July in Colombia: Is it Worth it?
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In July, in Colombia, a beautiful sunny window opens: without competing with the great dry season from January to March, the weather becomes noticeably milder in the Andes, and the Amazon enters its own dry season.
The Pacific coast offers a wonderful spectacle as the first whales arrive, traveling up the coast to give birth.
The country experiences a cultural excitement driven by several major festivals.
Foreign travelers begin to arrive, and Colombian school vacations (until mid-July) are in full swing.
Thanks to this guide, discover which destinations to prioritize and some tips to prepare your trip.
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JULY IN COLOMBIA
How to Enjoy Colombia in July
WEATHER IN JULY
Some regions are sunnier than others.
In Medellín, July experiences a slight lull in rainfall. Temperatures range from 17°C to 28°C, with a pleasant average around 22°C.
The mornings are often clear, offering great opportunities to explore the city and its surroundings. Showers are still possible in the late afternoon, but they are generally short.
In Bogotá, July is one of the driest months of the year. Temperatures remain cool, from 8°C to 19°C, but the sky is often blue and bright.
It’s an ideal time to stroll through Candelaria and enjoy the parks without being too surprised by the rain. Mornings and evenings remain cool; you are at an altitude.
In Cali, temperatures stay between 20°C and 30°C. The city enjoys a generous sun, with occasional rains that refresh without spoiling the days.
The Caribbean coast in July is in its rainy season, even though it remains very variable depending on the destinations.
In Cartagena, conditions remain favorable, with often clear skies, lots of sunshine, and temperatures between 28°C and 32°C. Showers are generally brief.
On the other hand, in Santa Marta, Palomino, and Tayrona Park, rainfall is more frequent and can affect certain activities.
On the side of La Guajira and Punta Gallinas, the wind blows, the heat is intense, and the conditions are very favorable for exploring the desert.
In July, on the Pacific coast, the showers persist, as during many other months of the year.
Temperatures fluctuate between 25°C and 28°C, it is hot and humid, the sun beats strongly even when the sky is overcast.
The beautiful waves delight surfers.
July marks the beginning of the dry season in the Amazon, which extends until October. Rainfall decreases; temperatures range between 24°C and 31°C.
It’s a good time to explore the jungle from Leticia; the hiking trails become walkable again, and kayak trips in the forest are still possible before the Amazon River reaches its lowest level.
It’s always the rainy season in Los Llanos, but the rainfall is a bit less pronounced than during the previous month.
Temperatures remain high, between 22°C and 30°C, it’s hot during the day. Early mornings and evenings are pleasant. The rains have slightly decreased compared to the previous month
The partially flooded prairies have turned green again and the landscapes display superb colors. It is not the ideal month to observe animals, but some hatos remain accessible.
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What to do in Colombia in JULY
The prodigious natural diversity of Colombia.
Venture into a lush jungle, swim under hidden waterfalls, paddle through fabulous mangroves, or simply walk on vast black sand beaches, like the one at Guachalito, surf on beautiful waves at Termales, go fishing with a local, the Pacific coast in July offers all of this at once.
It is in July that the first humpback whales appear on the Colombian Pacific coast. Getting close to these giants aboard a small boat is an experience that leaves a lasting impression. And if you’re lucky, you might even witness the turtles laying eggs on the beaches.
In the evening, retreat to an ecolodge close to nature and discover the Pacific cuisine — my favorite in Colombia.
Plan for at least 4 to 5 days and book well in advance: accommodations are often fully booked at the start of the season.
To the west of Santa Marta (Magdalena) is located the largest estuary in the Caribbean, the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta. This vast marsh is part of the inner delta of the Magdalena River, Colombia’s longest river.
Embark on a boat on this vast body of water and discover two fishing villages that I find absolutely fascinating, Buenavista and Nueva Venecia, with colorful houses built on stilts and decorated with stunning graffiti.
In these remote lakeside villages where the boat is the only means of transportation, children learn from a young age to handle a canoe.
A unique experience that allows you to learn a bit more about the daily life of the inhabitants and to observe the many birds that inhabit the marsh during the boat trip.
July is a good month to discover the fabulous site of Caño Cristales, which generally reopens in mid-June; there are fewer cloudy or rainy days and the crowds of the high season have not yet really arrived.
Located in the Serranía de La Macarena National Park, this unique river in the world winds through astonishing ancient rock formations and owes its vibrant colors — red, yellow, green, blue, black — to an endemic aquatic plant, the Macarenia clavijera, which blooms under the combined effect of the sun and the water level.
The spectacle is truly extraordinary: carpets of vivid colors, majestic waterfalls, and natural pools for swimming. A chromatic spectacle you won’t find anywhere else with such intensity.
But the Serranía de la Macarena is much more than a multicolored river: powerful waterfalls, breathtaking biodiversity, endless savannas, dense jungle, and authentic lanera culture enrich the experience. Plan for 4 to 5 days to fully enjoy it.
