November in Colombia: Is it Worth it?
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November in Colombia is, along with October, the rainiest month of the year.
The weather remains contrasting; the end of the rainy season is not far off, and as December approaches, a slight hint of the dry season begins to be felt in some regions.
November is also one of the most peaceful months for foreign tourists, with prices at their lowest and a more authentic atmosphere.
On the festivities side, Cartagena bursts with color to celebrate its independence in a Caribbean atmosphere at its peak.
Thanks to this guide, identify the destinations to prioritize during this pivotal month, in terms of weather and tourism.
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NOVEMBER IN COLOMBIA
How to enjoy Colombia in November
WEATHER IN NOVEMBER
A transition month, destinations to choose wisely.
In Medellín and Pereira, temperatures range between 17°C and 26°C, with an average of 22°C. November is still rainy, especially at the beginning of the month, but showers tend to become less frequent towards the end of the month. The mornings often remain clear.
In Bogotá, the month starts off rainy — it is still technically the wet season in the Andes — with temperatures between 8°C and 19°C. But by mid-November, the rainfall decreases noticeably. It is a month of transition towards the beautiful Andean season.
In Cali, temperatures remain between 19°C and 30°C. The rains are still present but lessen in intensity compared to October, the wettest month of the year.
November marks the gradual return of the sun on the Caribbean coast. In Cartagena, temperatures remain high between 25°C and 31°C. The rains decrease as the month progresses — by the end of November, conditions are already much more pleasant.
The sea is still calm, ideal for trips to the Rosario Islands and the San Bernardo Archipelago.
In Santa Marta and in the Tayrona Park, the weather is also improving, but the last rains of the season may still occur, especially at the beginning of the month.
Warning: November remains a period to avoid for San Andrés and Providencia, still subject to the risk of hurricanes at the very beginning of the month.
On the Pacific coast, temperatures hover around 26°C, rainfall is frequent, and the cloud cover remains significant even though it tends to decrease as the month progresses. The humidity level is high, which makes the air oppressive during part of the day.
The humpback whale season is over.
I advise against visiting the Pacific coast at this time of year.
In Amazonia, November marks the beginning of the high water season. The rains resume after the nice season from June to October. The sky is more cloudy.
It is hot; temperatures range between 23°C and 31°C, and the high humidity makes the air heavy. Some hiking trails begin to close with the rising waters.
In November, the rainy season is gently coming to an end in Los Llanos. It’s still a wet month; the air is often heavy, but the rains decrease significantly as the days go by. It remains hot, especially in the middle of the day, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 31°C.
The plains gradually reveal themselves.
The park of Caño Cristales usually closes around mid to late November, depending on local weather conditions.
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What to do in Colombia in NOVEMBER
Cities, culture, and nature without the crowds.
November is a good time to discover Cartagena without the hustle and bustle of the high tourist season that restarts in mid-December.
The cobblestone streets of its historic center, with beautifully preserved colonial buildings, are quiet, the restaurants more accessible, the atmosphere more local. It’s perfect for exploring Getsemaní and its stunning, colorful graffiti, taking a cooking class or doing a tasting of rum or coffee.
It’s also a good time to escape to a dream hotel on the Rosario Islands or further away to the San Bernardo Archipelago: the sea is still calm, the winds are gentle, and the beaches are not yet crowded.
If you want to discover the pearl of the Caribbean at your own pace, I recommend avoiding the festivities of November 11th, Independence Day, which sets the city ablaze.
Located between 1,200 and 1,800 meters above sea level, the coffee region enjoys a pleasant climate all year round — neither too hot nor too cool.
In November, the mornings are often clear and it rains in the afternoons even though the showers tend to decrease as the month goes on. The humidity brings a feeling of coolness in the evening and at night.
Leave early to discover the Cocora Valley and its immense wax palms: the paths are wet but the morning light is magical.
In November, the main coffee harvest is in full swing. The fincas are bustling: it’s a great opportunity to understand the process of coffee transformation, from the manual harvesting of cherries to the cup, in a lively and authentic working atmosphere.
The pretty colonial villages such as Salento, crowded in high season, or Filandia and Pijao, more authentic, are quiet and not very crowded. A delight.
