Colombia, South America

Cartagena in February

Reliably dry with strong breezes. Calm enough for island trips, though the wind can make boat rides bumpy.

BestDry and windy, highs near 87F (31C)

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

The straight answer

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Cartagena. Reliably dry with strong breezes. Calm enough for island trips, though the wind can make boat rides bumpy.

Weather: Dry and windy, highs near 87F (31C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What February is like in Cartagena

February is reliably dry in Cartagena, with highs near 87F (31C) and strong breezes that keep the walled city bearable in the afternoon. Crowds ease after January's festivals, though prices stay fairly high. The wind is great on land, but it can make boat rides out to the Rosario Islands bumpy.

February suits couples, first-time visitors, and families who want dependable sunshine for exploring the old city and the fortress. Travelers prone to seasickness may prefer April, when the breezes fade and the sea is calmer. For the best value, look at the weeks after Easter.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Cartagena this month.

Reliably dry days

Rain is rare, so you can plan full days in the walled city, Getsemani, and the fortress without watching the sky.

Castillo San Felipe in the breeze

The largest fortress Spain built in its American colonies is more comfortable when the wind is up. Explore the tunnels at opening time.

Getsemani street art

Mornings are ideal for walking the murals, and evenings for Plaza de la Trinidad.

What to pack for February

Motion-sickness tablets for island boat rides
A hat with a chin strap for windy days
Light, breathable clothes
A refillable water bottle

Our timing tip

Book island trips for early morning, when the wind and waves are usually gentlest, and keep a spare day in case a trip is canceled.

Book Cartagena for February.

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

Is February a good time to visit Cartagena?

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Cartagena. Reliably dry with strong breezes. Calm enough for island trips, though the wind can make boat rides bumpy.

What is the weather like in Cartagena in February?

Dry and windy, highs near 87F (31C).

Is Cartagena crowded in February?

Crowds in Cartagena are moderate in February; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.