Cartagena in September

December through April delivers Cartagena's best weather—dry skies, steady breezes, and temperatures that hover around 86°F (30°C). This is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowds thick enough to make the Old City feel like a theme park. The sweet spot hits in January and February. Christmas crowds have dispersed, but the weather stays perfect. Hotel rates drop slightly from their December peaks, and you can actually enjoy those Instagram-worthy plazas without fighting for photo space. May through November brings rain and humidity that'll have you changing shirts twice daily. But here's the thing—afternoon showers cool everything down, and you'll have the city largely to yourself. Hotel prices plummet, restaurants offer better service, and locals have time to chat instead of rushing past tourist hordes. Avoid October and November if possible. These months see the heaviest rainfall, and while the showers usually pass quickly, they can disrupt outdoor plans and boat trips to nearby islands. Cartagena's festival calendar matters more than weather sometimes. The Hay Festival in January brings international authors and cultural events. Independence Day (November 11) fills the city with parades and celebrations, but also with Colombian tourists who know how to party.