Colombia Cartagena Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Cartagena is very-high
Cartagena Weather in December — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 31° / 24°
- Rainfall
- 15mm · 3 days
- Crowds
- Very busy
As of 2026, Cartagena in December averages a high of 31°C and low of 24°C with 15mm of rain over about 3 days. Hot, drying out, and breezy — around 31°C/24°C (88°F/75°F) as the dry season and trade winds return. Light, loose clothing, sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+, and water. Swimwear for the beaches; a light layer for indoor air conditioning.
December is very-high for Cartagena.
December sees the dry season return — around 31°C/24°C (88°F/75°F), with the trade winds picking back up, rainfall dropping off, and sunnier, breezier days returning, especially from mid-month.
It's peak holiday season: Christmas and New Year fill the city with festive lights, celebrations, and crowds of Colombian and international visitors, and prices climb to their yearly highs around the holidays.
Travel score
Cartagena December Weather Stats
Avg High
31°C
Avg Low
24°C
Rainy Days
3
15mm total
Sunshine
8h
Daily avg
Humidity
79%
humid
UV Index
11
Extreme
Wind
19 km/h
Gusts 34
Sea Temp
28°C
Avg water temp
Crowds
Very busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
16 μg/m³
PM10
30 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
37°C
Nighttime
26°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
19 km/h
Max gust 34 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dry season and breeze returning
- Festive Christmas and New Year atmosphere
- Calmer seas for the islands
- Sunnier days, especially mid-to-late month
Cons
- Peak holiday crowds and prices
- Hotels and tours sell out — book ahead
- Strong midday sun and heat
- Busy Old City and beaches
December Events & Festivals
- Dry season returns — breezy, sunnier
- Christmas and New Year — peak holiday season
- Festive lights and celebrations across the city
- Calm seas returning for the islands
Cartagena in December — Full Picture
December sees the dry season return — around 31°C/24°C (88°F/75°F), with the trade winds picking back up, rainfall dropping off, and sunnier, breezier days returning, especially from mid-month.
It's peak holiday season: Christmas and New Year fill the city with festive lights, celebrations, and crowds of Colombian and international visitors, and prices climb to their yearly highs around the holidays.
The returning breeze and calming seas make it great again for the Rosario Islands and beaches, and the festive atmosphere in the walled city is a highlight in itself.
Note: book hotels and tours well ahead for the Christmas-to-New-Year peak, when the city sells out and prices spike. The heat is still constant — plan exposed sights early or late and keep hydrating.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Hot, drying out, and breezy — around 31°C/24°C (88°F/75°F) as the dry season and trade winds return. Light, loose clothing, sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+, and water. Swimwear for the beaches; a light layer for indoor air conditioning.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
31.7°C
24.7°C
4.7/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
32°C
25°C
8.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
31°C
25°C
12.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current31°C
24°C
1.3/mo
Cartagena Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Best) | 31° | 24° | 1d·2mm | 9h | 78% | 11 | Very busy | Peak |
| February (Best) | 31° | 24° | 0d·1mm | 9h | 77% | 11 | Busy | Peak |
| March (Best) | 31° | 24° | 1d·3mm | 9h | 77% | 12 | Busy | Peak |
| April (Best) | 32° | 25° | 4d·25mm | 8h | 78% | 12 | Moderate | Shoulder |
| 32° | 25° | 9d·95mm | 7h | 80% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 25° | 8d·80mm | 7h | 79% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 25° | 7d·65mm | 8h | 78% | 11 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 25° | 10d·110mm | 7h | 80% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 31° | 25° | 12d·130mm | 6h | 81% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 25° | 13d·140mm | 6h | 82% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 25° | 12d·130mm | 6h | 81% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| December (Best) | 31° | 24° | 3d·15mm | 8h | 79% | 11 | Very busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Cartagena December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Cartagena?
Cartagena in December is very-high. Tourist crowds are very busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Cartagena in December?
Cartagena December averages a high of 31°C and a low of 24°C.
Does it rain much in Cartagena in December?
Cartagena December averages 15mm of rainfall over about 3 rainy days.
What should I wear in Cartagena in December?
Hot, drying out, and breezy — around 31°C/24°C (88°F/75°F) as the dry season and trade winds return. Light, loose clothing, sun hat, sunglasses, SPF 50+, and water. Swimwear for the beaches; a light layer for indoor air conditioning.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Cartagena in December?
Cartagena December sunrise is 06:10 and sunset is 17:55, with 11h 45min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Cartagena in December?
Cartagena December air quality (AQI) averages 42, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 16μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Cartagena in December?
In December, Cartagena is great for Rosario Islands snorkeling, Festive Old City & walls at sunset, New Year celebrations.
Is December peak season in Cartagena?
Cartagena December crowds are very busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Cartagena
View Other Months
Planning a December trip to Cartagena?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.