Colombia, South America
Cartagena in October
The rainiest, most humid month, with little breeze and flooded streets after storms. Lowest prices of the year.
The straight answer
October is a month to think twice about visiting Cartagena. The rainiest, most humid month, with little breeze and flooded streets after storms. Lowest prices of the year.
- Weather
- Wettest month, highs near 88F (31C), heavy afternoon rain
- Crowds
- 1 of 5
- Prices
- 1 of 5
What October is like in Cartagena
October is Cartagena's month to avoid. It is the rainiest and most humid time of year, with highs near 88F (31C), little breeze, and heavy afternoon rain that can flood streets in the old city. Boat trips may be canceled by storms. The upside is the lowest prices of the year and very few visitors.
Only flexible travelers hunting the lowest prices should consider October. Families, first-timers, and anyone with a short trip will be much happier in December to April, when the city is dry and breezy. If you must travel in the fall, late November is a better bet.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about Cartagena this month.
Lowest prices of the year
Rooms in the walled city and Getsemani are at their cheapest.
An almost empty old town
Early mornings in the plazas feel quiet and local, with few tour groups.
Indoor culture
The Museo del Oro Zenu and Palacio de la Inquisicion are good ways to wait out the rain.
What to pack for October
- A good rain jacket or umbrella
- Waterproof sandals for flooded streets
- Quick-dry clothes
- Insect repellent
Our timing tip
If you do go, stay somewhere with a pool and air conditioning, and book island trips with flexible cancellation.
Book Cartagena for October.
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- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in CartagenaOpens a hotel search for Cartagena in October, 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 October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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 October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Cartagena?
October is a month to think twice about visiting Cartagena. The rainiest, most humid month, with little breeze and flooded streets after storms. Lowest prices of the year.
What is the weather like in Cartagena in October?
Wettest month, highs near 88F (31C), heavy afternoon rain.
Is Cartagena crowded in October?
October is one of the quieter months in Cartagena; most sights can be done without long waits.
Keep planning Cartagena.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in October
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