Colombia, South America
Cartagena in March
Still dry and breezy. Semana Santa can bring Colombian crowds if it falls in March.
The straight answer
March is one of the best months of the year to visit Cartagena. Still dry and breezy. Semana Santa can bring Colombian crowds if it falls in March.
- Weather
- Dry, highs near 88F (31C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What March is like in Cartagena
March is still dry and breezy in Cartagena, with highs near 88F (31C) and sunny days. The winds begin to ease toward the end of the month, making the sea calmer for island trips. Crowds are moderate, but if Semana Santa falls in March, Colombian travelers flood the coast and prices jump for that week.
March suits couples, families on spring break, and anyone who wants dry weather with a bit more calm at sea. If you want to see the city's Holy Week processions, check whether Semana Santa lands in March this year. If you want quiet, avoid that week.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about Cartagena this month.
Semana Santa processions, in some years
When Holy Week falls in March, processions wind through the old city streets. It is moving to see, but hotels fill fast.
Calmer seas for Rosario Islands
As the winds drop, boat rides to the islands and Baru get smoother, especially late in the month.
Museum mornings
The free Museo del Oro Zenu and the Palacio de la Inquisicion on Plaza de Bolivar are good cool breaks from the sun.
What to pack for March
- Snorkel mask for the islands
- A light cover-up for boat days
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Modest clothes for church visits during Holy Week
Our timing tip
Check Semana Santa dates before you book, and plan museum visits around their weekly closing day and shorter holiday hours.
Book Cartagena for March.
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- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in CartagenaOpens a hotel search for Cartagena in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in CartagenaWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in CartagenaTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Cartagena for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in March
Semana Santa
The week before Easter, March or April
Processions in the old city and a big rush of Colombian travelers to the coast.
Things to do in Cartagena
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.
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.
Getsemani
Street art by day, Plaza de la Trinidad and salsa bars by night. Stay here for better value than the walled city.
Rosario Islands and Baru
Day trips or overnights by boat. Calmer seas in the late dry season make the ride more comfortable.
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.
Palacio de la Inquisicion
A colonial mansion and museum on Plaza de Bolivar covering the Inquisition and city history.
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 March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Cartagena?
March is one of the best months of the year to visit Cartagena. Still dry and breezy. Semana Santa can bring Colombian crowds if it falls in March.
What is the weather like in Cartagena in March?
Dry, highs near 88F (31C).
Is Cartagena crowded in March?
Crowds in Cartagena are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Cartagena in March?
Semana Santa (the week before easter, march or april).
Keep planning Cartagena.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
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