Visiting Colombia in January

January is one of the most reliable months to visit Colombia. The Caribbean coast is in peak dry season, the Andes are clear, and two of the country’s best-known cultural events - the Feria de Manizales and the Hay Festival in Cartagena - run during this month. International arrivals are highest in the first two weeks, so book accommodation at least six weeks ahead for Cartagena and Manizales.

Weather in Colombia in January

January falls within Colombia’s first dry season (verano), which runs from December through March across most of the Andean and Caribbean regions. The Pacific coast operates on a different pattern and remains wet throughout January.

City	Avg High (°C)	Avg Low (°C)	Rain Days
Bogota	19	7	5
Cartagena	31	24	1
Medellin	26	16	4
Cali	28	17	6
Santa Marta	32	23	1

Bogota sits at 2,600m altitude, so evenings are cool regardless of season - pack a jacket. Cartagena and Santa Marta are hot and humid but the lack of rain makes them very pleasant for beach travel. Medellin’s “eternal spring” climate holds steady throughout January.

Festivals and Events in January

Feria de Manizales (early to mid-January)

The Feria de Manizales is one of Colombia’s oldest coffee-region festivals, typically running across the first ten days of January. Events centre on the bullring (Plaza de Toros de Manizales) and surrounding stages throughout the city. The festival includes bullfighting (corridas), a national coffee queen competition, concerts featuring vallenato and salsa artists, and an international folklore parade. Day passes to corrida events run from approximately COP 80,000 to COP 350,000 as of 2026, depending on seat category. Most outdoor concerts are free. The festival website (feriademanizales.gov.co) publishes the full programme in December.

Hay Festival Cartagena (late January)

The Hay Festival arrives in Cartagena in the final week of January, transforming the walled city into a forum for writers, journalists, scientists, and thinkers from across Latin America and Europe. Events take place at venues inside the old city walls including the Centro de Convenciones. Many talks and panels are free; premium sessions cost approximately COP 30,000 to COP 120,000. The full programme appears at hayfestival.com/cartagena. This is a genuinely excellent event for anyone interested in Latin American literature or ideas.

New Year Extensions

Medellin’s Alumbrados (Christmas lights) typically continue into the first week of January, drawing large evening crowds to Parque Norte and the Botanical Garden. Entry to the main display areas is free.

Where to Go in January

Cartagena

January is one of the best months to visit Cartagena. The dry season means clear skies, and the old city’s streets are lively without being as overwhelmingly crowded as the Christmas peak. The Hay Festival adds a cultural layer that makes the trip worthwhile even for travellers who don’t usually seek out literary events.

Stay: Hotel Bastión Luxury, inside the walled city, offers rooms from approximately COP 480,000 per night as of 2026. For a mid-range option, try El Factoria - a restored colonial building near the clock tower with rooms from around COP 220,000.

Eat: La Cevicheria on Calle Stuart is the standard reference for fresh seafood in the walled city - expect to pay approximately COP 60,000 to COP 100,000 for a main. Book ahead in January.

See our full guide to Cartagena for neighbourhood breakdowns and transport.

Santa Marta and Tayrona

Santa Marta’s beaches and the nearby Tayrona National Park are at their driest in January. The park entry fee is approximately COP 61,600 for foreign visitors as of 2026. Capacity is capped and pre-booking is required via the official PNN portal (parquesnacionales.gov.co) - do this at least two weeks ahead in January as the park fills quickly.

Stay: El Rodadero area has mid-range hotels from around COP 180,000 per night. For proximity to Tayrona, try the eco-lodges inside the park (Ecohabs Tayrona), which start from approximately COP 750,000 per night including park entry, but require advance booking months ahead.

Eat: Agave Azul in Santa Marta’s historic centre serves reliably good Colombian and Mexican-influenced food for around COP 35,000 to COP 65,000 per dish.

See our guide to Santa Marta for beaches and transport options from Bogota.

San Andres Island

January is peak season on San Andres, Colombia’s Caribbean island 700km off the coast of Nicaragua. The sea of seven colours is at its clearest during dry season. Flights from Bogota (El Dorado airport) take approximately 90 minutes and cost from around COP 300,000 return as of 2026. The island charges a visitor tax (approximately COP 125,000) on arrival.

See our island guide to San Andres for diving spots and accommodation picks.

What to Pack for January

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

• Light cotton or linen clothing - heat and humidity are significant
• High-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Insect repellent for evening use
• Reef-safe swimwear and a rash guard for snorkelling

Bogota and Andes:

• Light layers - days are warm but evenings drop to 7-10C
• A waterproof jacket (brief afternoon showers are possible)
• Comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets

Manizales / Coffee Region:

• A light fleece or sweater for evenings (Manizales sits at 2,150m)
• Comfortable shoes for walking festival grounds

Prices and Booking Tips

January pricing is at or near peak levels on the Caribbean coast. Expect to pay 20-40% more than low-season rates for Cartagena accommodation. Bogota and Medellin are slightly less affected by peak pricing but boutique hotels fill quickly during Hay Festival and Manizales weeks. Domestic flights (Bogota to Cartagena, Bogota to Manizales) are cheapest when booked 6+ weeks ahead.

Getting Around

From Bogota’s El Dorado Airport, Cartagena is roughly 90 minutes by air. Santa Marta can also be reached by overnight bus from Bogota (approximately 18 hours, from around COP 90,000 as of 2026). Medellin is 45 minutes by air or around 9 hours by bus. For the coffee region and Manizales, flying to Pereira or Manizales is the most practical option.

See our first-time guide to Colombia for full transport and logistics.

January is peak season across the Caribbean coast. Tours in Cartagena and tours in Santa Marta fill up quickly in January — book ahead if you want to secure a Rosario Islands trip or a Tayrona day tour.

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