Colombia, South America

Cartagena in January

After the first week, one of the best months. The classical music festival and the Hay Festival often bring a cultural crowd late in the month.

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

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

The straight answer

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Cartagena. After the first week, one of the best months. The classical music festival and the Hay Festival often bring a cultural crowd late in the month.

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

What January is like in Cartagena

January is one of Cartagena's best months. It is dry and breezy, with highs near 87F (31C), steady trade winds that take the edge off the heat, and clear skies over the walled city. The first week is packed with Colombian holiday travelers and priced to match. After that, the city settles into a lively, cultural month with festivals in the old town.

January suits couples, culture lovers, and families who want reliable sun and easy sightseeing. The heat is still strong at midday, so plan around it. If you want lower prices with similar weather, late April after Easter week is a good alternative.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Cartagena this month.

Hay Festival Cartagena

Most years in late January, writers and readers gather in the old city for talks and events, many in beautiful colonial venues.

Classical music in the old city

The Cartagena music festival, usually held in January, fills churches, plazas, and theaters with concerts.

Breezy sunsets on the walls

The trade winds make evening walks along the walls near Cafe del Mar especially pleasant.

What to pack for January

Light linen or cotton clothes
A wide-brimmed hat
Reef-safe sunscreen for island days
Comfortable sandals for cobblestones
A smart outfit for concerts and dinners

Our timing tip

Skip the first week of January, when Colombian holiday crowds and prices peak, and book festival-week hotels early.

Book Cartagena for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Cartagena
Opens a hotel search for Cartagena in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
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 January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

Hay Festival Cartagena

Late January, most years

A literature and ideas festival that brings writers and a book-loving crowd to the old city.

Cartagena Festival Internacional de Musica

January, most years

A classical music festival held in churches, plazas, and theaters around the walled city.

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.