Colombia, South America

Cartagena in August

Humid with increasing afternoon storms. Warm water for island trips; hot on the walls.

Quiet valueHot and humid, highs near 90F (32C), rains building

Cartagena Colombia, Colombia — CartagenaPhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

August is a quiet, good-value month to visit Cartagena. Humid with increasing afternoon storms. Warm water for island trips; hot on the walls.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 90F (32C), rains building
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What August is like in Cartagena

August is hot and humid, with highs near 90F (32C) and afternoon storms that build through the month. The walls and plazas are sweltering at midday, but the sea is warm for island trips, and crowds are lighter than earlier in the summer. Prices are moderate.

August suits travelers who want warm water and do not mind structuring their day around the heat. Families with small kids or anyone who struggles in humidity should aim for the dry season from December to April. If your dates are fixed to summer, July is usually a little drier.

Make the most of August

What is especially good about Cartagena this month.

Warm water for swimming

The Caribbean is at its warmest, perfect for long swims at the Rosario Islands.

Lighter crowds

With Colombian school holidays winding down, restaurants and beaches get easier.

Museo del Oro Zenu

A free, air-conditioned break on Plaza de Bolivar with pre-Hispanic gold from the region.

What to pack for August

Quick-dry clothes
A compact umbrella
Insect repellent
A cooling towel

Our timing tip

Walk the walled city and fortress by 7am or 8am, then save the pool for midday and plan indoor time when afternoon storms roll in.

Book Cartagena for August.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Cartagena
Opens a hotel search for Cartagena in August, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for August
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Cartagena
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Cartagena
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Cartagena for August. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

Things to do in Cartagena

Full guide

The walled old city

Walk it in the early morning or after 4pm, when the heat eases. Sunset on the walls near Cafe del Mar is the city's ritual.

Tickets and tours →

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas

The largest fortress Spain built in its American colonies, with tunnels you can walk. Go at opening to avoid the midday heat.

Tickets and tours →

Getsemani

Street art by day, Plaza de la Trinidad and salsa bars by night. Stay here for better value than the walled city.

Tickets and tours →

Rosario Islands and Baru

Day trips or overnights by boat. Calmer seas in the late dry season make the ride more comfortable.

Tickets and tours →

Museo del Oro Zenu

A small free gold museum on Plaza de Bolivar run by Colombia's central bank, with pre-Hispanic goldwork from the region.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Palacio de la Inquisicion

A colonial mansion and museum on Plaza de Bolivar covering the Inquisition and city history.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Skip mid December through the first week of January, when Colombian holidays drive peak prices.
Walk the walled city at 7am before the heat and the cruise ship groups arrive.
Stay in Getsemani instead of the walled city for lower rates and a livelier local feel.
Book island trips midweek; weekends fill with day-trippers from the city.

Know before you go

Semana Santa and the late December holidays fill hotels and beaches; some businesses close on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Colombia has many Monday public holidays (puentes) that bring weekend crowds from Bogota and Medellin. Check the calendar when booking.
Boat trips to the Rosario Islands can be canceled by high winds in the dry season or storms in the wet season.
Museums in the old city usually close one day a week and keep shorter hours on holidays.