Colombia in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Colombia

28°C (82°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 45 mm (1.8 inches) total and just 8 rainy days, making it ideal for outdoor exploration and photography
Comfortable temperatures ranging 18-28°C (64-82°F) with lower humidity at 65%, perfect for hiking, city walking, and beach activities without excessive heat
Clear mountain views and excellent visibility for photography - the Andes are at their most spectacular with minimal cloud cover obscuring peaks
Ideal weather for Colombia's diverse ecosystems - from Caribbean coast swimming to coffee region hiking to Amazon jungle trekking, all regions are accessible

Considerations

Peak tourist season means 40-60% higher accommodation prices and crowded attractions, especially in Colombia and Colombia where hotel rates can exceed COP $400,000/night
Intense UV exposure with index reaching 9 - sunburn happens within 15 minutes at high altitudes like Colombia (2,640m/8,661ft) and requires constant sun protection
Strong trade winds along Caribbean coast create choppy sea conditions, making some island boat trips uncomfortable and potentially cancelled

Best Activities in January

Coffee Region Hiking and Farm Tours

January's dry weather and clear skies make this the absolute best time for exploring Colombia's UNESCO World Heritage coffee landscape. Morning temperatures of 18°C (64°F) are perfect for hiking between coffee farms, and afternoon highs of 26°C (79°F) create ideal conditions for outdoor tastings. The harvest season is in full swing, so you'll witness actual coffee picking and processing.

Booking Tip: Book coffee farm stays 3-4 weeks ahead as this is peak harvest season. Day tours typically cost COP $180,000-280,000 per person. Look for farms offering overnight stays to avoid day-trip crowds. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Caribbean Coast Beach and Island Hopping

Despite some wind, January offers the driest conditions for exploring the Caribbean coastline. Colombia trails are fully accessible without muddy conditions, and the 28°C (82°F) water temperature is perfect for swimming. Early morning boat trips to islands experience calmer seas before afternoon trade winds pick up.

Booking Tip: Book island day trips for morning departures (7-8am) to avoid afternoon wind and waves. Full-day excursions cost COP $220,000-320,000. Choose operators with covered boats for sun protection. Current island tour options available in booking section below.

Andean Trekking and Mountain Exploration

Crystal clear conditions in January provide unobstructed views of snow-capped peaks and dramatic valleys. The dry season means stable trail conditions for multi-day treks like Cocuy Circuit or day hikes around Villa de Leyva. Morning temperatures of 12-15°C (54-59°F) at altitude are invigorating, warming to comfortable 22°C (72°F) by midday.

Booking Tip: High-altitude treks require booking 2-3 weeks ahead and cost COP $450,000-650,000 for 3-day guided trips. Acclimatize in Colombia for 2-3 days before attempting treks above 3,500m (11,483ft). See mountain trekking options in booking section below.

Colonial City Walking and Architecture Tours

Perfect weather for exploring Colombia's walled city, Colombia's La Candelaria, or Villa de Leyva's cobblestone streets. Lower humidity at 65% means comfortable walking even during midday, and minimal rain risk allows for full-day exploration. Golden hour photography conditions are exceptional with clear skies.

Booking Tip: Walking tours cost COP $80,000-150,000 per person for 3-4 hours. Book afternoon tours starting 2-3pm to avoid peak midday sun. Evening tours ending at sunset provide the best lighting. Current walking tour options available in booking section below.

Amazon Jungle and Wildlife Spotting

January's lower rainfall in the Amazon region creates optimal conditions for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around remaining water sources. River levels are ideal for boat navigation, and reduced cloud cover improves chances of spotting birds and monkeys. Daytime temperatures stay around 26°C (79°F) with manageable humidity.

Booking Tip: Amazon lodge packages cost COP $600,000-900,000 for 3 days including meals and guides. Book 4-6 weeks ahead as this is peak season for wildlife viewing. Choose lodges with naturalist guides for best animal spotting. Amazon tour options in booking section below.

January Events & Festivals

Throughout January

Feria de las Flores Preparation Activities

While the main flower festival is in August, January in Colombia features flower farm tours at peak bloom season. The perfect weather allows visits to silletero farms where locals prepare flower displays year-round

Late January

Hay Festival Cartagena

This international literature and arts festival brings together world-renowned authors, artists, and thinkers in Colombia's historic setting. Events include book readings, cultural discussions, and artistic performances

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 9 at high altitudes and reflection off colonial white buildings intensifies exposure

Light rain jacket or packable poncho - afternoon showers still occur 8 days of the month and last 15-30 minutes

Layered clothing for altitude changes - temperatures drop 6°C per 1,000m (3.3°F per 1,000ft) elevation gain

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - colonial cobblestones can be slippery and uneven

Light cotton or linen long-pants - for evening mosquito protection and conservative dress in religious sites

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - essential for coastal and jungle regions despite dry season

Warm jacket for mountain regions - early morning temperatures can drop to 8°C (46°F) in coffee region

Quick-dry clothing for multiple climate zones - you might experience beach, mountains, and jungle in one trip

Reusable water bottle with purification tablets - staying hydrated is crucial in low humidity conditions

Insider Knowledge

Local families take their main vacations during January school holidays, so book accommodations early but expect authentic cultural experiences as Colombians travel domestically

Coffee farms offer significant discounts for visits Sunday-Tuesday during harvest season - avoid Friday-Saturday premium pricing that can be 40% higher

Afternoon flights from Colombia to coastal cities are frequently delayed due to mountain thermal currents - book morning departures for better on-time performance

January is when locals harvest exotic fruits like lulo, guanábana, and maracuyá - visit municipal markets early morning (6-8am) for best selection and prices

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude sickness in cities like Colombia at 2,640m (8,661ft) - arrive 2-3 days early to acclimatize before attempting high-altitude activities

Packing only summer clothes and suffering in mountain regions where temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) at night

Booking accommodation without confirging air conditioning - even in dry season, rooms above 25°C (77°F) become uncomfortable for sleeping