September in Colombia: Is it Worth it?
Editor
Updated on
September in Colombia is one of those months shunned by tourists, but it remains one of the most intense months of the year in terms of experiences.
Indeed, many regions, except for the south, see the return of rain mainly in the afternoons, but September offers unique and seasonal discoveries such as the humpback whales ballet on the Pacific or the vibrant colors of Caño Cristales.
Also rich in culture, in September, major cities vibrate to the feverish rhythms of jazz and salsa.
Thanks to this guide, discover the best destinations and how to experience your Colombian adventure during this month with a more authentic tempo.
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.
→ About us | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ + 165 reviews | → Our service
- In Colombia since 2015
- + 1025 tested experiences
- + de 145 local partners
- + 335 trips created
SEPTEMBER IN COLOMBIA
How to Enjoy Colombia in September
WEATHER IN SEPTEMBER
Between Rain and Colors.
In Medellín, temperatures range between 17°C and 27°C with an average of 22°C. The rains are regular, often in the afternoon, but the mornings generally remain pleasant. The city of “eternal spring” keeps its promise, even in September.
In Bogotá, it is cool and precipitation is frequent, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 21°C. The showers are short but daily. It’s the perfect time to explore the cultural life and museums of the capital.
In Cali, September remains hot (20°C to 30°C) and relatively humid and the frenetic rhythms of salsa create an electric atmosphere in the city.
September is one of the rainiest months on the Caribbean coast, with temperatures that remain high, between 26°C and 34°C with high humidity. The rains can be heavy, but are generally short, and the mornings are rather sunny.
In the desert of La Guajira, the much-anticipated rains arrive between September and October, and the muddy paths quickly become impassable. It’s honestly not the right time to venture into the desert.
The Pacific coast is rainy all year round; September is no exception. The temperatures range between 24°C and 28°C, and the humidity makes the air oppressive at certain times of the day.
But it is the last moment of the year to observe the whales before they head back south.
September is one of the hottest months in the Amazon, with temperatures between 22°C and 31°C and heavy heat, even oppressive in the middle of the day due to the high humidity.
It is still the low water season — ideal for hiking on foot in the jungle, fishing, and observing Amazonian wildlife.
In September, Los Llanos are in the middle of the rainy season. Temperatures range between 23°C and 31°C and the humidity weighs down the air. The vast plains are flooded.
September is still a good time of year to discover Caño Cristales, whose colors explode under the effect of the sun and the high level of the river water.
© Tomplanmytrip
Our secret to actually enjoying your Colombia vacation
AI and social media have turned travel into a frantic race. Everyone follows the same itineraries, rushes from one tourist spot to another for fear of “missing out,” without ever stopping to truly experience the country.
We refuse that for your Colombia trip. No more superficial, exhausting travel.
In 11 years of passionate exploration, we’ve meticulously handpicked our favorites—places, experiences, hotels—then organized them in a logical and optimized way. The goal? To give you beautiful, authentic experiences, away from the crowds, with minimal time wasted on transfers.
© Tomplanmytrip
What to do in Colombia in SEPTEMBER
Unique natural and cultural experiences.
September marks the end of the great migration of humpback whales in the Colombian Pacific; in October, they will begin their return to Antarctica.
Boat trips allow you to get close to them. Seeing these giants of the sea is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular experiences Colombia has to offer.
The best observation sites are Nuquí and the Gulf of Tribugá — with its remote villages of Guachalito, Termales or Punta Brava — and Bahía Solano, where the last whales linger until October.
Between two outings at sea, the Pacific coast offers many other discoveries: lush jungle, hidden waterfalls, canoeing in the mangroves, surfing at Termales or even walks on the vast black sand beaches.
Plan for 4 to 5 days and book in advance: many accommodations have limited capacity. I recommend an eco-lodge with an ocean view to have the chance to watch the whales from your hammock.
September is one of the best months to discover Caño Cristales. The colors of the river reach their maximum intensity and there are fewer tourists.
Located in the Serranía de La Macarena National Park, this river, unique in the world, winds through astonishing ancient rock formations. It owes its nickname to the brilliant colors produced by the blooming of an endemic aquatic plant, Macarenia clavigera, under the combined effect of the sun and the water level.
Carpets of bright colors, majestic waterfalls, natural pools where you can swim: a chromatic spectacle you won’t find anywhere else with such brilliance.
Besides its multicolored river, the Serranía de La Macarena holds other treasures: powerful waterfalls, stunning biodiversity, endless savannas, dense jungle, and a deeply rooted llanera culture.
Plan for 4 to 5 days to fully enjoy it.
Even though it’s hot, September is a good month to venture into the Colombian Amazon.
It’s the middle of the low water season; some rivers remain navigable, the trails are passable, and you can make great animal sightings with the help of your local guide with a trained eye.
Watching the spectacle of the sunset of the hoazins, those strange endemic birds of the Amazon, from a canoe on Lake Marasha, is unforgettable.
