Weather in Cartagena in August

Come August, the Colombian city of Cartagena sees a small volume of tourists as a result of it being a rainy season month. That said, the rain levels have yet to hit the volume seen in September and October, and temperatures remain tropically hot. All that considered, August can be a good month to visit if you like it hot and humid between rain showers, and are looking for fewer crowds and lower costs. Read on for details on the weather in Cartagena in August, along with itinerary ideas.

Is August a good time to visit Cartagena?

The answer to that question very much depends on your personal preferences. In essence. August can be a good time to visit Cartagena if you enjoy tropical heat and aren't irritated by rain showers.

Another reason August could be a good time to visit Cartagena is if you prefer the usual benefits of low season i.e. smaller crowds and lower costs. It’s also worth noting that though the city sees fewer international visitors in August, it remains lively.

At the same time, the Caribbean Sea is super warm at this time of year, so you’ll get to enjoy swimming and snorkelling in sublime temperatures.

Just be prepared for the humidity and rain, and have indoor activities up your sleeve — visiting museums, taking cookery classes, enjoying the city’s café culture — for when heavy showers strike.

Keen to visit Cartagena? Talk to our local Colombia experts to kick-start creating your dream trip. 

Average temperatures in Cartagena in August

Having a tropical climate, Cartagena is warm (or hot) around the year, with the weather in Cartagena in August seeing average daily highs of 31°C (88°F). 

At night, the temperature typically cools down to around 25°C (77°F). This range is in line with Cartagena’s temperatures in July.

As highlighted above, August is part of the region’s wet season and it sees an average of 113mm (4.45 inches) across the month, which is slightly up on July.

For wider context, August’s rainfall is considerably less than October, which sees around 206mm (8.11 inches), and notably more than the 1mm (0.04 inches) experienced during the dry season months of January, February, and March.

Considering the typical rain patterns, and the fact that temperatures are cooler in the mornings and evenings, plan outdoor activities during those times, and set aside the hot, rain-prone afternoons for indoor experiences. Oh, and be sure to bring a brolly and light raincoat.

Editor’s tip: for a bigger picture of the weather, read up on the best time to visit Colombia.

What about the crowds and cost?

August is a low season month for tourism in Cartagena, which means small crowds and low costs as a result of the reduced demand for flights, accommodation, and tour services. 

For context, Cartagena’s tourist high season runs from December to January, with another peak seen around Semana Santa (Easter week). Both of these periods see an inflation of average flight and accommodation costs.

If you’re looking to balance moderate rain, and moderate crowds and costs, the February-April and late-November to early-December shoulder seasons might be your ideal months.

But, if you’re looking for the biggest bargains, and are flexible enough to deal with rain showers, don’t discount August!

Still not sure where to go? Discover some of the best places to visit in August.

Unforgettable customisable Colombia itineraries

If you fancy seeing a rewarding range of Colombia, consider taking a trip that’s been curated by a Rough Guides' local expert.

As revealed in our guide to backpacking Colombia, going it alone takes some planning and can present challenges. In contrast, taking the Rough Guides’ route means our experts will take care of planning an unforgettable trip that’s been 100% tailored to your preferences.

Here are a few sample itineraries to spark inspiration:

• Magnificent Colombian Highlights (11 days): from exploring bustling Bogota and charming Cartagena to uncovering the natural wonders of Puerto Narino and Medellín’s vibrant culture, this trip is rich in experiences and magnificent in nature. 
• Fascination Colombia - Medellín and Cartagena (11 days): this immersive two-centre trip will see you divide your time between Medellin and Cartagena, with each base offering opportunities to experience a richness of Colombian culture, from taking authentic cooking classes to exploring the great outdoors on horseback.
• Unforgettable Colombia - cities, coffee, and islands (13 days): encompassing Colombia's three main areas, including the capital, Bogotá, the beautiful colonial town of Villa de Leyva, and Cartagena, this diverse trip will see you uncover coffee culture in lush hillsides and valleys before blissing out on the idyllic Islas del Rosario.

What to do and see in Cartagena in August

Whatever the weather, Cartagena has plenty to see and do around the year. In the case of August, with its rainy season showers, you can still blend enjoying the Caribbean coastline and beach-based activities with stacks of cultural experiences.