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What to do in Colombia in JULY
Adventure in the heart of a surprising nature.
With the decrease in rainfall, July is a good time to venture into the Amazon from Leticia. The water level of the Amazon River continues to drop; more and more forest trails become passable and you can still explore some parts of the jungle by boat.
Paradise for nature lovers, the Amazon is home to a breathtaking biodiversity — both flora and fauna — that reveals all its secrets to those who know how to observe, often guided by the keen eye of a local guide.
Witnessing the awakening of the forest at sunrise, in a symphony of sounds and lights, from your eco-lodge lost in the heart of the jungle, is a magical moment.
Exploring the Amazon is also an opportunity for wonderful encounters with indigenous communities eager to preserve their culture and to understand their deep respect and attachment to their land.
July is one of the best months to embark on a multi-day trek in Colombia.
The dry conditions are ideal for exploring the Caminos Reales of the Canyon del Chicamocha. These ancient pre-Columbian paths connect villages like Barichara, Guane, and Jordán through fabulous landscapes of cliffs and surprising vegetation.
The elevation change is sometimes significant, and even though July is not the peak dry season, the canyon remains a hot place — it’s better to start early and stay well-hydrated.
You can hire a local guide for more complex routes.
In the Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados, July offers ideal weather for multi-day treks: clear skies, views of snow-capped peaks, and vast landscapes of frailejones.
The Nevado de Santa Isabel (4995 m) is perfect for a first glacier experience: accessible without special mountaineering techniques, the 3-day trek allows for gradual acclimatization through three ecosystems of the park.
For the more experienced, the Nevado del Tolima (5200 m) represents a significant challenge: a 4-day trek starting from Salento, with the ascent of this iconic peak, reserved for those with solid experience at high altitudes.
July in Colombia is an excellent time to explore La Guajira. The desert is dry, the tracks are accessible, and the constant winds make the heat bearable — even pleasant.
Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas, the northernmost point of South America, offer views where the ochre desert plunges directly into a turquoise sea. The contrast is striking, almost unreal.
The Macuira Park, with its lush oasis emerging from the desert, is a must-see detour.
If you practice kitesurfing, it’s also one of the best spots on the continent to enjoy the trade winds.
Visiting La Guajira also means discovering the Wayuu culture, with its ancient beliefs and traditions still alive today.
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JULY EVENTS
Between Popular Traditions and National Identity.
This is the cultural event of the month. Organized since 1991, the Medellín International Poetry Festival is held every year between early and mid-July in the city’s public spaces, libraries, and theaters.
Poets from more than 40 nations take turns on stage in a celebration open to all and completely free. The atmosphere is unique: between intimate readings in parks and grand ceremonies at the Teatro al Aire Libre Carlos Vieco of Cerro Nutibara, the entire city breathes poetry for a week.
Declared a cultural heritage of the nation, this festival is also a powerful message of peace and social reconciliation.
Even if you don’t usually read poetry, the experience is worth the detour.
On July 20th, the entire country celebrates El Día de la Independencia.
The Colombian national holiday is marked by celebrations that combine solemnity and popular joy.
Parades, both military and civilian, concerts, fireworks, and popular festivities fill the squares and streets. In Bogotá, the celebrations are particularly solemn and spectacular at Plaza de Bolívar.
In provincial towns, the atmosphere is often warmer and more festive. It’s a great opportunity to feel Colombian national pride in all its authenticity.
Every year at the end of July, Santa Marta, on the eastern Caribbean coast and one of the oldest cities in Colombia, celebrates its maritime heritage with the Fiestas del Mar.
For several days, the Santa Marta waterfront becomes the stage for boat parades, nautical competitions, concerts, and dance shows, in a festive and relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the festival is the election of the Queen of the Sea, where contestants compete wearing magnificent, colorful dresses full of creativity, who, besides their beauty, must demonstrate their talents in aquatic disciplines.
At the same time, the city organizes a Gastronomic Festival that highlights Caribbean cuisine.
A great way to discover Santa Marta during a popular and authentic celebration.
Every year in July, the Simón Bolívar Park in Bogotá echoes with the wild rhythms of the Rock al Parque festival, the largest free rock festival in Latin America.
For 3 days, Colombian and international bands perform in front of several hundred thousand spectators.
A pleasant and festive urban experience if you’re in Bogotá at that time and you’re a fan of rock. Expect to share this exciting atmosphere with a lot of people.
© Tomplanmytrip
Tourism in JULY
The high season is setting in; it’s better to plan ahead.
July in Colombia is a period of high-season tourism. On one hand, Colombian school vacations are in full swing since mid-June; on the other, international visitors arrive in numbers, taking advantage of their summer holidays.
The most renowned tourist sites are increasingly frequented, prices rise, and the demand for accommodation also grows.