Entering Mompox is like opening a novel by García Márquez, the Colombian writer and Nobel Prize winner in literature. Nestled between two branches of the Magdalena River — the largest river in Colombia — this city out of time is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It exudes a captivating atmosphere: sumptuous colonial houses, cobblestone streets, artisan workshops of goldsmiths perpetuating the art of filigree — the weaving of jewelry from silver threads. With every step, you feel the ghosts of a bygone opulence.
November is still in the wet season — rainy mornings sometimes turn Mompox into a deserted town, until the downpour passes. But the temperatures are milder than in the dry season, and the level of the Magdalena begins to drop.
It’s the perfect time to stroll without the crowd, get lost in the historic center, participate in a goldsmithing workshop, and let the city dictate its slow and contemplative rhythm to you.
I loved visiting this city with a local guide and understanding its fascinating history.
At the border of the Andes and the great plains, Yopal is the capital of Casanare and the heart of the llanera culture — vibrant music, horseback cowboys, hatos lost in the vastness of the plains. It’s from here that you enter the Llanos of eastern Colombia, one of the last great wildlife sanctuaries in South America.
While not as optimal as January-March, November offers good conditions for going on a wildlife safari.
It is a month of gentle transition. The dry season sets in gradually; the few rains still prevent the shift into the intense heat of the llanero summer, and the great plains remain lush. You can make beautiful observations around the water points early in the morning or in the evening when giant anteaters, jaguars, and anacondas come to drink.
Discover this unique setting and the llanera culture at your own pace, by embarking on long horseback rides, accompanied by a llanero or, if you prefer a bit more comfort, from a beautiful hato, the ranch of the Llanos.
San José del Guaviare, in the department of Guaviare, between Los Llanos and the Amazon, is the Colombia of adventurers — little known, little visited, and yet extraordinary.
The region is home to rock paintings dating back 12,000 years, engraved in red on the walls of the tepuys by the indigenous peoples of Guaviare. The site of Cerro Azul is particularly impressive.
Around San José, the rock formations of the Guiana Shield, sculpted by erosion, offer stunning landscapes with amazing biodiversity.
November ends my favorite season to visit this wonder of Colombian nature: magnificent rivers, swollen waterfalls, and even a brilliant rainbow river, a more subtle version than Caño Cristales.
The journeys are made by jeep and boat, which adds some spice to your adventure. On the budget side, traveling alone is expensive. I recommend joining a group to reduce costs.
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NOVEMBER EVENTS
Independence, beauty, and music.
This is the major event of November in Colombia. For several weeks, Cartagena prepares to commemorate its independence, proclaimed on November 11, 1811 — the first city in Colombia to break free from the Spanish crown.
The festivities last several days around November 11: parades of sumptuous floats, folkloric groups in traditional costumes, neighborhood beauty contests, and street dances.
The atmosphere in Getsemaní and the Centro Histórico is electric; all the energy of the Caribbean is released in an intense display of local pride. If you love popular folklore and this bubbling atmosphere, it’s a moment not to be missed.
One of the highlights of the event is the election of Miss Colombia, the country’s most followed national beauty pageant, which takes place in Cartagena on this occasion.
Plan ahead and book your accommodation several months in advance — Cartagena is really crowded during this time.
Every year since 1934, the election of Miss Colombia takes place in Cartagena, on the occasion of its independence celebration, on November 11.
This contest brings together representatives from each department of the country — the winner will then go on to represent Colombia at Miss Universe.
The candidates make a few public appearances in the walled city, but the main part of the contest takes place in private, by invitation. A show within a show.
End of November, Leticia transforms into the musical capital of the Amazon.
For four days, the El Pirarucú de Oro festival brings together the best representatives of popular Amazonian music from Colombia, Brazil, and Peru.
Created in 1987, this cultural event celebrates the traditions and indigenous communities of the Amazon basin — a confidential rendezvous, far from the classic tourist circuits, but precious for those interested in this region of the world.
The festival takes its name from the pirarucú, the largest freshwater fish in South America, native to the Amazon rivers; this giant fish can reach 3 meters and 200 kilos. Fishing is prohibited each year, from November to March, to preserve the species.
