January has the best weather in Cartagena and, for two weeks, the most Colombians. After the 15th it is close to perfect.
Weather#
| Typical | |
|---|---|
| Days | Around 31°C, sunny |
| Nights | Around 24°C |
| Rain | Almost none |
| Wind | Strongest of the year; choppy sea |
December is the holiday peak; February is the same weather with carnival in Barranquilla.
The wind#
In the walled city it is what makes January bearable: the breeze off the sea cuts the heat. On the water it means a bumpy forty minutes to the Rosario Islands, spray over the bow, and some days cancelled. Take the morning boat, the larger vessel, and a dry bag. Day trips from Cartagena.
Crowds and prices#
| Dates | What to expect |
|---|---|
| 1 – 15 January | Colombian school holidays: full, loud, expensive |
| 16 – 31 January | Quieter, cheaper, same weather |
Where to stay in Cartagena; Cartagena on a budget for the second half.
What's on#
The Festival Internacional de Música in the first half of the month, classical concerts in the churches and plazas. The Hay Festival in the last days, writers and talks in the Teatro Adolfo Mejía and the cloisters. Both are reasons to pick late January.
What to do#
The walled city in the early morning and after five. Getsemaní at night. The Castillo San Felipe at opening. Things to do in Cartagena, where locals eat, nightlife.
What to pack#
Light clothes, a hat that stays on in the wind, sun protection, a dry bag for the boat. Is Cartagena safe? for the street rules.
Plan it#
The 5-day itinerary or 3 days. 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 January? Find who is in town.
Post on CommunityFrequently Asked Questions
Is January a good time to visit Cartagena?
Yes for weather: dry, sunny and breezy. The first two weeks are the Colombian holiday peak, with full hotels and high prices; the second half is the sweet spot, with the same weather, fewer people and the Hay Festival.Is Cartagena windy in January?
Yes, the trade winds are at their strongest from December to February. In the city it is welcome. At sea it means choppy crossings to the Rosario Islands and sometimes cancelled trips; go on a morning departure and take the bigger boat.What is the Hay Festival Cartagena?
A literature and ideas festival held in the walled city at the end of January, with writers from Colombia, Latin America and the English-speaking world. Many events are in Spanish, some in English, and tickets are cheap.Is January expensive in Cartagena?
Until about the 15th, yes: it is the Colombian high season and the walled city charges accordingly. After mid-month prices drop noticeably.