Visiting Colombia in April
April in Colombia sits between the peak dry season and the main rainy season. Semana Santa dominates the first weeks of the month when it falls in April, transforming every colonial town into a procession route and filling every bus and plane. After Easter, the country returns to normal rhythms and the rains - welcome after the dry months - arrive gradually across the Andes and Caribbean.
Weather in Colombia in April
April marks the transition to the first rainy season in the Andes (April to June). The Caribbean coast receives a minor rainy period but stays mostly sunny and warm. The Pacific coast is consistently wet year-round.
| City | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rain Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bogota | 19 | 8 | 14 |
| Cartagena | 32 | 24 | 6 |
| Medellin | 27 | 17 | 14 |
| Cali | 29 | 18 | 14 |
| Santa Marta | 33 | 24 | 4 |
Pack a light rain jacket and waterproof bag for any Andean travel in April. Mornings are often clear; afternoon showers are the norm. The Caribbean coast remains the most reliably sunny destination.
Events in April
Semana Santa (Holy Week) - Colombia’s most significant national celebration falls in late March or April depending on the year. The most impressive processions take place in:
- Popayán - the “White City” in Cauca has held UNESCO-recognised silent processions for over 400 years. Floats carry colonial religious sculpture through cobblestone streets after midnight on Thursday and Friday. Hotels book out six to eight weeks ahead; book early if planning to attend.
- Mompox - a remote colonial river town in the Caribbean lowlands with small but atmospheric processions. The town becomes very crowded during Semana Santa.
- Bogota - large open-air masses in Parque Simón Bolívar and processions in the historic La Candelaria neighbourhood.
Feria del Libro de Bogota - the Bogota International Book Fair (FILBo) runs for 17 days spanning late April and early May at Corferias in Bogota. It is the largest cultural event in the country by attendance and one of the largest book fairs in Latin America. Ticket prices range from approximately COP 15,000 to 50,000 as of 2026 depending on the day and events; check filbo.com.co for the current programme.
Where to Go in April
Cartagena and Santa Marta remain the most reliably pleasant destinations in April - still in dry-season mode for most of the month. The beaches at Tayrona National Park can be accessed before the park enters its annual closure period (check current closure dates at parquesnacionales.gov.co before booking). Hotel prices drop slightly after Semana Santa ends.
Medellin in April is green and lush after the first rains. The city’s El Poblado and Laureles neighbourhoods are pleasant for café culture and restaurant exploration. The Parque Arví cloudforest above the city is beautifully green after early rains.
Hotel recommendation for Medellin: El Cielo Hotel in El Poblado, rates from approximately USD 90 per night as of 2026. Restaurant: El Cielo (the restaurant) on Avenida El Poblado for modern Colombian tasting menus at approximately COP 120,000 to 180,000 per person.
Bogota in April is manageable despite the rain - the city’s cultural calendar is at its fullest with FILBo and Semana Santa events. Stay in Casa Medina (historic five-star hotel, from approximately USD 180 per night as of 2026) or the more accessible Hotel Icon in Chapinero (from approximately USD 75 as of 2026). For dinner, try Harry Sasson in the Zona Rosa for one of Bogota’s most consistent fine-dining experiences (budget approximately COP 120,000 to 200,000 per person as of 2026).
What to Pack for Colombia in April
- Lightweight waterproof jacket or packable poncho
- Quick-dry clothing - Andes cities are cool and damp
- Waterproof cover or dry bag for electronics and documents
- Sunscreen - Cartagena and Santa Marta stay sunny and the UV is intense
- Insect repellent - the first rains bring increased mosquito activity in lowland areas
- Layers for Bogota evenings (temperature can drop to 8C)
Practical Tips for April
Book Semana Santa travel early - this is Colombia’s busiest domestic travel period and accommodation in colonial towns sells out completely. If you are not interested in the religious events, consider avoiding small colonial towns entirely during Holy Week and using the time for beaches or Amazon travel instead. After Semana Santa ends, hotels and transport return to normal availability and prices drop.
For Cartagena and Santa Marta, tours in Cartagena and tours in Santa Marta include Rosario Islands trips and Tayrona day tours — book ahead during Semana Santa. Travel insurance for Colombia is particularly valuable in April given Semana Santa disruptions to transport.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is April a good time to visit Colombia?
- April is a transitional month - Semana Santa (Holy Week, which falls in March or April depending on the year) brings Colombia's biggest domestic travel week, then the country settles into the beginning of the rainy season. The Caribbean coast stays pleasant through early April. It is a good time for the Amazon and Pacific coast where rainfall patterns differ, and Bogota and Medellin continue to see manageable rain levels.
- What happens during Semana Santa in Colombia?
- Semana Santa is the most important religious celebration in Colombia. Processions take place throughout the country with Popayan and Mompox recognised as UNESCO intangible heritage events. Hotels in popular destinations book out weeks ahead, transport is packed, and prices spike. If you plan to travel during Semana Santa, book accommodation at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance.
- Where should I avoid in Colombia in April?
- Avoid the Pacific coast in April - Nuqui and Bahia Solano receive extremely heavy rainfall. The Amazon is entering high-water season which affects jungle trekking. The Caribbean coast begins its minor rainy period in April but remains largely sunny and warm. Bogota and the Andean cities are wetter but fully functional.