

Something to suit all tastes!

January is when it rains the least on the Pacific coast, which is far less crowded than the Caribbean coast.

It’s one of my favorite destinations in Colombia. I love walking along the vast black-sand beaches, bordered by lush jungle. You can hike to discover hidden waterfalls and spot wildlife. The Pacific coast is home to an incredible biodiversity.

In January, the Pacific waters offer the best visibility of the year, perfect for snorkeling and diving. You can also go fishing with a local fisherman.

In my opinion, the Pacific coast is where you’ll find the best food in Colombia 😉

Tigre Waterfall El Valle Pacific Coast Colombia

It’s not super hot in Bogotá—you are at 2,600 meters altitude—but January offers lovely sunny days.

Take the time to explore the city, visiting Plaza Bolívar with its cathedral and the historic La Candelaria district. A graffiti tour is a fun and unique way to experience Bogotá. Don’t miss the city’s top museums, like the Museo del Oro and Museo Botero, for a deeper dive into Colombian history.

In the evening, ride the cable car up to Monserrate (3,152 m) to enjoy breathtaking city views and maybe even catch a sunset.

For hikers, the Bogotá region has plenty of trails in breathtaking national parks, rivers, and of course, the famous paramos.

Street Bogota Colombia - Bogota and around

You must be dreaming of sunny days and white sand beaches. I have just what you need!

I’d suggest skipping the Rosario Islands near Cartagena or the San Bernardo Islands near Rincón del Mar, as they’ll be crowded.

Instead, check out Providencia, a hidden paradise with stunning beaches and breathtaking views off the coast of Nicaragua. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and hiking and is well-known for its diving spots.

Another gem is Isla Fuerte, a less crowded paradise with lush vegetation and wildlife. It’s also an excellent spot for scuba diving, and if you’re an experienced surfer, you’ll love the waves here.

Isla Rosa in Rosario Islands - Cartagena Colombia - Eastern Caribbean Coast

The climate in January is ideal for discovering the Guajira desert, with no rain and no risk of muddy paths.

For the adventurous, take a multi-day jeep tour to explore the stunning and unique landscapes. Be sure to visit Macuira National Park, an incredible oasis in the middle of the desert.

If you love kitesurfing, these awe-inspiring landscapes are also home to some world-renowned kitesurfing spots, like Cabo de la Vela.

Macuira National Park - La Guajira Desert Colombia - Eastern Caribbean Coast - Tom

The Meda department in the Los Llanos region is still off the beaten path. It offers stunning scenery and incredible biodiversity, especially for bird and reptile lovers. I witnessed the largest number of monkeys I’ve ever seen!

While safaris from Villavicencio are popular, I recommend starting from Yopal for better chances of spotting wildlife. For those into trekking, catch a flight from Villavicencio to the breathtaking Tuparro National Park in Vichada.

With its rivers and canyons cutting through lush vegetation, Meta is also a top spot for rafting (Guejar Canyon) and tubing (Guape Canyon).

Los Llanos - Villavicencio - Puerto Gaitan - Hato Mururito - anteater

Punta Gallinas - La Guajira Desert Colombia - Eastern Caribbean Coast - Aleja (2)

events in January

In January, culture, legends, and traditions are joyfully celebrated.

Every year, during the first half of January, the Feria de Manizales takes place in the capital of the Caldas department, in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region.

This popular event is inspired by the Seville Feria in Spain while incorporating local customs. During the week, you can enjoy concerts, exhibitions, parades, artistic performances, and fun shows such as pedal car races.

Key highlights include bullfights and the Reinado Internacional del Café, a coffee-themed beauty pageant.

This festival is one of Colombia’s most important, held in San Juan de Pasto, the capital of Nariño, near the Ecuador border.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage event, this festival promotes a powerful message of inclusivity, celebrating all ethnic groups regardless of skin color.

You’ll experience six-day concerts, dances, and parades in early January. A tip: don’t wear your best clothes—you’ll likely get doused in water and covered in flour! 😉

In the last days of January, the HAY Festival kicks off in Cartagena.

This renowned cultural event celebrated throughout Latin America, brings together professionals from various fields, such as literature, cinema, visual arts, music, journalism, and politics.

You can join literary workshops, attend artistic performances, and participate in conferences on current topics and cultural exchanges.

Events occur in theaters, outdoor venues, or even streets.

The Carnaval del Diablo is held every odd-numbered year at the beginning of January in Riosucio, a municipality in the Caldas department.

Mixing Spanish, African, and indigenous traditions, this carnival is a cheerful and humorous festival, with the Devil as its central figure. Far from satanic or anti-Christian symbolism, the devil embodies life, joy, satire, friendship, and fun.

The town is animated by parades, dances, and music for a week.

Be prepared to taste guarapo, a drink made from sugarcane, or chicha, a fermented beverage made from corn or yuca.

Ciénaga, a Magdalena department municipality, is less than 40 kilometers from Santa Marta.

The Festival Nacional de la Leyenda y Danza del Caimán Cienaguero is held annually in mid-January. It celebrates the legend of a little girl who was swallowed by a caiman in the waters of the Ciénaga Grande, a vast estuary in the Magdalena River delta, Colombia’s largest river.

The legend is commemorated over four days with traditional dances and music performances.

Festivals in Colombia

Tourism IN JANUARY

Crowds and high prices.

January is a busy tourist month, with the high season that began in mid-December lasting until mid-January.

As a result, flight and hotel prices have risen significantly!

Some hotels require a minimum stay for reservations in popular tourist spots like Cartagena.

Also, remember to ask for prices in advance when they aren’t displayed or for taxis without meters to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

With the school holidays still ongoing, many Colombians are taking advantage of the time off, not to mention the foreign tourists escaping their winter. As a result, you’ll find crowds in the country’s most popular destinations.

Colombians love heading to the Caribbean coast, especially Cartagena and the Rosario Islands. Other top spots include Tayrona National Park, colonial villages like Villa de Leyva or Salento (near the famous Cocora Valley), and Santa Fe de Antioquia.

Guatapé, with its iconic Piedra del Peñón, is also very busy, and this is not the best time for the Ciudad Perdida trek.

If you visit these sites in January, I recommend starting your day early. I love wandering the streets of Cartagena at 7 a.m. when most people are still asleep and the heat isn’t overwhelming yet.

Also, try to avoid weekends, especially long weekends with public holidays.

Lastly, don’t wait until the last minute to book accommodations and activities.

Historic Center Cartagena Colombia - Eastern Caribbean Coast

PACK YOUR BAG FOR JANUARY

Practical tips to adjust according to your itinerary.

Remember to bring your hat and some sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun, especially if you’re “coming from winter.” The January sun near the equator can take you by surprise, even in higher-altitude cities like Bogotá.

Don’t forget your camera and a pair of binoculars if possible. If those are your destinations, you’ll be able to capture the long Pacific beaches and your adventures in Meta or the Guajira desert.

Pack comfortable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes if you plan to explore Meta or hike in a national park. Take warmer layers if you intend to hike at higher altitudes.

Pack long pants and long-sleeved shirts for a trek in the Pacific Coast jungle.

And remember to carry a backpack that suits your hiking plans.

Depending on your location, if you plan to enjoy the parades of the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos in Pasto, or la Feria de Manizales , be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket for the cooler evening air.

For a stay on a paradisiacal island, stick to light, breathable clothing, and, of course, don’t forget your swimsuit—but I bet that’s already on your list! 😉

Colombians love to dress up when going out. Bring your best clothes to sip a drink in a stylish bar or enjoy dinner at a fancy restaurant.

Some trendy spots may even have a dress code.

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