The best months to visit Cartagena are Dec – Apr. Dry season, sunny and hot.
Quick facts
When to go
Colonial grandeur meets Caribbean soul: cobblestoned streets of vivid colour, salsa-filled plazas, and the warmth of Colombia's most enchanting coastal city.
Dec – Apr is the busiest window in Cartagena, so accommodation and flights go first. Book ahead. The shoulder weeks either side are usually quieter for the same reason.
Getting Around in Cartagena
- The Walled City, Getsemaní, and major sights are walkable: walking is the best way to experience the city
- Taxis are cheap (minimum fare 8,000 COP). Always confirm the fare before getting in. Uber and InDriver also work
- Public buses run along the main corridors for 2,800 COP but routes can be confusing for visitors
For month-by-month detail, itineraries and costs, see the full Cartagena travel guide.
Timezone: COT (UTC−5) (No DST)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Cartagena?
The best months to visit Cartagena are Dec – Apr (Dry season, sunny and hot), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Cartagena budget breakdown.