Set off on an adventure from Leticia: hiking in the lush jungle with its amazing biodiversity, a stop in the peaceful small town of Puerto Nariño, near Lake Tarapoto, a night outing to watch for caimans, piranha fishing with the locals, sharing the daily life of indigenous communities and discovering their traditions, their crafts, and their deep connection to the forest – a unique experience.
Plan for at least 4 to 5 days to truly immerse yourself in this special world.
Nestled between the Eastern Plains and the Amazon, 400 km south of Bogotá, San José del Guaviare is the starting point for adventurers wishing to discover a spectacular and still unexplored nature.
It is one of the most unknown and fascinating destinations in Colombia.
September is one of my favorite months to go on an adventure. The rains, short and regular, swell the rivers and enhance the waterfalls, and sunny days are becoming more frequent. The vegetation is lush and the wildlife — especially the birds — is particularly active. Among the many gems to discover: rock paintings, some of the oldest rock formations on the planet, rivers with colorful hues reminiscent of Caño Cristales, and a fantastic biodiversity.
The journeys by jeep and motorboat are part of the adventure. Solo, the destination is expensive: a group tour remains the best option.
© Tomplanmytrip
What to do in Colombia in SEPTEMBER
Adventure and wandering on the Caribbean coast.
Capurgana and Sapzurro, nestled in the heart of the Darién jungle, at the Panamanian border, are among the most secret destinations of the Colombian Caribbean coast.
Accessible only by boat from Turbo or Necoclí, or by charter flight from Medellín, these Afro-Colombian villages of the Caribbean Chocó, still rarely visited by tourists, have all the characteristics of the end of the world.
September is among my favorite months to go there. The sea is calm, the turquoise waters have regained their clarity, and the diving conditions are excellent. And even though it’s the rainy season, know that it never rains all day long.
Capurgana for diving and immersion in local life, Sapzurro for tranquility and the beautiful beaches, Trigana and San Francisco if it’s the jungle that attracts you. Off the beaten path, it’s an ideal destination if you are naturally adventurous.
In September, it’s still the rainy season on the Caribbean coast, but Cartagena is no less interesting.
The showers are generally brief, the mornings are generous with sunshine, and the city — free from the summer crowds — reveals a completely different side.
We stroll without rushing in the historic center, the clientele of Getsemaní restaurants is more local, and the sunsets over the ramparts are more intimate.
Offshore, the idyllic Rosario Islands offer calm waters and clear seabeds, perfect for diving or snorkeling.
Some trails can be muddy in the Tayrona Park, but there are few tourists. The Ciudad Perdida trek is closed.
© Tomplanmytrip
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Rhythms, religious fervor, and love.
In September, Colombia vibrates to the rhythm of jazz. From Bogotá to Cali, passing through Medellín, Pasto, and Santa Cruz de Mompox, the country’s major cities come alive around iconic festivals that attract renowned international artists.
Each city has its flagship event: MedeJazz in Medellín, Ajazzgo in Cali, and in Bogotá, concerts at the Teatro Colón as well as in public spaces. The program mixes Afro jazz, jazz fusion, and tributes to the great Colombian masters — a rare diversity that makes this month an ideal occasion for lovers of this musical style.
Cali is not the birthplace of salsa, but it is where it is most alive.
At the end of September, the World Salsa Festival is the brilliant proof: more than 5,000 dancers and 1,500 musicians from all corners of the globe converge at the Coliseo El Pueblo to celebrate what makes up the soul of the city.
The competitions are divided into several categories and the level achieved is simply impressive. The best salsa schools in Cali compete alongside international delegations, in an electric atmosphere that belongs only to this city.
But the festival is not limited to competitions. Workshops, conferences, concerts, and exhibitions complete the program for those who want to immerse themselves fully in the salsa culture.
An unmissable event to understand why Cali deserves, more than ever, its title as the world capital of salsa.
Every year, from September 19 to October 5, Quibdó transforms.
The streets of the capital of Chocó, on the Pacific coast, fill with thousands of people in colorful costumes to celebrate the Festival of San Pacho — a tribute to Saint Francis of Assisi, patron of the city.
Religious processions, floats adorned with sacred figures, rafts navigating on the mighty river Atrato: the festival blends faith and festivity with rare intensity. The music of chirimía chocoana sets the pace for the neighborhood parades, and the currulao dancers carry on movements inherited from African communities.
374 years old and listed as UNESCO’s intangible heritage since 2012, San Pacho is much more than a festival: it is the soul of a people celebrating their culture and faith.
September is also the month of Love and Friendship in Colombia, the local equivalent of Valentine’s Day.
Colombians celebrate their friends and loved ones with outings, gifts, and a particularly warm atmosphere in bars, restaurants, and public spaces.
A celebration that expresses the importance Colombians place on relationships, whether they are romantic, familial, or friendly.
© Tomplanmytrip
Tourism in SEPTEMBER
The attractions of the low season.
September is clearly a low tourist season in Colombia.
The iconic sites are noticeably less crowded. You can enjoy an almost empty Cartagena of foreign tourists, explore the museums of Bogotá without waiting in line, or walk through the streets of Barichara in rare calm.
