July in Cartagena is sweaty, sunny most of the time, briefly stormy, and for two weeks full of Colombian families on holiday.
Weather#
| Typical | |
|---|---|
| Days | Around 32°C, humid |
| Nights | Around 25°C |
| Rain | Short heavy showers, often a drier first half |
| Sea | Mostly calm |
March is the last dry month; August is much like July with the crowd gone.
Crowds and prices#
| Dates | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Until about 15 July | Colombian school holidays: busy, pricier, islands full |
| After 15 July | Quieter, prices ease |
Where to stay, Cartagena on a budget. Travelling with the family yourself? Cartagena with kids.
The July day#
Walled city and Castillo from 7 to 11. Lunch, pool, siesta, a museum from 11 to 4. Getsemaní, the walls at sunset and dinner after 5. The shower, when it comes, is late afternoon or night and lasts under an hour. Things to do in Cartagena, where locals eat, nightlife.
Islands and beaches#
Morning boats to the Rosarios or Barú, back by mid-afternoon ahead of the showers. Day trips from Cartagena.
What to pack#
Quick-dry clothes, two sets a day, sandals, a small umbrella, repellent, a hat. 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. How to meet locals in Cartagena.
Cartagena in July? Find who is in town.
Post on CommunityFrequently Asked Questions
Does it rain a lot in Cartagena in July?
It rains in short, heavy bursts, usually late afternoon or at night, and often not at all for several days in the first half of the month, the so-called veranillo. Whole wet days are rare until September and October.Is Cartagena busy in July?
Until about 15 July, yes: Colombian families on the mid-year school break fill the walled city and the islands. After that it is quieter and prices ease.How hot is Cartagena in July?
Highs around 32°C, nights around 25°C, with high humidity. It feels hotter than the dry season despite similar numbers. Plan around midday.Can I visit the Rosario Islands in July?
Yes. The sea is generally calm in July and the visibility is fine. Morning departures avoid the afternoon showers.