Visiting Colombia in August
August is arguably Colombia’s single best month for travel. The second dry season is in full force, giving the entire Andean and Caribbean regions sunny conditions. Whale watching on the Pacific reaches its absolute peak. And at the beginning of the month, Medellin holds the Festival de las Flores - one of the most genuinely joyful public events in South America, which draws tens of thousands of visitors from across Colombia and abroad.
If you can only visit Colombia once, August is a serious contender for the best time to do it.
Weather in Colombia in August
August continues the dry second season across most of Colombia. The Andes are clear and sunny. The Caribbean coast is hot and mostly dry. The Pacific coast is wet but the whale season more than compensates.
| City | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rain Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bogota | 19 | 7 | 7 |
| Cartagena | 33 | 25 | 5 |
| Medellin | 28 | 17 | 8 |
| Cali | 30 | 18 | 8 |
| Santa Marta | 35 | 25 | 3 |
Wind picks up along the Caribbean coast in August, particularly around Cartagena. This actually helps with the heat and makes the city very comfortable for walking the walls and exploring the old city.
Events in August
Festival de las Flores (Flower Festival), Medellin - Colombia’s most famous city festival runs for approximately 10 days in early August. The programme includes:
- Desfile de Silleteros (final Sunday): over 500 silleteros carry elaborate flower arrangements through the city on their backs. The parade route runs along Avenida Oriental from north to south. Free entry to the route; grandstand seating available for approximately COP 50,000 to 150,000 as of 2026 (check feriadeflores.gov.co for current prices)
- Classic car show on Avenida El Poblado: hundreds of classic vehicles from the 1950s through 1970s displayed across several days. Free entry.
- Cabalgata (horse parade): traditional Colombian horse breeds paraded through the city streets. Free to watch from the route.
- Orchid exhibition at the Jardín Botánico: entry approximately COP 8,000 as of 2026.
Festival Internacional de Teatro, Manizales - Manizales hosts one of Latin America’s most respected international theatre festivals in late August (biennial - check current year schedule). When running, it brings companies from 30+ countries to stages and streets across the city, with many performances free or priced at approximately COP 15,000 to 40,000 as of 2026.
Festival Petronio Álvarez, Cali - the Festival de Música del Pacífico Petronio Álvarez in Cali celebrates Afro-Colombian Pacific coast music with live competitions and concerts over five days in August. Entry to the main venue approximately COP 20,000 to 50,000 as of 2026; many outdoor stages are free. Check fundacultura.gov.co for the current programme.
Where to Go in August
Medellin for the Flower Festival - the city is transformed during the first week of August. Beyond the headline events, the barrios of El Centro and Laureles have street markets, live music, and an electric public atmosphere.
Hotel recommendation: Hotel Dann Carlton Medellin near the parade route, rates from approximately USD 130 per night as of 2026 during festival week. For better value, try Hotel 11:11 in Laureles from approximately USD 80 as of 2026. Restaurant: El Cielo for modern Colombian gastronomy (budget COP 150,000 to 200,000 per person); for something more casual and local, Pergamino Café for the best specialty coffee in the city.
Pacific coast - Nuqui for whale watching - August is the peak of the season. Ecolodge packages including accommodation, meals, and whale tours from Nuqui start at approximately USD 150 to 200 per person per night as of 2026. Book a Pacific whale watching tour at least 3 weeks ahead.
Cali for the Petronio Álvarez festival in late August - Cali’s Pacific music celebration is one of the most important events in Afro-Colombian culture. The city fills with rhythm, dance, and extraordinary food from the Pacific coast.
Hotel recommendation for Cali: Hotel Dann Carlton Cali from approximately USD 90 per night as of 2026. Restaurant: Platillos Voladores in San Antonio for creative Valle del Cauca cuisine (budget COP 60,000 to 90,000 per person as of 2026).
What to Pack for Colombia in August
- Light summer clothes - August is warm and mostly sunny
- Good sunscreen - UV is intense at altitude in Bogota and Medellin
- Comfortable shoes for long event days - the Flower Festival involves a lot of standing
- A light layer for Bogota and Medellin evenings
- Rain gear for Pacific coast activities
- Insect repellent for any jungle or coastal activity
Practical Tips for August
The Flower Festival is the hardest time to find last-minute accommodation in Medellin. If your dates are flexible, the second week of August (after the festival ends) offers significantly better hotel availability and prices while the city remains lively. The classic car show and Jardín Botánico visit work well in the days after the main parade.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- When exactly is the Medellin Flower Festival?
- The Festival de las Flores (Flower Festival) runs for approximately 10 days in the first week of August. The exact dates change each year - check feriadeflores.gov.co for the current year's schedule. The headline event is the Desfile de Silleteros (Silleteros Parade) on the final Sunday, when over 500 flower carriers walk through the city in elaborate backpack arrangements weighing up to 80 kilograms. Book accommodation at least 8 to 10 weeks ahead.
- Is the Medellin Flower Festival worth going to?
- Yes, unequivocally. The festival has multiple events beyond the main parade - a classic car show, a horses parade, flower market, concerts, and the orchid exhibition at the Jardín Botánico. The atmosphere in Medellin during festival week is extraordinary. The main parade is genuinely moving and takes about 4 hours to pass. Arrive along the route at least 90 minutes before start time.
- What is whale watching like in August in Colombia?
- August is peak season for humpback whale encounters on the Colombian Pacific coast. The sea around Bahia Malaga (near Buenaventura) and the coast near Nuqui in Chocó sees consistent pods with mothers and calves. Tour operators report some of the highest encounter rates of the year in August. Tours from Nuqui and Buenaventura cost approximately USD 60 to 100 per person per day as of 2026.
- How far in advance should I book for August in Medellin?
- At least 8 to 10 weeks ahead for festival week accommodation. Hotels within walking distance of the parade route on Avenida Oriental book out first. El Poblado options are slightly less pressured but still fill quickly. Good boutique hotels in Laureles and Envigado often have more availability than El Poblado for the same quality.