Visiting Colombia in March

March sits in an interesting position in Colombia’s travel calendar. The Caribbean coast is still dry and sunny, Semana Santa preparations create a distinct atmosphere in smaller colonial towns, and the first humpback whales begin appearing off the Pacific coast from late in the month. Tourist numbers are lower than in January-February, which means better prices and fewer crowds before the Easter rush.

Weather in Colombia in March

March marks the tail end of the first dry season in most Andean and Caribbean regions. By mid-to-late March, Bogota and Cali begin transitioning to their first rainy season, though rain typically arrives in short afternoon bursts rather than all-day downpours. The coast remains largely dry.

City	Avg High (°C)	Avg Low (°C)	Rain Days
Bogota	19	8	9
Cartagena	31	23	2
Medellin	27	16	6
Cali	28	17	8
Santa Marta	32	23	2

Bogota’s rain days increase in March compared to January-February, though mornings are usually clear. Cartagena remains excellent - hot and mostly dry. Medellin sees some afternoon showers but nothing severe. The coffee region around Salento and Pereira transitions from dry to the first touches of rain toward the end of the month.

Festivals and Events in March

Semana Santa in Popayan (Holy Week - date shifts)

Semana Santa (Holy Week) falls in late March or April depending on the year. Popayan, a UNESCO World Heritage city in the Cauca department, is famous for holding some of Colombia’s most elaborate and solemn Easter processions. Torch-lit processions move through the white-washed colonial streets on each evening of Holy Week. Entry to the street processions is free, though the city fills completely - book accommodation three to four months ahead if Semana Santa falls in March.

Ibero-American Theatre Festival, Bogota (Even years only, typically March-April)

In even-numbered years, Bogota hosts the Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro, one of the largest theatre festivals in the world, with over 100 companies performing in venues across the city and in free outdoor spaces. If you are visiting in March of an even year, check the festival calendar at festivaldeteatro.com.co. Most outdoor performances are free.

Film Festival Cartagena (FICCI - typically late February to early March)

The Festival Internacional de Cine de Cartagena de Indias (FICCI), Latin America’s oldest film festival, usually runs in late February or early March. Screenings take place at the Adolfo Mejia Theatre and outdoor venues within the walled city. Tickets for individual screenings run approximately COP 15,000 to COP 30,000 as of 2026. Check ficcifestival.com for exact dates.

Where to Go in March

Pacific Coast - Bahia Solano and Nuqui

Late March through November is the season for seeing humpback whales on Colombia’s Pacific coast. Bahia Solano and Nuqui are the two main gateway towns. Both are accessible only by light aircraft from Medellin (approximately 45 minutes, from around COP 280,000 one way as of 2026) or by boat. Whale watching tours run from approximately COP 80,000 to COP 150,000 per person for a half-day as of 2026.

March sees the first whales of the season - numbers are lower than peak July-October, but so are prices and tourist crowds. The Pacific coast is wet year-round, so rain gear is essential.

Stay: Hotel Bahia Solano runs comfortable twin rooms from approximately COP 180,000 per night including meals (full board is standard on the Pacific coast as dining options are limited). Book ahead - capacity in these small towns is limited.

Eat: Meals at your accommodation are the standard approach on the Pacific coast. Fresh fish, patacones (fried plantain), and coconut rice are the staples.

Cartagena

March is still excellent for Cartagena. The city hasn’t yet hit Semana Santa pricing (which spikes in the weeks around Easter) and the weather is reliably sunny. The old city is lively without the extreme crowds of the Christmas peak.

Stay: Casa San Agustin offers boutique rooms from approximately COP 650,000 per night as of 2026. Budget travellers will find solid guesthouses in the Getsemani neighbourhood from around COP 120,000.

Eat: El Boliche Cebicheria is a Cartagena institution for ceviche and mariscos, with dishes running COP 40,000 to COP 80,000.

See our full Cartagena guide for neighbourhood advice and transport.

Bogota

March is a perfectly fine time to visit Bogota. The occasional afternoon shower shouldn’t deter visitors - the city’s museums, markets, and food scene are best explored on foot during dry mornings. The Usaquen market (Sunday) and La Macarena neighbourhood are highlights.

Stay: Casa Dann Carlton in the Zona Rosa offers rooms from approximately COP 320,000 per night as of 2026. For budget stays, the La Candelaria neighbourhood has hostels from around COP 45,000 per night for a dorm bed.

Eat: Leo Cocina y Cava on Calle 27B is considered one of Bogota’s best restaurants, with chef Leonor Espinosa’s Colombian tasting menus from approximately COP 200,000 per person.

What to Pack for March

Caribbean coast:

• Light cotton clothing and swimwear
• High-factor sunscreen and lip balm
• Reef-safe products for snorkelling

Pacific coast:

• Lightweight rain jacket or poncho (it rains here year-round)
• Quick-dry clothing
• Rubber sandals or waterproof shoes
• Insect repellent - humidity is high

Bogota and Andes:

• Light layers for daytime (18-19C), warmer layer for evenings (8-10C)
• A compact waterproof jacket for afternoon showers
• Comfortable walking shoes

Getting Around in March

March is a relatively quiet month for domestic travel, meaning flights and buses are easier to book at short notice compared to peak months. The exception is the final week of March when Semana Santa falls early - in that case, treat it like April’s Easter guidance. Bogota to Cartagena by air takes 1.5 hours; Bogota to Medellin is under an hour. Bus travel between Bogota and Medellin takes around 9 hours and costs approximately COP 80,000 to COP 120,000 one way as of 2026.

For full transport details, see our first-time visitor guide to Colombia.

March is a good month for tours in Bogota and the Coffee Region — lower crowds than peak season and good weather for day trips to Zipaquirá and Villa de Leyva.

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