Things to Do in Colombia in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Colombia

High Temp

Low Temp

Rainfall

% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season weather with only 8 rainy days and minimal rainfall of 45-65 mm (1.8-2.6 inches) - perfect for outdoor activities and trekking in regions like Cocora Valley and Tayrona
Ideal conditions for Caribbean coast beaches - Cartagena and Santa Marta see daily highs of 30°C (86°F) with cooling trade winds and crystal-clear visibility for diving
Perfect timing for coffee harvest season (December-March) in the Zona Cafetera - plantations are at peak activity with fresh beans and harvest experiences available
Excellent whale watching conditions along Pacific coast near Nuquí and Bahía Málaga as humpback whales are still present from their breeding season migration

Considerations

Peak international tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to shoulder months, especially in Cartagena and popular coffee region towns like Salento
Extreme UV intensity with index reaching 11 due to Colombia's equatorial location - requires constant sun protection and limits comfortable outdoor time to early morning and late afternoon
Caribbean coast beaches and colonial cities like Cartagena experience highest crowds of the year, with popular restaurants requiring reservations 2-3 days ahead

Best Activities in February

Coffee Farm Tours in Zona Cafetera

February is peak coffee harvest season in the Coffee Triangle region around Manizales, Armenia, and Pereira. Farm tours include picking ripe cherries, processing demonstrations, and cupping sessions with freshly roasted beans. Weather is perfect with 26°C (79°F) days and minimal rain. The landscape is vibrant green with coffee plants heavy with fruit.

Booking Tip: Book harvest tours 2-3 weeks ahead as February is peak season. Tours typically cost 80,000-150,000 COP (20-38 USD) including transportation. Look for farms offering overnight stays for deeper immersion. Many tours start at 7am to avoid afternoon heat.

Caribbean Coast Beach Activities

February offers the Caribbean's best weather with minimal rainfall and constant 28-30°C (82-86°F) temperatures. Tayrona National Park trails are dry and accessible, while Rosario Islands provide excellent snorkeling visibility. Trade winds keep coastal areas comfortable despite the heat. Perfect for multi-day beach combinations.

Booking Tip: Book Tayrona camping 4-6 weeks ahead for February - it's the most popular month. Day trips typically cost 60,000-100,000 COP (15-25 USD). Rosario Islands tours range 120,000-180,000 COP (30-45 USD). Early morning departures avoid peak afternoon sun.

Cocora Valley Wax Palm Hiking

February's dry conditions make the 5.8 km (3.6 mile) Cocora Valley loop trail ideal for hiking among the world's tallest palm trees. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) are perfect for the 4-5 hour trek through cloud forest. Clear skies provide excellent photography conditions of the iconic palms reaching 60m (197 ft) high.

Booking Tip: Start hikes by 8am to avoid afternoon heat and potential clouds. Guided hikes cost 40,000-80,000 COP (10-20 USD). Transportation from Salento adds 8,000 COP each way. Book accommodation in Salento 2-3 weeks ahead for February weekend visits.

Medellín Urban Innovation Tours

February's pleasant 24°C (75°F) weather in Medellín is perfect for exploring transformation projects via metro cable cars and walking tours. The dry season means clear views from Comuna 13 viewpoints and comfortable conditions for street art tours. Evening temperatures around 20°C (68°F) are ideal for rooftop bars in El Poblado.

Booking Tip: Transformation tours typically cost 50,000-90,000 COP (12-22 USD) and last 4-5 hours. Book Comuna 13 graffiti tours through community guides for authentic experiences. Metro day passes cost 2,550 COP and include cable car access to hillside neighborhoods.

Amazonia Wildlife Observation

February marks the end of the Amazon's high water season around Leticia, with receding waters concentrating wildlife along riverbanks. Temperatures hover around 28°C (82°F) with 65% humidity - more comfortable than wet season months. Pink dolphins are frequently spotted, and bird activity peaks during morning hours.

Booking Tip: Multi-day Amazon packages range 300,000-600,000 COP (75-150 USD) per day including meals and guides. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for February travel. Bring high-SPF sunscreen and long sleeves for river travel. Early morning departures maximize wildlife sightings.

Pacific Coast Whale Watching

February represents the tail end of humpback whale season along Colombia's Pacific coast near Nuquí and Bahía Málaga. Whales are still present from their breeding migration, and calmer February seas provide better viewing conditions than earlier wet months. Water temperature reaches 26°C (79°F) for comfortable boat trips.

Booking Tip: Whale watching tours cost 180,000-280,000 COP (45-70 USD) from Buenaventura or Nuquí. Success rates in February are 70-80% compared to 90% in August-October. Book accommodations in Nuquí 6-8 weeks ahead as options are limited during dry season.

February Events & Festivals

February 2nd

Festival de la Candelaria

Celebrated primarily in Cartagena and other coastal cities, this religious festival features processions, traditional music, and street celebrations. Local families prepare special foods and the historic center fills with cultural performances blending African, indigenous, and Spanish traditions.

Mid February

Festival Nacional de la Cumbia

Held in El Banco, Magdalena, this festival celebrates Colombia's signature musical genre with competitions, live performances, and traditional dance demonstrations. Regional cumbia groups compete while food vendors serve traditional coastal cuisine.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 11, requiring reapplication every 90 minutes even on cloudy days

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in moisture-wicking fabric - essential for Amazon visits and coffee farm tours to prevent insect bites and sun exposure

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - afternoon showers still occur 8 days per month and are crucial for boat trips to Rosario Islands

Comfortable hiking boots with good ankle support - essential for Cocora Valley's 5.8 km (3.6 mile) muddy trail sections and uneven terrain

Light rain jacket or poncho - February showers are brief but intense, especially in mountainous coffee regions

Layers for altitude changes - temperatures drop 6°C per 1,000m (3.3°F per 1,000 ft) elevation gain when traveling between regions

High-quality insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - necessary for Amazon visits and early morning coffee farm tours

Portable battery pack - long days exploring cities like Medellín via metro system and frequent photo opportunities drain phones quickly

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable in 65% humidity conditions

Comfortable walking sandals with straps - perfect for Caribbean beaches but secure enough for cobblestone streets in Cartagena's old city

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights within Colombia 6-8 weeks ahead for February travel - prices to popular destinations like Cartagena increase 50-70% compared to March bookings due to peak season demand

Many locals take vacation during February school holidays, so popular restaurants in tourist areas require reservations 2-3 days ahead, especially in Zona Cafetera towns like Salento and Filandia

Afternoon thunderstorms in coffee regions typically hit between 2-4pm - plan indoor activities like coffee processing tours or museum visits during this window

Exchange money in major cities before visiting smaller destinations like Nuquí or Amazon regions around Leticia - ATMs are scarce and often charge high fees or run out of cash during peak tourist season