Weather in Colombia in July

Thinking of visiting Colombia in July? Though there are regional differences, July is one of Colombia’s driest months, with even the rain-prone Amazon and Pacific Coast experiencing less rainfall. As such, it’s a great month for beach and culture-focussed trips on the Caribbean coast, getting your adventure on in the Andes and Amazon, and enjoying incredible wildlife-watching experiences. Read on to find out about the weather in Colombia in July, and to discover the answer to that all-important question — is July a good time to visit Colombia? 

What is the weather like in Colombia in July?

As touched on above, July sees Colombia experience varied weather conditions as a result of variations in altitude across its regions. 

Andean region

July sees Colombia's Andean region in the dry season, with pleasant mild-to-warm temperatures lending themselves well to the likes of hiking and exploring cities.

Thanks to its altitude, Bogotá, the Colombian capital, is the one of the coolest destinations in the area. 

Meanwhile Medellín, “City of Eternal Spring”, will be warmer, as revealed in our guide to the weather in Medellín in July. Expect temperatures to average around 24°C (75°F) — ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the surrounding Antioquia region.

Caribbean coast

Encompassing captivating Cartagena and Santa Marta, Colombia’s tropical Caribbean Coast is warm-to-hot in July.

July is also a dry time of year here, with clear skies and plenty of sun — perfect for blending beach days with, for example, immersing yourself in Cartagena’s cultural treasures.

Editor’s tip: find out more about the weather in Cartagena in July.

Pacific coast

While Colombia’s Pacific Coast is rainy around the year, July isn’t one of the wettest months around these parts. 

Yes, it will be rainy and humid, but not nearly as extreme as it is in October, the rainiest month of the year, when rainfall usually exceeds 700 mm. For comparison, the driest Pacific Coast months — January and February — see 170-250 mm.

Editor’s tip: you can watch humpback whales along the Pacific Coast from July-November. More on that later…

Amazon region

The likes of Leticia in Colombia’s Amazon region experiences hot, humid, rainy weather around the year, and July is no exception.

Having said that, with an average of 240 mm (9.4 inches) of rain, July is one of the driest months in the region. For wider context, May sees in excess of 350 mm (13.8 inches), and June typically averages around 280 mm (11 inches). 

Meanwhile, in August and September, rainfall in the Amazon region drops to an average of 220 mm (8.7 inches).

Insular region

In July, islands like San Andrés and Providencia in Colombia’s Insular region enjoy tropically warm weather, lots of sunshine, and occasional, short-lived showers.

July is also a shoulder season here, so you’ll get to go on great snorkelling trips and bliss on out beaches in less crowded conditions than seen during the prime peak season months around Christmas.

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

Temperatures in Colombia in July

Given the overall regional variations of the weather in Colombia in July, it’ll come as no surprise that temperatures also vary.

Read on for an overview of average low and high temperatures in a few key regions.

Andean region: come July, the Andean region is cool-to-mild, with average lows around 9°C (48°F) and highs of around 18°C (64°F).

Caribbean coast: it’s blissfully warm on the Caribbean Coast in July. We’re talking average lows of 24°C (75°F) and highs of 33°C (91°F). 

Pacific coast: warm and humid, average lows on the Pacific Coast in July sit around 23°C (73°F), with average highs of 29°C (84°F).

Amazon region: with consistently hot and humid weather, July sees Colombia’s Amazon region experience average lows of 23°C (73°F) and highs of 31°C (88°F).

Insular region: expect typical lows of 25°C (77°F), and highs of around 30°C (86°F).

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

Is July a good time to visit Colombia?

On balance, July is a great time to visit Colombia if you’re hoping to take in a range of experiences across its regions.

For example, July is one of the best months to go wildlife-watching in the Amazon. While the region remains hot and wet in July, it’s less rainy than other months, and offers extraordinary opportunities for jungle adventures.

And the reasons? This being a month when river waters are lower, more areas are accessible — all the better for taking wildlife-watching tours.

Similarly, though the Pacific Coast is rainy ­in July — as it is around the year — precipitation isn’t quite so relentless as it is at other times of the year. As such, it’s a great month to explore its lush landscapes and biodiversity. If that wasn't enough, July is also the start of humpback whale watching season around these parts.

Meanwhile, the Caribbean Coast and islands of the Insular region are warm, dry and sunny. Just be aware that this is no secret, and these areas can see a spike in visitor numbers when school vacations start.

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

What about crowds and costs?

As with the weather in Colombia in July, crowds and costs vary according to the region and particular destination.

For example, popular destinations like Cartagena on the Caribbean Coast will see more tourists in July that they do in the preceding months. This can lead to a slight increase in prices.

That said, compared with the peak season months of December and January, July is less crowded and less costly.

July is also a great month to visit Colombia for festivals, and for events of both the cultural and natural variety. More on those below. 

Festivals and events in Colombia in July

Read on for a run-down of a few events and wildlife-watching experiences you can enjoy in Colombia in July. 

Join Colombia’s Independence Day celebrations

Held on 20^th July, Colombia’s Independence Day heralds a national holiday with parades, music, and cultural events marking Colombia's independence from Spain.

Humpback whale watching

While not a festival, watching humpback whales migrate along Colombia’s Pacific Coast is certainly an event you won’t forget in a hurry, and July marks the beginning of the season.

After swimming around 5800 miles from Antarctica, they arrive in early July to mate and give birth to their calves in warmer waters, typically staying until late November.

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 July?

Keen to experience a rewarding range of Colombia in July? 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.
• April: with low visitor numbers, this is the beginning of the wet season in the Andean and Pacific regions.
• 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.
• 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.