The accommodation offer is more flexible and often cheaper than in high season.
If you plan to go to the Pacific coast, where the whale season is coming to an end, or to Caño Cristales, make sure to book well in advance — the accommodation capacities are limited and the demand remains strong for these two destinations.
© Tomplanmytrip
Packing your bag for SEPTEMBER
Adapt to the rain and the diversity of environments.
A compact raincoat is essential. Tropical showers can be sudden and intense, especially in the Andes. Slip a lightweight poncho or a waterproof windbreaker into your bag; you’ll appreciate it.
An anti-mosquito repellent is essential if you venture to the Pacific or the Amazon. The humid conditions promote the proliferation of mosquitoes.
If you go hiking — whether it’s to Caño Cristales or San José del Guaviare — choose waterproof or quick-drying hiking shoes. The trails can be muddy.
Plan for a suitable backpack.
Humidity is constant. Plan for technical lightweight but covering clothing (long sleeves against mosquitoes) that dries quickly.
Bring waterproof bags to protect your electronic devices and your backpack during your outings and boat trips. You will probably have to jump from your boat onto the beach; you will likely get wet. Wear closed shoes if you don’t want to see them drift away.
The National Park of Serranía de la Macarena imposes its rules: sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and plastic bottles are prohibited inside the park.
Plan for light long-sleeved clothing, a swimsuit, closed hiking shoes that can get wet, and a headlamp for the evenings.
For outdoor events, plan on wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, and don’t forget your hat and sunglasses.
For your evenings out in the city, bring some more dressy outfits; Colombians like to dress chic when going out, and some trendy bars or restaurants have a dress code.
In Bogotá, evenings and mornings can be cool; take a jacket or a sweatshirt.
© Tomplanmytrip
MY TIPS FOR SEPTEMBER
To properly prepare for your trip to Colombia.
September in Colombia is often and too quickly dismissed by travelers because of the rains. It’s a mistake.
This month actually offers some of the rarest experiences in Colombia: it’s the last chance to possibly see the humpback whales on the Pacific coast and the colors of Caño Cristales explode with beauty.
Between jazz and salsa, it is also a month that offers an intense urban cultural life. A very pleasant way to discover a country.
Moreover, when it arrives, the rain often falls in short showers — mornings generally remain favorable for activities.
If you plan to spend 7 days in Colombia, focus on one region.
Pacific Coast: Flight from Medellín to Bahía Solano or Nuquí to watch whales, hike in the jungle, visit the villages of the Gulf of Tribugá, like Arusí and Termales, or get lost at the end of the world at Punta Brava.
Caño Cristales: Bogotá as the starting point, then a flight to La Macarena to discover the wonders of the Serranía de La Macarena, including Caño Cristales.
Cartagena and the Rosario Islands: The charm of Cartagena and its historic center, without the crowd, and a getaway to the idyllic Rosario Islands, in a dream hotel.
If you plan to spend 15 days in Colombia, you can combine two regions, or even three at most:
Antioquia, Cali and the Pacific Coast: Medellín and the colonial villages of Antioquia, like Santa Fe de Antioquia or Jericó, then Cali to soak up the salsa atmosphere, and an adventure on the Pacific coast to meet whales and discover remote villages.
Amazon & Confidential Caribbean Coast: A stop in Bogotá and its museums before flying to Leticia for an adventure deep in the Amazon jungle, then relaxation at the end of the world in Capurgana and Sapzurro or Isla Fuerte.
San José del Guaviare & Rincón del Mar (Western Caribbean Coast): Adventure in Guaviare between Llanos and jungle, then relaxation in the peaceful fishing village of Rincón del Mar and escape to the islands of the San Bernardo archipelago.
© 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.
View this tour
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.
View this tour
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.
View this tour
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.
View this tour
See more activities?
We test and select the best activities in Colombia especially for our readers.
Your local travel agency in Colombia
Want to discover the best of Colombia without rushing around or overcomplicating things?
We’ve spent 11 years solving the perfect trip equation: maximize jaw-dropping experiences, eliminate unnecessary transfers, and avoid tourist hordes.
The result? The Colombia we fell in love with—not the cookie-cutter routes designed for everyone else—savored at a pace that lets you fully live each moment. No more superficial, exhausting trips.
When to Visit Colombia
Select a Region of Colombia
Western Caribbean Coast
Follow us on Instagram!
We help travelers fall in love with Colombia since 2015.
Tom & Adrien
Feel free to use our forms and services to improve your trip.
I know there are tons of resources online, and everyone loves to share their opinion — it can get pretty confusing, and might even make you doubt your choices.
The easiest solution? Trust us. And if you’re unsure, just check out our reviews on Google.
Our secret to actually enjoying your Colombia vacation
Colombia is twice the size of France. There’s no point trying to see it all in 15 days. Our trips distill 11 years of boots-on-the-ground exploration into the essentials: the very best of the country, without the stress of racing around.
