April is the last of Cartagena's dry season and the first hint of the rains, in the same month. The sea is at its calmest; the air at its heaviest.
Weather#
| Early April | Late April | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | ~32°C / 90°F, dry | ~32°C / 90°F |
| Afternoons | Clear | The first showers |
| Nights | ~25°C / 77°F | ~25°C / 77°F |
| Sea | Calm | Calm |
March is the same heat with less chance of rain; May is the rainy season starting properly.
Semana Santa#
In years when Easter falls in April, Holy Week brings processions from the churches of the walled city, a solemn Good Friday, Colombian families everywhere and hotels at peak prices for the week. Book months ahead or avoid that week. In 2027 Easter is early, 28 March, so April is quiet.
What's on#
FICCI, the Cartagena International Film Festival, in March or April depending on the year, with free open-air screenings in the plazas at night.
The April day#
Walled city from 7 to 11. Pool, lunch, siesta or a museum from 11 to 4. The walls at sunset and Getsemaní after dark. Islands on any calm morning: day trips from Cartagena. Things to do, where locals eat, nightlife.
Crowds and prices#
Quiet and good value except Holy Week. Where to stay, on a budget.
What to pack#
The lightest clothes, a hat, sun protection, sandals, a small umbrella for the last week. Is Cartagena safe?
Plan it#
The 5-day itinerary with the island day on the calmest forecast. Post your dates on Roavi Community. Roavi has very few Local Friends in Cartagena yet; browse who is on Roavi and post early. How to meet locals in Cartagena.
Cartagena in April? Calm sea, quiet streets. Find who is in town.
Post on CommunityFrequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in Cartagena in April?
Highs around 32°C (90°F), nights around 25°C (77°F), very little wind, and mostly dry until the first afternoon showers appear in the last week or two. Humid and hot in the middle of the day.Is April a good time to visit Cartagena?
Yes, outside Holy Week: dry-season weather, a calm sea for the islands, and quiet streets and good prices. Holy Week itself is full and expensive.When is Semana Santa in Cartagena?
The week before Easter. In 2027 Easter is 28 March, so Holy Week falls in late March; in years when Easter is in April, the processions, the crowds and the peak hotel prices move to April.What should I pack for Cartagena in April?
The lightest clothes, a hat, serious sun protection, sandals, a small umbrella for the end of the month, and a modest outfit for churches if you are there in Holy Week.