Here are a few suggestions for what to see and do in Cartagena in August.

Explore UNESCO sites and museums

Visiting Cartagena’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Walled City and Old Town is a must-do no matter when you visit, with August bringing the low season bonus of there being fewer crowds.

Take a guided tour to discover the history behind the likes of San Felipe de Barajas Castle, the Palace of the Inquisition, and the Santo Domingo Church.

Cartagena also isn’t short of fascinating museums and galleries to visit during rainy afternoons — from the Museo del Oro Zenú (Gold Museum) and the Caribbean Naval Museum to the Museum of Modern Art.

While these tend to attract big crowds during the high season, August’s low visitor numbers will see you explore them in a more immersive fashion.

Uncover local culture

To soak up colourful local culture, cuisine, and street art, head to the Getsemaní district, where you’re sure to enjoy a literal and metaphoric flavour of the city.

And the reasons? Lively Getsemaní is loaded with cafés, bars, restaurants, and clubs, with the pretty Plaza de la Trinidad the perfect place to people-watch and be entertained by an ever-changing roster of talented performers. 

Editor’s tip: love your grub? Book a guided tour of Bazurto Market, or take a food-themed walking tour of the wider city to savour sublime regional specialties like arepas and ceviche.

Still haven't decided where you're going this summer? Explore our list of the best August holiday destinations.

Soak up the captivating Caribbean coast and idyllic islands

Don’t let the threat of rain stop you from visiting the city's nearby beaches in the morning, among them Bocagrande and Castillo Grande.

We also suggest booking a day trip to the Rosario Islands. Known for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, the snorkelling is out-of-this-world.

You could also kayak or paddle-board the calm waters that lap the islands’ idyllic shores before resting up on pretty Playa Blanca.

Though very popular for obvious reasons, visiting the Rosario Islands in low-season August makes the experience all the more special.

Book a La Boquilla mangrove tour

If you love nature, be sure to take a trip to the serene La Boquilla mangroves. They’re especially lush in this rainy season month. 

You’ll board a traditional wooden canoe in the company of a local expert who’ll point out local and fauna, with birdlife being especially bountiful around these parts.

We suggest taking an early-morning trip to beat the most intense heat of the day, and to try to avoid the increased possibility of rain in the afternoon. 

Editor’s tip: to blend nature and culture, book a tour that includes a local lunch and demonstrations of local crafts. Some tour options also offer opportunities to visit and contribute to community projects.

Be rejuvenated by volcanic mud

Around 1 hour and 20 minutes from town, visiting Totumo’s mud volcano is a fun day out.

After climbing into the crater, you’ll float in the warm, therapeutic mud baths with more space and time than you’re likely to enjoy during peak season — this trip is pretty popular.

And who cares if it rains? The experience will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed — as if all your troubles have been washed away, along with the mud!

Still, making up your mind? Read up on the best things to do in Colombia, and get the Rough Guide to Colombia.

Visit Cartagena in different months

To be better informed before booking your trip, find out what to expect of the weather in Cartagena around the year.

• January: expect hot, dry weather and average temperatures of 31°C (88°F) in this peak season month.
• February: similar to January, shoulder-season February sees hot, dry conditions with temperatures averaging 31°C (88°F), and fewer tourists than January.
• March: the heat continues as the dry season transitions towards more humid conditions later in the month — still ideal for hitting the beach.
• April: this marks the start of the wet season, with increased humidity, occasional showers and fewer visitors as the shoulder season shifts to low season.
• May: expect more frequent rain showers as the wet season progresses, while temperatures remain warm, averaging around 31°C (88°F).
• June: the wet season continues with regular rain in this low season month, though there are still plenty of sunny intervals. 
• July: similar to June, July offers a mix of rain and sunshine, with daytime temperatures still hitting an average of around 31°C (88°F).
• September: this low season month sees the city enter the peak of the wet season, but it remains hot.
• October: this is usually the wettest month, so expect significant rainfall and prepare to be flexible with your travel plans.
• November: the rain starts to decrease during November as the region shifts back to the dry season, with visitor numbers increasing as the month wears on.
• December: the dry season begins with less rainfall and more sunny days. Temperatures average around 31°C (88°F), making it a popular time for visitors.