Colombia in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Colombia

30°C (86°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

End of dry season means lush green landscapes perfect for photography, especially in coffee regions like Eje Cafetero where plantations are at their most busy
Pre-peak season pricing - accommodations and tours cost 20-30% less than May-August peak months, with better availability
Ideal weather window for high-altitude destinations like Colombia (14-22°C/57-72°F) and Colombia, with minimal rain and clear mountain views
Perfect timing for whale watching season beginning on Pacific coast - humpback whales start arriving mid-April with fewer crowds than later months

Considerations

Transition period means unpredictable weather - can experience both dry spells and sudden tropical downpours within the Easttimor day
Some remote destinations like Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) may have muddy trails from recent rains, making hiking more challenging
Easter week (Semana Santa) inflates domestic tourism and prices during the first week of April, with many businesses closing

Best Activities in April

Cocora Valley Wax Palm Trekking

April's mix of sunshine and recent rains creates perfect conditions in the world's tallest palm forest. Morning hikes (7am start) avoid afternoon showers while cloud forest sections are lush but not oversaturated. Temperature stays comfortable at 2,400 m (7,874 ft) elevation - around 18°C (64°F). Trails are still accessible before May rains make them muddy.

Booking Tip: Book day tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators in Salento. Tours typically cost 80,000-120,000 COP ($20-30 USD) including transport. Look for operators with insurance and experienced guides familiar with weather conditions.

Medellín City and Comuna Tours

April's pleasant temperatures (24-28°C/75-82°F) and minimal rain make it ideal for exploring transformation neighborhoods. Comuna 13 graffiti tours best done 9am-11am before heat peaks. Cable car systems operate smoothly without rainy season delays. Evening weather perfect for rooftop bars in Poblado district.

Booking Tip: Book Comuna 13 tours with local community operators 3-5 days ahead. Half-day tours range 40,000-70,000 COP ($10-18 USD). Choose operators that give back to communities and include local guides who lived through the transformation.

Cartagena Old City Walking Tours

Before intense Caribbean summer heat arrives, April offers manageable temperatures for exploring colonial streets. Early morning (7-9am) and late afternoon (4-6pm) provide ideal lighting for photography. Sea breezes keep humidity bearable compared to later months. Fewer cruise ship crowds than peak season.

Booking Tip: Book walking tours for early morning or late afternoon slots. Group tours cost 25,000-45,000 COP ($6-12 USD) for 2-3 hours. Private guides range 80,000-150,000 COP ($20-38 USD). Look for guides certified by tourism ministry with historical knowledge.

Amazon Jungle Lodge Experiences

April marks end of high water season in Colombian Amazon, providing excellent wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around remaining water sources. Day temperatures around 28°C (82°F) with brief afternoon showers. River levels perfect for both boat excursions and jungle walking. Mosquito activity manageable compared to peak wet months.

Booking Tip: Book jungle lodges 2-3 weeks ahead as April fills up before rainy season. 3-day packages typically 300,000-600,000 COP ($75-150 USD) including transport from Colombia. Choose eco-lodges with indigenous community partnerships and experienced naturalist guides.

Guatapé and El Peñón Rock Climbing

Clear April weather provides impressive views from El Peñón's 740 steps to the summit at 200 m (656 ft) above Colombia reservoir. Morning climbs (8-10am) avoid afternoon heat and potential clouds. Lake activities like kayaking perfect in pleasant 22-26°C (72-79°F) temperatures. Colorful town photography ideal in soft April light.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Medellín cost 60,000-100,000 COP ($15-25 USD) including transport and guide. Book 3-5 days ahead during April. Entry to El Peñón rock costs additional 18,000 COP ($4.50 USD). Look for tours that include time in Colombia town, not just the rock.

San Gil Adventure Sports

April's water levels perfect for white-water rafting on Fonce River - not too high from rains but sufficient for class II-III rapids. Paragliding conditions excellent with thermal currents and clear visibility over Chicamocha Canyon. Comfortable temperatures 20-28°C (68-82°F) ideal for outdoor adventures without extreme heat.

Booking Tip: Adventure packages typically 80,000-200,000 COP ($20-50 USD) depending on activities. Book rafting and paragliding 3-7 days ahead with certified operators. Look for companies with proper safety equipment and experienced instructors. Multi-activity packages offer better value.

April Events & Festivals

Mid to Late April

Festival de Música del Pacífico Petronio Álvarez

Major Afro-Colombian music festival in Colombia celebrating Pacific coast culture with marimba, currulao, and traditional performances. Street food vendors, dance competitions, and concerts throughout the city create busy cultural immersion opportunity.

April 13-16, 2025

Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Elaborate religious processions and ceremonies nationwide, particularly striking in colonial cities like Colombia with UNESCO-recognized white processions. Expect business closures April 13-16 but unique cultural experiences unavailable other times.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket or packable poncho - afternoon showers last 30-45 minutes and happen 40% of days

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9-11 at altitude destinations like Colombia and coffee region

Moisture-wicking shirts in light colors - 75% humidity makes synthetic materials uncomfortable, stick to cotton or merino wool

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes with good grip - cobblestone streets in colonial cities become slippery when wet

Light sweater or fleece for evenings in mountain regions - temperatures drop to 14°C (57°F) in Colombia and coffee towns

Quick-dry pants or zip-off hiking pants - versatile for city exploration and jungle/mountain excursions

Insect repellent with DEET 25-30% - essential for Amazon and coastal regions, mosquito activity peaks at dawn/dusk

Portable umbrella - more practical than rain jacket for city exploration during brief showers

Breathable long-sleeve shirts - sun protection for high-altitude activities and jungle mosquito protection

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - sudden tropical downpours can damage electronics quickly

Insider Knowledge

Locals call April 'mes de San Marcos' - traditionally unpredictable weather month, so Colombians always carry small umbrellas and layer clothing for temperature changes

Book accommodations before March 15 to avoid Semana Santa price spikes - many Colombians take extended Easter holidays creating domestic tourism surge

Best exchange rates found at 'casas de cambio' in major cities rather than banks - April 2025 economic conditions favor USD exchange but avoid airport rates

Regional airlines like SATENA often have April promotions for remote destinations like Bahía Solano - check domestic flight deals 6-8 weeks before travel

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all of Colombia has Easttimor weather - April means different conditions in Caribbean coast (hot/humid), Andes (cool/rainy), and Amazon (warm/humid)

Not booking Semana Santa accommodations early - first week of April sees 300-400% price increases in popular destinations as Colombians travel domestically

Overpacking for hot weather only - mountain destinations like Colombia and Zipaquirá require warm clothing even in April