If you’re looking for tranquility, avoid the Caribbean coast, Cartagena, and Medellín. Also, avoid, if you can, the holidays, like the national holiday on July 20th, which lead to long weekends and are taken advantage of by Colombians to get away.
If you’re traveling in July in Colombia, I advise you to book your accommodations and transportation at least 8 weeks in advance, or even more for popular destinations.
With whale season, some ecolodges on the Pacific coast are fully booked for several months.
© Tomplanmytrip
Pack Your Bag for JULY
Essentials to Slip into Your Bag
July is the month of sun in many regions: don’t forget your sunscreen with a high SPF, your hat or cap, and your sunglasses.
On the Pacific coast or in the Andes, the sun can be strong even when the sky is partially cloudy.
A compact raincoat is still recommended: on the Caribbean coast or in the Andes, occasional showers are always possible.
In Bogotá, a light jacket is essential for the cool mornings and evenings.
Consider an external battery for your phone and camera: between festivals, landscapes, and wildlife, you won’t run out of subjects.
If you plan to hike in the paramos, in the coffee region, or towards waterfalls in Antioquia, bring good waterproof walking shoes and, depending on your destination, warm clothing in layers. The temperature can vary greatly depending on the altitude.
Most festivals take place outdoors; plan for comfortable clothing and shoes and don’t forget your hat and sunglasses.
For your evenings in Medellín, Bogotá, or Cartagena, bring some more formal outfits; Colombians love to dress up for going out, and some trendy bars or restaurants have a dress code.
© Tomplanmytrip
Packing for JULY
A well-thought-out bag to adapt to Colombian diversity.
You will need to follow the rules set by the Serranía de la Macarena National Park: sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and plastic bottles are prohibited inside the park.
Plan for light long-sleeve clothing, a swimsuit, closed hiking shoes that can get wet, and a headlamp for the evenings.
Plan for technical light and breathable clothing that dries quickly. Besides the showers, the ambient humidity is high. Expect to always feel clammy, even wet, especially if you’re exploring the jungle.
Take some sandals that close. Many trips are done by boat, and trust me, forget flip-flops for jumping from your boat to the beach if you don’t want to spend the rest of the trip barefoot.
Forget the suitcase too. Bring a compact backpack and a waterproof cover to protect it.
Don’t forget good hiking shoes for jungle outings and an effective insect repellent. A pair of boots will usually be provided for particularly muddy trails. Check in advance.
Don’t forget a good mosquito repellent and opt for light but covering clothing (shirts and pants).
A travel pharmacy for your minor injuries and/or bites.
For hikes in the forest, take closed walking shoes and check before leaving to see if a pair of boots will be provided, depending on your destination. The paths can be muddy.
© Tomplanmytrip
MY TIPS FOR JULY
To properly prepare for your trip to Colombia.
If you plan to venture into more wild places, such as La Guajira, the Amazon, Los Nevados, or the Pacific, it’s better to have good physical condition.
Besides the heat and humidity, depending on your destination, you may face uncomfortable transportation modes (jeep, boat), long and bumpy journeys, hikes on difficult terrain, and rudimentary accommodations.
Sometimes you’ll need to be flexible and patient, but unexpected events are also part of the adventure and a source of memories 😉
For these more epic destinations, I highly 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.
Bogotá and its surroundings: The museums of the capital, La Candelaria, Montserrate to admire the view of the city. Then, escape during the week to Villa de Leyva, a superb small colonial town, or go hiking in the surrounding páramos.
Pacific Coast: A very short flight from Medellín to Nuquí will immerse you in the heart of lush and wild nature. Jungle, vast black sand beaches, secluded ecolodges, fresh fish feasts, and sea outings to meet the whales.
Cartagena and the Caribbean islands: If the Caribbean coast makes you dream and you don’t mind the crowds, visit the bustling Cartagena and the charm of its colonial center. Experience the nightlife of Getsemani before escaping to the San Bernardo islands for idyllic beaches and turquoise waters.
If you plan to spend 15 days in Colombia, you can combine two regions, or even three at most:
The Coffee Region, Pacific & Antioquia: The quieter colonial villages of the Coffee Region, like Pijao or Filandia, the Samaria Valley and its giant palm trees, less frequented than Cocora, before venturing into the Pacific to meet the whales and a well-deserved rest in a village in Antioquia, like Santa Fe de Antioquia or Jardín.
Medellín, Antioquia & Barichara: Medellín, La Comuna 13, and its museums to understand the country’s history. Guatapé and its astonishing giant monolith overlooking a lake, before leisurely enjoying the authentic atmosphere of the beautiful village of Barichara, and venturing into a dizzying canyon.
Caño Cristales, Amazon & Bogotá: The natural wonders of La Macarena Park and the unique spectacle of its fabulous five-colored river, before exploring the Amazon from Leticia, then a well-deserved rest in Bogotá, its museums, colonial center, and gastronomy.
© 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.
View this tour
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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Want to see more activities?
We test and select the best activities in Colombia especially for our readers.
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