Turn up the heat in Colombia this January

The turn of the year brings a festive vibe to Colombia, which is perhaps South America’s most positively transformed travel destination. As it sheds its unstable past and embraces its vibrant present, Colombia in January becomes a hotspot of color, culture, music, and celebration.

The streets of cities like Cali, Bogotá, and Pasto come alive with salsa beats, Latin pop, and carnivals so remarkable they boast UNESCO-protected status. If you’re looking for an escape filled with warmth, culture, and unforgettable experiences, January in Colombia is your ticket.

Let’s dive into the highlights of this magical month, from its festivals to the best places to explore. This guide unpacks all the Colombia destinations that await your arrival in January.

Why visit Colombia in January?

January marks the peak of Colombia’s dry season, making it one of the best times to visit. The weather is temperate, making it perfect for exploring the diverse landscapes, from the sunny Caribbean beaches to the lush Amazon rainforest.

It’s also festival season, with world-famous celebrations like the Black and White Carnival and Hay Festival bringing Colombian cities to life. Whether you’re a beach lover, a culture enthusiast, or just eager to experience Colombia’s biodiversity, January offers something special for you.

Weather in Colombia in January

Colombia’s geography provides an extraordinary variety of climates, even in January. The dry season ensures clear skies and mild weather across most regions, making it an ideal time to travel. Here’s what you can expect in terms of temperatures from some key vacation spots:

Coastal areas and islands: Cartagena and Santa Marta

The Caribbean basks in warm, sunny weather in January, with temperatures averaging 82-86 degrees Fahrenheit (28-30 degrees Celsius). It’s the perfect time for lounging on the beaches of Cartagena, exploring Tayrona National Natural Park, or diving in the crystal-clear waters near the Rosario Islands.

Santa Marta, with its vibrant culture and proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains, offers a unique mix of beach and adventure. You can enjoy leisurely multi-day trips trekking through the Lost City of Teyuna – an archaeological site teeming with ancient rock structures and greenery.

The Andes: Bogotá, Medellín and beyond

In the Andes, cities like Bogotá and Medellín enjoy cooler temperatures due to their elevation. Bogotá, the capital, is pleasant with highs of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) and minimal rain, great for exploring its museums and markets.

Medellín, known as the City of Eternal Spring, lives up to its name with warm days and cool evenings. The dry weather at this time of year is ideal for exploring and sightseeing.

Amazonia: Guainía and Vaupés

In the Amazon, January is drier than other months but still humid and lush. It’s an excellent time for wildlife-spotting, river tours, and trekking through the rainforest. The Amazon’s biodiversity is unparalleled, and the dry season makes navigating its trails and waterways more manageable.

Colombia festivals and events in January

Colombia in January is a hub of cultural celebrations, with vibrant festivals and events that highlight the nation’s diversity and creativity. Here are some of the top must-see events to put on your radar:

Black and White Carnival (Feria de Manizales and Carnaval de Negros y Blancos) — January 2-7

One of Colombia’s UNESCO-protected gems, this festival has a significant back story. When Spanish colonial authorities declared the 6th of January 1912 a national day off for all black enslaved laborers, they took to the streets, dancing and powdering their faces in celebration.

In support, the white population joined in the next day, and the annual Black and White Carnival began. In tribute to national unity, thousands flood the southern city of Pasto every year – throwing black and white powder and dancing through confetti-strewn streets alongside very psychedelic carnival floats. This yearly festival is full of colors, elated faces, and life.

Carnaval del Diablo (Devil’s Carnival) – January 6-12

Hosted in Riosucio, Caldas, the Devil’s Carnival is a biannual celebration that fuses indigenous, Spanish, and African traditions. Despite its name, the festival is far from sinister. Instead, it’s a lively and bold event filled with flowers, music, dance, and elaborate themed costumes.

Hay Festival in Cartagena — late January

Cartagena’s Hay Festival is a literary and arts extravaganza that attracts some of the best and brightest minds in literature, journalism, and the arts. Spanning several days, this event features world-class, thought-provoking talks and poetry readings, as well as live music performances.

Set against the backdrop of Cartagena’s historic Old Town, the Hay Festival is an inspiring celebration of creativity and culture – particularly for writers, journalists, poets, and musicians.

Visiting Colombia in adjacent months (December or February)?

If January doesn’t quite work for your travel plans, December and February are excellent alternatives for enjoying Colombia’s cultural landscape. Below are a few of our favorite festivals at these times of year:

La Feria de Cali (Cali Fest) – December 25-30

If you sense your Christmas break needs more spark, head to Cali Fest for horseback parades, salsa marathons, and high-energy dance parties. In a city dubbed the World’s Salsa Capital by renowned salsa stars, this is one of two yearly festivals dedicated to this fiery performance.

The event also honors the fusion of Latin and Afro-Caribbean music all over the country. Steel drummers, dance processions, lines of street food, dazzling beauty pageants, and hordes of local attendees amount to an explosive celebration of Colombian culture – enough to rival Rio!

Carnaval de Barranquilla (late February – early March)

Barranquilla Carnival’s slogan – quien lo vive, es quien lo goza (“those who live it are those who enjoy it”) is a perfect summation of the Colombian attitude. Held in the city of Barranquilla each February, and considered the biggest carnival in the country, it brings the locals together for a four-day toast to their cultural identity.

The festival’s 19th-century pagan roots have developed into a focus on fun, vitality, and national pride, as locals and tourists are all welcomed to the celebration. Delicious street food, masquerade shows, and, of course, more music are all on the bill.

Dance is a central feature with Spanish paloteo, African congo, Colombian cumbia, and the indigenous mico y micas among the parades. This is an ideal way to appreciate Colombia’s roots and cultural fusion – join the locals in their biggest, boldest street party!

Colombia in January: traveler FAQs

Below are a few short answers to the most commonly asked questions about Colombia’s events, festivals, and the best time of year to visit:

Is January the best time to visit Colombia?

For many travelers, January is the best time to go to Colombia. The weather is ideal, with minimal rain and pleasant temperatures across most regions. It’s also the peak of festival season, offering unique cultural experiences you won’t find elsewhere.

Is Cartagena nice in January?

Cartagena is stunning in January. The dry season brings sunny skies and warm weather, making it perfect for exploring the historic Old Town and walls of Cartagena, lounging on its beaches, or taking a boat trip to nearby islands.

Where is the best place to go in Colombia in January?

The answer depends on your interests. If you’re looking for beach vibes, Cartagena might be the best for you. Those who’d like to explore Colombian culture should visit Bogotá or Medellín. And finally, if you’re all about adventure, look no further than the Amazon or hiking the Lost City.

How many days in Colombia is enough?

You can spend weeks exploring Colombia’s diverse landscapes, but a 10- to 14-day trip is best for covering multiple regions without feeling rushed. If you don’t have much time, opt for a 7-day Caribbean trip, but if you’re in no hurry, try to plan out a 12-day or 23-day vacation to immerse yourself fully into the country’s riches.

Make it happen

Plan your trip to Colombia in January for a whirlwind of cultural pursuits! Our local experts are on hand to further guide your travel plans, by helping you put together a tailor-made itinerary and even book tickets for the top events on your sightseeing list. Get in touch with them today for more information.