Colombia, South America

Cartagena in December

The dry season returns. Early December is excellent; the last two weeks bring Colombia's peak holiday crowds and prices.

GoodDrying out, highs near 87F (31C), breezes return

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

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Cartagena. The dry season returns. Early December is excellent; the last two weeks bring Colombia's peak holiday crowds and prices.

Weather: Drying out, highs near 87F (31C), breezes return
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What December is like in Cartagena

December brings the dry season back to Cartagena. Highs are near 87F (31C), the trade winds return, and the evenings feel fresher. Early December is excellent, with good weather and manageable crowds. The last two weeks bring Colombia's peak holiday crowds and the highest prices of the year, and some businesses close on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Early December suits nearly everyone: families, couples, and first-time visitors. The holiday weeks suit people who love a festive, crowded city and have booked well ahead. If you want a quieter holiday, come in the first two weeks of the month.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Cartagena this month.

The breezes return

Trade winds make afternoons in the walled city far more comfortable than in the wet months.

Holiday lights in the old city

Plazas and colonial streets are decorated, and evenings are lively.

Early December value

The first half of the month has dry-season weather before peak holiday prices kick in.

What to pack for December

Light clothing for warm days
A dressier outfit for holiday dinners
A hat and reef-safe sunscreen
Comfortable sandals

Our timing tip

Book the first two weeks of December for the best mix of weather and value, and reserve Christmas and New Year stays months ahead.

Book Cartagena for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Cartagena
Opens a hotel search for Cartagena in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
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 December. 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.

Cartagena in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Cartagena?

December is a good month to visit Cartagena. The dry season returns. Early December is excellent; the last two weeks bring Colombia's peak holiday crowds and prices.

What is the weather like in Cartagena in December?

Drying out, highs near 87F (31C), breezes return.

Is Cartagena crowded in December?

December is peak crowd season in Cartagena; expect lines at the headline sights.