Visiting Colombia in November

November is a transitional month in Colombia. The long Andean rainy season - which started in April and peaked in October - begins to ease. By late November, Bogota and Medellin see markedly fewer rain days. The coffee region starts drying out. Meanwhile, the Caribbean coast is already excellent: Cartagena gets busier as international visitors arrive for the festive build-up, and Santa Marta stays hot and accessible.

Prices begin rising in November after the lows of September and October. Expect something between the off-season rates and the December peak. If you book early in November before the end-of-year surge, you can get good value on flights and accommodation that will cost significantly more in December.

November Weather Across Colombia

Region	Avg High	Avg Low	Rain	Conditions
Bogota	17C	9C	High early / Moderate late	Transitional - drying by month end
Medellin	25C	17C	High early / Moderate late	Improving by late November
Cartagena	32C	24C	Moderate	Warm, occasional showers
Cali	28C	19C	Moderate	Drying toward end of month
Santa Marta	34C	26C	Low	Hot and mostly dry
Coffee Region	23C	14C	High early / Moderate late	Green but improving
San Andres Island	30C	24C	Moderate	Drying out from hurricane season

The shift within November is real. The first two weeks behave like October - grey, frequent rain in the Andes. The second half of the month often turns noticeably clearer, particularly in Medellin. Bogota’s transition is slower; don’t count on clear highland weather until at least mid-November.

What’s Happening in November

Cartagena Film Festival (FICCI - dates vary annually)

The Cartagena International Film Festival (FICCI) is the oldest film festival in Latin America and usually runs in March, though check current scheduling - some years programming events appear in November. The main festival draws Latin American cinema to theaters including the Teatro Heredia (Plaza de la Merced, Centro Historico). Ticket prices run approximately COP 12,000-25,000 per screening.

Bogota Book Fair (Filbo - some programming in November)

The main Filbo book fair runs in April-May but Bogota’s literary culture produces events year-round at venues including the Biblioteca Luis Angel Arango (Calle 11 No. 4-14, La Candelaria). Entry to the library and its reading rooms is free.

Fiestas Novembrinas - Cartagena de Indias (November 11)

November 11 is Cartagena’s Independence Day - celebrating independence from Spanish rule in 1811. The city marks it with street parties, music, and local celebrations in the Centro Historico and Getsemani. This is a more locally-focused celebration than December’s Fiestas de Independencia, but worth experiencing if you’re in the city. Most events are free.

Cali’s Pre-Festival Atmosphere

The Feria de Cali (December 25-30) begins drawing energy from mid-November. Dance schools and salsa venues around Juanchito neighbourhood start filling up as preparations intensify. For anyone planning to attend the Feria, booking accommodation in November gives much better availability and prices.

Best Places to Visit in November

Cartagena

November is one of the best months for Cartagena. Temperatures remain high at 31-33C but the humidity is slightly lower than in October. The walled city, Getsemani neighbourhood, and Bocagrande are all at their most accessible. The Rosario Islands boat tours resume regular service after any disruptions from October swells.

Cartagena hotels (book early as prices rise from here):

• Sofitel Legend Santa Clara (former convent, doubles from approximately COP 900,000/night as of 2026)
• Hotel El Marques de Cartagena, Centro Historico (doubles from approximately COP 320,000/night)
• Movich Hotel de la Opereta, Bocagrande (from approximately COP 200,000/night)

Cartagena restaurants:

• El Boliche Cevicheria, Bocagrande - fresh ceviche and seafood, approximately COP 45,000-90,000
• Marea by Rausch, Hotel Capilla del Mar - international fine dining, approximately COP 150,000-220,000 per person
• Interno Restaurant, in La Popa neighbourhood - local Colombian plates, approximately COP 30,000-55,000

Santa Marta and the Sierra Nevada

Santa Marta in November combines hot weather with low visitor numbers before December arrives. Tayrona National Park is accessible and avoids the mandatory December-January advance booking requirements. Entry: approximately COP 75,000 foreigners / COP 59,000 nationals as of 2026.

Minca, a mountain village 45 minutes above Santa Marta, is at its greenest in November. Day trips from Santa Marta take approximately 45 minutes by mototaxi (COP 15,000-25,000 one way). The village has good coffee farms, birdwatching, and swimming holes accessible on foot.

