February is an excellent month to visit Cartagena. The dry season that began in December continues without interruption, delivering clear skies, calm Caribbean waters, and the kind of beach and old-city combination that the city is known for. The Hay Festival crowds from late January have cleared, leaving the walled city slightly more relaxed. The big external draw in February is the Carnaval de Barranquilla, Colombia’s largest and most elaborate festival, which runs for four days in late February within easy bus distance of Cartagena.
February Weather in Cartagena: Last of Peak Dry Season
February is consistently one of Cartagena’s driest months. The Caribbean dry season runs December through March, with February sitting near the middle of that window.
| Metric | February in Cartagena |
|---|---|
| Average high | 31°C |
| Average low | 24°C |
| Rain days | ~1-2 |
| Sea temperature | 27°C |
| UV index | Very High (9-10) |
Trade winds are typically at their strongest in February, which makes afternoon hours on the city beaches and the Rosario Islands more comfortable than the still, hot conditions of April. Mornings are calm and excellent for snorkelling boat trips. Sunscreen SPF 50+ is essential given the UV index.
Carnaval de Barranquilla: Day Trip or Overnight from Cartagena
The Carnaval de Barranquilla runs for four days in late February, ending on Ash Wednesday. It is the second largest carnival in South America after Rio and is recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The city is approximately three hours from Cartagena by bus.
The four carnival days each have distinct events:
- Batalla de Flores (Saturday): The opening parade of floats, costumes, and music groups. The largest parade of the four days and the most photogenic.
- Gran Parada (Sunday): A second major street parade with traditional costumes and folkloric groups.
- Gran Parada de Tradición y Folclor (Monday): Focused on traditional Colombian folkloric dances.
- Entierro de Joselito (Tuesday, Mardi Gras): The ceremonial “burial” of the carnival character Joselito, marking the end of festivities.
Getting there: Buses from the main terminal (Terminal de Transportes de Cartagena) to Barranquilla run from early morning. Journey time is approximately three hours. Return buses run late into the evening. Advance tickets are advisable during Carnaval as buses fill quickly.
Staying in Barranquilla: Hotels in central Barranquilla sell out weeks ahead for Carnaval. If staying overnight, book the moment dates are confirmed in October or November. Alternatively, Cartagena makes a viable base with daily travel to Barranquilla. See our guide to Barranquilla Carnaval hotels for accommodation options close to the parade routes.
What to wear: The dress code at Carnaval is informal and colourful. Many attendees wear the traditional white outfit with gold accessories. Face paint and elaborate costumes are welcome but not required.
Rosario Islands in February: Best Conditions of the Season
The Islas del Rosario, around 35km southwest of Cartagena, are at their best in February. Calm seas, clear water, and excellent underwater visibility combine with warm temperatures to produce ideal snorkelling and diving conditions.
Boats leave from the Muelle Turistico La Bodeguita from around 8am. Shared day-trip boats with lunch cost approximately COP 140,000 per person. Smaller group tours through GetYourGuide typically include snorkelling equipment and a more comfortable experience than the large catamaran operators at the pier.
Book the Rosario Islands day trip with lunch or the catamaran option with snorkelling. February is the best month to book these early - capacity on the better boats fills up for weekend departures.
Isla Barú and Playa Blanca: Playa Blanca on Isla Barú is reachable by land as well as by boat. The overland route via Mamonal takes approximately one hour by taxi or shared jeep and costs around COP 50,000 each way. Playa Blanca is larger and less managed than the Rosario Islands but offers longer beaches and a more casual atmosphere.
Walled City in February: Walking, Evenings, and Gastronomy
With Hay Festival visitors gone and the Easter holiday weeks away, February is among the most comfortable months to explore the Ciudad Amurallada on foot. Mornings before 9am are remarkably quiet for a city that can feel crowded at peak.
Walking the city walls: The full circuit takes approximately 90 minutes at a relaxed pace. The section between the Torre del Reloj and Baluarte de San Francisco Javier offers the best sea and sunset views. No entry fee.
Getsemaní: The neighbourhood outside the walls is lively in the evenings year-round. In February, without the January festival pressure, you can more easily get a table at the better restaurants. La Mulata (Calle 25 near Parque Getsemaní) is a reliable choice for grilled fish and local seafood dishes at around COP 45,000 to COP 70,000 per main.
Claustro de la Merced: One of Cartagena’s better art spaces, housed in a colonial convent inside the walled city. Exhibitions change throughout the year. Entry approximately COP 8,000 as of 2026. Worth combining with a walk along the walls.
Old city tours: February is a good month to book a guided walking tour rather than navigating independently. Cartagena Old Town Walking Tour and the Historic Center and Getsemaní tour both run morning and evening options.
City Beaches and Water Sports in February
February’s calm seas make it a strong month for water sports beyond basic swimming. Kitesurfing is popular at La Boquilla, a local beach about 15 minutes by taxi from the walled city. The consistent trade winds provide reliable conditions for kite lessons and rental. Several operators around La Boquilla run half-day lessons from approximately USD 80 per person.
Bocagrande’s city beach is calm and swimmable in February but can be busy on weekends. Castillogrande, the next beach north, is slightly cleaner and less crowded. Both are free and accessible by taxi or walking from the walled city.
Boat tours to Cartagena Bay: Short sunset boat tours operate from the Muelle Turistico de la Bodeguita most evenings. These typically include a cruise past the castle walls and into the bay at dusk, with drinks. Duration approximately 90 minutes. Cost from approximately COP 70,000 per person.
Where to Stay in Cartagena in February
Walled City
The most atmospheric option. February pricing is slightly lower than January’s Hay Festival peak, though still high season. Book four to six weeks ahead.
Hotel Bastión Luxury offers a rooftop pool and colonial interior in the heart of the walled city. Rooms from approximately COP 450,000 per night as of 2026. Check availability on Booking.com.
Casa Pombo is a smaller boutique option inside the walls, well-reviewed for its courtyard and personalised service. Rates from approximately COP 280,000 per night. Search the walled city on Booking.com.
Bocagrande
The modern beachfront district is well-suited to beach-focused stays. Larger hotels with pools from approximately COP 180,000 per night in mid-February. Search Bocagrande hotels on Booking.com.
Getsemaní
Budget guesthouses and boutique hostels from COP 50,000 per dorm. February crowds are lighter than January, making it easier to find good availability without far-ahead booking.
Getting to Cartagena in February
Flights from Bogotá: The BOG to CTG flight takes approximately one hour. February fares are somewhat lower than January peaks but book at least three to four weeks ahead for reasonable prices. Avianca, LATAM, and Viva all serve the route. Book flights to Colombia.
From Santa Marta: Frequent buses run between Santa Marta and Cartagena (approximately four hours, COP 30,000 to COP 40,000). A useful option if combining the Caribbean coast.
Airport transfers: Rafael Núñez Airport is approximately 20 minutes from the walled city. Official airport taxis charge approximately COP 20,000 to COP 30,000. Book an airport transfer.
See our full Cartagena city guide for neighbourhood breakdowns, restaurant picks, and day-trip options year-round.
Plan Your Trip
February timing depends on whether you want to combine Cartagena with the Carnaval de Barranquilla - only a 2.5-hour drive or 45-minute flight away. Carnival hotels in Barranquilla itself book out months in advance, but Cartagena makes a good base with day-trip or overnight options. If you’re staying purely in Cartagena, February is the single best month for the Rosario Islands - visibility is at its peak for snorkelling and the sea is calm. Book Rosario Islands catamarans in advance during February; they run at capacity.
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