Weather in Colombia in April

With low-season levels of visitor numbers, the weather in Colombia in April sees the country shift to wet season mode. While rainfall is very high in the Amazon region and along the Pacific Coast, it remains relatively moderate on the Caribbean Coast and islands. At the same time, temperatures are warm or hot in many areas, but cooler in the Andean region, especially in high-altitude Bogotá. All that considered, this is a good month to enjoy less crowded, less expensive trips to some regions, while some areas of the Amazon could be cut off by rain. Read on for more detail on the weather in Colombia in April.

What is the weather like in Colombia in April?

As a result of the country’s varied topography, visiting Colombia in April means your experience of the weather will differ depending on which region you visit. 

As a rule, though, April sits in the country’s rainy season, and it’s also a low season for tourism.

Read on for detail on the weather in Colombia in April across a few regions that might be on your travel radar.

Andean region
 

Colombia’s Andean region enters the rainy season in April, with afternoon showers pretty frequent. 

Temperatures in cities like Bogotá, the Colombian capital, hover around 14°C (57°F). It can be even cooler due to the altitude, so be sure to pack layers and a raincoat.

Meanwhile, as revealed in our guide to the weather in Medellín in April, the “City of Eternal Spring”, is a little warmer, with an average daily range from 15°C (59F) to 22°C.

Caribbean coast
 

Come April, cities like Cartagena on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast experience warmer and more humid conditions, with temperatures sitting around the 30°C (86°F) mark.

Rainfall is less common and heavy here than it is in the Andean region, making it a popular destination for beachgoers, especially for those on a budget who are keen to bag low season bargains.

Editor’s tip: discover more detail on the weather in Cartagena in April.

Pacific region

Expect high humidity and rainfall, as this region is one of the wettest in the country around the year. Temperatures are warm, averaging 28°C (82°F). 

At the same time, the rain further fosters the region’s rich biodiversity, which Is sure to satisfy nature-loving tourists.

Amazon region
 

In the likes of Leticia in Colombia’s Amazon region, the weather is consistently hot and humid with frequent rain showers — as is typical of a tropical rainforest climate.

April in the Amazon sees rainfall increase from a very high level in March (about 320 mm/12.6 inches) to extremely high — typically around 350 mm (13.8 inches). For the lowest rainfall, visit this region between July and September.

Insular region

Colombia’s Caribbean islands like San Andrés and Providencia have a tropical climate with less pronounced rainy seasons. 

While showers are possible in April, they're usually brief and followed by sunshine. And, with temperatures averaging around 29°C (84°F) in April, warm water and smaller crowds, its well worth considering visiting in this month. 

Keen to visit Colombia? Talk to our local Colombia experts to kick-start creating your dream trip. 

Temperatures in Colombia in April

Covering regional weather variations, read on for detail on temperatures in different areas of Colombia in April.

Andean region: expect average low temperatures around 10°C (50°F) and highs around 20°C (68°F). Nights can drop even cooler, so pack accordingly.

Caribbean Coast: with lows around 24°C (75°F) and highs reaching up to 32°C (90°F), the weather here in April is typically sunny and on the humid side.

Pacific region: this area sees temperatures ranging from lows of 23°C (73°F) to highs of 30°C (86°F). It's a humid here, too.

Amazon region: expect hot and humid conditions, with average lows around 23°C (73°F) and highs of 31°C (88°F). Rainfall is common, so waterproof gear is essential. 

Insular region: on the islands, temperatures are warm, with lows averaging 25°C (77°F) and highs of 30°C (86°F) accompanied by cooling sea breezes.

Want an overview of the weather in Colombia around the year? Read up on the best time to visit Colombia.

Is April a good time to visit Colombia?

It’s fair to say that April is an interesting time to visit Colombia. As for whether it’s a good time to visit very much depends on which region/s you most want to explore, what you most what to see and do, and your personal weather preferences.

As highlighted above, April sees Colombia shift from the dry season to full-on wet season mode, with extremely high rainfall in the Pacific and Amazon regions. 

While this renders the rainforest all the lusher, heavy downpours might curb some of your plans. For example, the Amazon River rises dramatically in April, meaning some areas become inaccessible, and wildlife spotting isn't at its best.

Meanwhile, on the Caribbean Coast rainfall ends to be limited to shorter bursts in the afternoon or evening. With that in mind, you might want to base yourself in the likes of Cartagena, saving the Amazon region for a less rainy months like July, August or September.