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Tourism in NOVEMBER
The month of good deals, with one exception.
November in Colombia is, along with October, one of the least crowded months for foreign tourists. No Colombian school vacations, no international peak season.
You won’t have to rack your brain too much to find the hotel of your dreams, and the accommodation rates are among the lowest of the year: feel free to bargain. Guides are less in demand, and experiences are more intimate.
Cartagena, around November 11, is the only notable exception in this quiet month.
The city fills up with Colombians coming for the Independence festivities. If you want to be at the heart of the celebration, it’s perfect — but plan your accommodation in advance. If you want to discover the pearl of the Caribbean in a more laid-back atmosphere, avoid these few days.
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Packing for NOVEMBER
Essentials according to your destination.
Whatever your destination, a light raincoat remains essential.
A hat for sunny days (equatorial radiation goes through clouds), sunscreen, and a good external battery.
Light and breathable clothing, swimwear, sandals, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring the cobblestones of the old town.
If you’re there for the Independence festivities, plan for a more dressy and colorful outfit, as well as a small, secure bag to carry your belongings in the crowd.
Good waterproof hiking shoes for still wet paths, a poncho or a raincoat for unexpected showers.
Comfortable clothing if you’re exploring the plains of the Llanos on horseback.
An appropriate backpack and a waterproof cover to protect it.
Evenings and nights in high-altitude villages can be cool; bring something to cover yourself.
In November, the capital is cool, especially in the evening. Pack a warm sweater or a light jacket for the evenings. The days can be rainy — a compact raincoat or an umbrella is wise.
Colombians love to dress up for a night out.
Consider packing one or two outfits with a more chic touch. Some places require a dress code.
© Tomplanmytrip
MY TIPS FOR NOVEMBER
To properly prepare for your trip to Colombia.
November, it’s Colombia in its natural state – almost no tourists, lower prices, a more authentic atmosphere.
Avoid long Andean hikes if you prefer to stay dry — or, embrace the clouds as an integral part of your adventure.
November in Colombia is a month for savvy travelers — those who know how to choose their destinations well or are comfortable with the unpredictable weather, allergic to crowds, and mindful of their expenses.
If you plan to spend 7 days in Colombia, focus on one region.
Cartagena and Rosario Islands: The colonial charm of the old town, the colorful Getsemaní neighborhood, and a getaway to the paradisiacal Rosario Islands. Independence festivities, if the dates coincide and if you want to vibe to Caribbean rhythms.
Bogotá and Villa de Leyva: The capital for its museums and cultural vibrancy, then an escape to Villa de Leyva, a pretty colonial village at the foot of the Iguaque páramo.
Coffee Region & Bogotá: Salento without the crowd, the giant palms of the Cocora Valley, a coffee farm in full harvest, the quiet villages of Filandia and Pijao, before a final stop in Bogotá for its cultural interest.
If you plan to spend 15 days in Colombia, you can combine two regions, or even three at most:
Bogotá, the Coffee Region & Cartagena: The capital and its historic neighborhoods to discover the country’s history and culture, the gentle lifestyle of the colonial villages of the coffee region and its lush landscapes, and the pearl of the Caribbean with the idyllic islands of the Rosario archipelago.
Bogotá, Mompox & Caribbean Coast: The capital for its museums, its Candelaria neighborhood, and its gastronomy, the colonial city frozen in time of Mompox, and the Caribbean coast between Cartagena, the San Bernardo Islands, and Rincón del Mar.
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My Favorite Activities in Colombia
Contact the best local agencies directly to organize these experiences
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Cartagena: Rent a boat to explore the Rosario Islands 1d
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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
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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
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Imagine three massive hills rising from the ground in the middle of a vast jungle plain.
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Leticia: the Amazon from a jungle ecolodge, private lodge 5d
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Stay in the world's largest forest and discover its wonders and diversity.
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Yopal : Safari in los Llanos from a nature reserve 4d
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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
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Imagine the spectacle of a multicolored river winding through unique landscapes.
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Los Nevados: Santa Isabel glacier ascent 3D
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The perfect combo of high and medium-altitude mountains plus the discovery of numerous ecosystems.
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