Visiting Colombia in February

February brings Colombia’s most internationally celebrated event - the Carnaval de Barranquilla - alongside some of the best beach weather of the year. The Caribbean coast remains in peak dry season, Bogota’s skies are clear, and the Andes coffee region is at its most photogenic. Accommodation in Barranquilla and Cartagena around carnival must be booked months in advance.

Weather in Colombia in February

February is still deep in Colombia’s first dry season (verano). The Caribbean and most Andean regions see minimal rainfall. The Pacific departments of Choco, Cauca, and Narino remain wet through February.

City	Avg High (°C)	Avg Low (°C)	Rain Days
Bogota	19	7	6
Cartagena	31	23	1
Medellin	26	16	3
Cali	28	17	5
Santa Marta	32	23	1

February is marginally drier than January on the coast. Cartagena and Santa Marta are extremely pleasant - hot, sunny, and almost entirely rain-free. Bogota’s mornings are crisp at altitude; afternoons warm to a comfortable 18-19C.

Festivals and Events in February

Carnaval de Barranquilla (February - dates shift with Ash Wednesday)

The Carnaval de Barranquilla is UNESCO-listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It runs for four days ending on Shrove Tuesday, so dates shift each year (typically spanning a long weekend in February or early March). The main events take place along Calle 17 (Via 40) and in the carnival stadium (Estadio Romelio Martinez).

Key events include:

• La Batalla de las Flores (Saturday): The opening parade with floats and the election of the Carnival Queen
• Gran Parada de Tradicion y Folclor (Sunday): Traditional folk dances including cumbia, mapalé, congo, and porro
• Gran Parada de Fantasía (Monday): Elaborate costumes and fantasy themes
• Entierro de Joselito Carnaval (Tuesday): The ceremonial burial of the carnival effigy marking the end

Grandstand tickets for the main parades cost approximately COP 80,000 to COP 600,000 as of 2026, depending on section and event. Premium viewing areas sell out first. Tickets are sold via carnavaldebarranquilla.org and should be purchased well in advance. Street participation is free - the city’s barrios host their own neighbourhood events throughout the four days that are often more authentic than the main parades.

Festival Vallenato (Barranquilla side events, February)

Vallenato music - Colombia’s accordion-driven folk genre and another UNESCO heritage form - features prominently throughout carnival week in Barranquilla. Free stages operate in several barrios. The main Vallenato Festival is held in Valledupar in April-May, but February sees significant performances ahead of that.

Where to Go in February

Barranquilla

Barranquilla is not Colombia’s most visited city outside carnival week, but during carnival it is unmissable. The city sits on the Caribbean coast three hours by road from Cartagena.

Stay: Hotel El Prado, a landmark 1920s hotel in the Prado neighbourhood with rooms from approximately COP 280,000 per night as of 2026. Expect all hotels to charge carnival premiums - some properties triple their rates. Staying in Cartagena and day-tripping to Barranquilla is a popular alternative.

Eat: La Cueva on Carrera 43 is a Barranquilla institution tied to novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez, who was a regular. Dishes like arroz con coco and fish stews run approximately COP 40,000 to COP 80,000.

Cartagena in February

February is as good as it gets for Cartagena. The walled city’s streets are busy but not as chaotic as the Christmas-New Year peak. Many visitors combine Cartagena with a day trip to Barranquilla for the carnival.

Stay: Casas del XVI in the historic centre offers colonial suites from approximately COP 550,000 per night as of 2026. Mid-range travellers do well at Hotel Casa Real de la Factoria (from around COP 200,000).

Eat: Carmen, helmed by Colombian-American chef Rob Pevitts, does modern Colombian tasting menus from approximately COP 180,000 per person. For something casual, Cevicheria La Mulata on Getsemani serves generous portions for around COP 40,000.

San Andres in February

San Andres remains in dry season through February, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling. The island is popular with Colombian domestic travellers escaping the mainland heat during carnival. Book flights from Bogota at least six weeks ahead - fares spike around carnival week.

See our guide to San Andres for dive sites, accommodation, and the famous raizal food culture.

What to Pack for February

Barranquilla for Carnival:

• Light, breathable clothing - carnival is hot and crowded
• Comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting messy (flour, carioca foam, and paint are carnival staples)
• A small waterproof bag for your phone and wallet
• Cash in smaller denominations - street vendors and barrio events are cash-only

Caribbean coast (Cartagena, Santa Marta, San Andres):

• Swimwear, rash guard, and reef-safe sunscreen
• Light cotton layers for evenings
• Insect repellent

Bogota:

• Light layers - days reach 19C but evenings cool to 7-8C
• A waterproof jacket for occasional afternoon showers

Prices and Booking Tips

February is the most expensive time of year to visit Barranquilla and Cartagena. Carnival week specifically sees hotel prices increase by 50-200% above standard rates. Book accommodation for carnival at least three to four months ahead. Bogota and Medellin remain at standard peak-season rates. Domestic flights to the Caribbean coast are most affordable when booked 8+ weeks ahead.

Getting Around

Barranquilla’s Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ) receives direct flights from Bogota (approximately 1 hour 10 minutes), Medellin, and Bogota. From Cartagena, Barranquilla is reachable by road in around 2.5 to 3 hours via shared minibus (collectivo) or private taxi - approximately COP 50,000 to COP 80,000 per person by shared transport as of 2026.

See our Colombia travel guide for first-time visitors for full logistics and safety tips.

February is the busiest month on the Caribbean coast. Tours in Cartagena and island day trips sell out fast during carnival week — book ahead. Travel insurance for Colombia is worth confirming covers carnival crowd situations and any flight disruptions.

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