Stay in Santa Marta:

• Masaya Hostel (doubles from approximately COP 160,000, dorms from COP 55,000)
• Hotel Zuana Beach Resort (doubles from approximately COP 380,000/night)

Medellin’s Late-Month Window

If you’re visiting Medellin in November, aim for the last 10 days of the month when the weather typically improves. The city’s transformation over the past two decades is most legible in its public spaces and infrastructure: the Parque Biblioteca de Espana (rebuilt after fire), the escaleras electricas of Commune 13, and the Orquideorama pavilion at the botanical garden (free entry).

For food in Medellin:

• El Cielo, El Poblado - molecular Colombian cuisine, tasting menu from approximately COP 250,000 per person
• Pergamino Cafe, Avenida El Poblado - specialty coffee from approximately COP 10,000-18,000 per drink
• El Rancherito, multiple locations - bandeja paisa, a full Antioqueno plate with beans, rice, chicharron, arepa, from approximately COP 30,000-45,000

Stay in Medellin:

• El Cielo Hotel, El Poblado (doubles from approximately COP 300,000/night)
• Selina El Poblado (hostel-hotel hybrid, doubles from approximately COP 140,000, dorms from COP 50,000)

Bogota: Mid-Month Urban Break

The first half of November in Bogota is still rainy but museums, restaurants, and the La Candelaria neighbourhood function regardless. The Gold Museum and the Botero Museum are both free on Sundays. Chapinero Alto and the Zona Rosa concentrations of restaurants are worth exploring regardless of weather.

For food in Bogota:

• Central Cevicheria, Zona Rosa - best ceviche in the city, approximately COP 45,000-80,000
• Masa Bakery, multiple locations - Colombian-style pastries and sandwiches, approximately COP 15,000-30,000
• Harry Sasson restaurant, Carrera 9 - modern Colombian cuisine, approximately COP 120,000-200,000 per person

Stay in Bogota:

• Casa Dann Carlton, Zona Rosa (doubles from approximately COP 300,000/night)
• Andres DC Hotel, Carrera 11 (from approximately COP 180,000/night)
• Hostel Cranky Croc, La Candelaria (dorms from approximately COP 40,000)

What to Skip in November

Coffee region hiking (first half of November): Wait until at least the third week before planning Cocora Valley or farm trail walks. The first two weeks are still wet enough to make trails difficult.

High-altitude trekking: November is still too early for El Cocuy or Los Nevados. The full dry season for these areas typically arrives in December. Don’t waste a trip on poor visibility and muddy high passes.

San Andres early November: The Caribbean hurricane season officially runs through November 30, though the main threat period is September-October. San Andres typically has a quiet, improving November, but dive conditions can be variable. The last week of November is safer for planning a San Andres trip.

Packing List for November in Colombia

For the Andes (first half of November):

• Full rain jacket - the transition isn’t complete in early November
• Waterproof shoes
• Layers for Bogota (mornings and evenings are cold)
• Quick-dry clothes

For the Andes (late November):

• Light rain jacket as backup
• Layers for Bogota - temperatures don’t change much month-to-month
• Comfortable walking shoes (pavements are no longer flooded)

For the Caribbean coast:

• Light cotton or quick-dry clothes
• Sunscreen SPF50 - Caribbean UV is strong year-round
• Snorkelling gear (or rent at Rosario Islands, approximately COP 15,000)

Budget Expectations

November prices sit between October’s lows and December’s highs. Hotel rates begin to rise from early to mid-November as year-end bookings accelerate. Book Caribbean coast accommodation early if you’re arriving in the second half of November - Cartagena in particular fills up quickly from mid-November onward.

Budget travellers: COP 120,000-180,000/day including hostel dorm, street food, and local buses. Mid-range: COP 350,000-600,000/day including private rooms, restaurant meals, and some taxis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is November rainy in Colombia? Yes in the Andes and coffee region, especially in the first half of the month. The Caribbean coast is far more manageable. By late November, the Andes start clearing up.

If you’re heading to the Caribbean coast in November, tours in Cartagena includes Rosario Islands day trips and Old City walking tours — book with free cancellation to stay flexible around weather.

Is Cartagena good in November? Yes - it’s one of the better months. The city is warm, functional, and not yet overwhelmed by December holiday crowds. Book accommodation at least 3-4 weeks ahead if visiting after November 15.

When does Colombia’s dry season start? In most of the Andes and coffee region, the main dry season runs December through February/March. The Caribbean coast is drier from December onward. The Pacific coast follows the opposite pattern and has no real dry season.

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