If, on the other hand, you’re hoping to experience Colombian culture, it’s worth knowing that April hosts several unforgettable festivals and events, as highlighted below.

Finally, note that pretty much anywhere you go in Colombia in April will be less crowded as this is part of the low season.

Still not sure where to go? Discover some of the best places to visit in April.

What about crowds and costs?

We’ve already touched on the fact that April is part of a low season in Colombia. This runs until June, with a second low season also seen from September to November. 

This means you’ll have a more relaxed experience in the likes of Cartagena — which be pretty darn crowded and oppressive in high season — and on the islands.

As always, with low seasons meaning lower demand, you’ll almost certainly be able to enjoy lower prices for airfares and accommodation.

Festivals and events in Colombia in April

While Colombia usually hosts a few notable festivals and events in April, make sure you check the exact dates before planning your trip around them as they can vary from year to year.

Holy Week (Semana Santa)

Observed across Colombia with processions and rituals, especially in cities like Popayán and Mompox, Holy Week (Semana Santa) in Colombia either falls in March in April.

As for why to experience it, note that Holy Week in Popayán hosts UNESCO-designated rituals that date back to the sixteenth century.

From the Tuesday to the Saturday before Easter, between 8pm and 11pm, a series of processions devoted to Mary, Jesus, the Cross, the Laying in the Tomb, and the Resurrection follow a two-kilometre route through the town centre.

Bogotá International Book Fair

Usually beginning in mid-to-late April and running for a few weeks, Bogotá International Book Fair present bibliophiles with an opportunity to dig deeper into Latin American literature, meet authors, and attend talks.

Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata

Devoted to celebrating and upholding Colombian Vallenato music, which has UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity status, the Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata (Vallenato Legend Festival) in Valledupar is something else. 

Typically starting at the end of April, it features performances and contests for the best accordionist, best song, and much more.

Still making up your mind? Read up on the best things to do in Colombia, and get The Rough Guide to Colombia.

Ready for your dream trip to Colombia in April?

Keen to experience a rewarding range of Colombia in April? Consider taking a trip that’s been curated by a Rough Guides' local expert.

As revealed in our guide to back-packing Colombia, going it alone takes some planning and can present challenges. In contrast, taking the Rough Guides’ route means our experts will take care of planning an unforgettable trip that’s been 100% tailored to your preferences.

Here are a few sample itineraries to spark inspiration:

• Magnificent Colombian Highlights (11 days): from exploring bustling Bogota and charming Cartagena, to uncovering the natural wonders of Puerto Narino and Medellín’s vibrant culture, this trip is rich in experiences and magnificent in nature. 
• Fascination Colombia - Medellín and Cartagena (11 days): this immersive two-centre trip will see you divide your time between Medellin and Cartagena, with each base offering opportunities to experience a richness of Colombian culture, from taking authentic cooking classes, to exploring the great outdoors on horseback.
• Unforgettable Colombia - cities, coffee and islands (13 days): encompassing Colombia's three main areas, including the capital, Bogotá, the beautiful colonial town of Villa de Leyva, and Cartagena, this diverse trip will see you uncover coffee culture in lush hillsides and valleys before blissing out on the idyllic Islas del Rosario.

Visit Colombia in other months

To be better informed before booking your trip, find out what to expect of the weather in Colombia around the year.

• January: this peak season month is packed with festivals, with low rainfall in most regions. It's mild in the Andes, and hot on the Caribbean coast.
• February: the weather is similar to January, with minimal rainfall (especially in coastal and Andean regions) and slightly fewer visitors than January.
• March: with moderate visitor numbers, this transitional month remains dry in the north as it becomes wetter in the south.
• May: wet season weather ramps up in most regions, with high rainfall in the Andean and Amazon regions, and small visitor numbers. 
• June: while the drier season starts in the Andes, the Amazon remains rainy. Visitor numbers increase as school holidays begin.
• July: it’s dry season in the Andes and Caribbean, while Amazon is still wet, and visitor numbers are high due to summer vacationers. 
• August: similar to July, it’s dry in the north, wet in the south, and summer peak season continues.
• September: as the second rainy season starts in the Andes, visitor numbers decline.
• October: wet in most of the Andean region, October sees fewer tourists due to rain, though it’s drier on the Caribbean coast.
• November: this month sees the approach of the end of the rainy season in many regions, and visitor numbers increase through the month.
• December: as the dry season kicks in across most of the country, expect sun and high visitor numbers in this peak season month.