August is the month Cartagena belongs to the people who can take the heat. The holiday crowd has gone, the prices with it, and the walled city at seven in the morning is yours.
Weather#
| Typical | |
|---|---|
| Days | Around 32°C, humid |
| Nights | Around 25°C |
| Rain | Short late-afternoon showers |
| Sea | Calm |
July is the same with crowds; September is wetter and cheaper still.
Crowds and prices#
Quiet. Hotels in the walled city and Getsemaní at some of their lowest rates. The 7th is a public holiday, the Battle of Boyacá, and a long weekend for Colombians, so that weekend is busier. Where to stay, Cartagena on a budget.
The August day#
Early: the walls, the Castillo San Felipe at opening, the Mercado Bazurto if you want the real market with someone who knows it. Midday: pool, museum, a long lunch where locals eat. Evening: Getsemaní's Plaza de la Trinidad, the walls at sunset, nightlife. Things to do in Cartagena.
Islands and beaches#
Calm sea, morning departures, space on the boats. Day trips from Cartagena. Also the month to compare with the coast further east: Cartagena vs Santa Marta.
What to pack#
Quick-dry clothes, two changes a day, a hat, sandals, repellent, a small umbrella. Is Cartagena safe?
Plan it#
The 5-day itinerary. Post your dates on Roavi Community. Roavi has very few Local Friends in Cartagena yet; browse who is on Roavi and post early.
Cartagena in August? Quiet, cheap, hot. Find your people.
Post on CommunityFrequently Asked Questions
Is August a good time to visit Cartagena?
For value, yes. The weather is the same as July, the crowds have gone and prices are low. It is hot and humid, so it suits people who can plan around midday.Does it rain in Cartagena in August?
In short heavy showers, mostly late afternoon or at night, with plenty of sunny days between. The really wet months are September and October.Is Cartagena cheap in August?
Among the cheapest months for hotels, with September and October. Flights from the US and Europe are summer-priced, so the saving is on the ground.Can I do the Rosario Islands in August?
Yes. The sea is calm and the boats run on morning departures. Visibility for snorkelling is decent.