Colombia, South America
Cartagena in November
Rainy at first but easing. Independence celebrations around November 11 bring parades and parties, and the national beauty pageant.
The straight answer
November is a month of real tradeoffs in Cartagena. Rainy at first but easing. Independence celebrations around November 11 bring parades and parties, and the national beauty pageant.
- Weather
- Wet early, drying late, highs near 88F (31C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What November is like in Cartagena
November starts wet and ends drier. Highs sit near 88F (31C), and rain eases through the month as the dry season approaches. Around November 11, Cartagena celebrates its 1811 independence with parades, music, and the national beauty pageant, and the city fills with Colombian visitors. Prices are moderate outside the festival days.
Late November suits couples and families who want a festive city and improving weather before the December rush. Early November can still be quite rainy, so pack for it. If you want reliably dry days, December or January is the safer choice.
Make the most of November
What is especially good about Cartagena this month.
Independence Festivities
Around November 11, the city marks its independence with parades, music in the streets, and the national beauty pageant.
Drying weather late in the month
As the rains fade, you get more sunshine without high-season prices.
Getsemani at night
Plaza de la Trinidad and the salsa bars of Getsemani are especially lively during festival season.
What to pack for November
- A light rain jacket
- Comfortable shoes for crowds and parades
- Breathable clothes
- Earplugs if you are staying near the festivities
Our timing tip
Book early if you want the independence festival days, or aim for the last week of November for drier weather and calmer streets.
Book Cartagena for November.
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- Hotels for November
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in CartagenaOpens a hotel search for Cartagena in November, 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 November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in November
Independence Festivities
Around November 11 every year
Celebrations of Cartagena's 1811 independence, with parades, music, and the national beauty pageant.
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 November, quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Cartagena?
November is a month of real tradeoffs in Cartagena. Rainy at first but easing. Independence celebrations around November 11 bring parades and parties, and the national beauty pageant.
What is the weather like in Cartagena in November?
Wet early, drying late, highs near 88F (31C).
Is Cartagena crowded in November?
Crowds in Cartagena are moderate in November; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Cartagena in November?
Independence Festivities (around november 11 every year).
Keep planning Cartagena.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in November
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