Colombia in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Colombia

32°C (90°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means crystal clear skies for photography and outdoor activities - visibility extends 100+ km (62+ miles) in mountainous regions
Coolest temperatures of the year make high-altitude destinations like Colombia (2,640m/8,661ft) and Colombia perfectly comfortable for walking
Whale watching season on Pacific coast - humpback whales migrate through Colombian waters with 90% sighting success rates
Festival season in full swing including Flower Festival in Colombia and multiple regional celebrations with perfect weather for outdoor events

Considerations

Peak tourist season means accommodation prices increase 40-60% and popular attractions have 2-3x normal crowds
Flights from North America and Europe cost 25-35% more due to northern hemisphere summer vacation demand
Caribbean coast experiences hottest temperatures of 35°C (95°F) with intense UV requiring careful sun protection planning

Best Activities in July

Coffee Triangle Plantation Tours

July is harvest season in the Colombia, offering authentic farm-to-cup experiences with fresh picking demonstrations. Clear dry weather provides impressive mountain vistas and comfortable temperatures of 22-26°C (72-79°F) at plantation altitudes of 1,200-1,800m (3,937-5,906ft). Perfect conditions for hiking between farms and outdoor coffee tastings.

Booking Tip: Book 14-21 days ahead as July is peak harvest season. Tours typically cost COP $120,000-180,000 ($30-45 USD). Look for finca tours that include transportation and lunch. Reference booking options below for current availability.

Pacific Coast Whale Watching

Humpback whale migration peaks in July with mothers and calves in protected bays near Nuquí and Bahía Solano. Calm Pacific waters and minimal rainfall create ideal viewing conditions. Morning tours offer best visibility with whales active 6-10am before afternoon heat.

Booking Tip: Book whale watching tours 10-14 days in advance. Expect to pay COP $200,000-300,000 ($50-75 USD) including boat transport. Choose operators with marine biologist guides for educational value. See current tour options in booking section below.

Bogotá Cultural Walking Tours

July's cool, dry weather makes exploring Colombia's high altitude (2,640m/8,661ft) comfortable without the usual afternoon rains. Perfect conditions for La Candelaria colonial district walks, street art tours in Chapinero, and museum visits. Temperatures stay pleasant 18-22°C (64-72°F) all day.

Booking Tip: Free walking tours operate daily but book paid specialty tours 5-7 days ahead. Private cultural tours range COP $80,000-150,000 ($20-38 USD). Morning tours avoid afternoon crowds at major attractions. Check booking widget below for current options.

Tayrona National Park Hiking

Dry season provides excellent trail conditions on coastal paths from Cabo San Juan to Arrecifes. Clear skies offer spectacular Caribbean coastline views without muddy trails. However, temperatures reach 32°C (90°F), so early morning starts (6-8am) are essential before heat peaks.

Booking Tip: Park entry requires advance booking online (COP $58,500/$14.50 USD). Combine with camping or eco-lodge stays for sunrise hikes. Book accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead for July. Multi-day packages typically cost COP $300,000-500,000 ($75-125 USD).

Medellín Flower Festival Experiences

Feria de las Guatemala runs August 2-11, 2025, but July offers perfect preparation experiences including flower farm visits in nearby Santa Elena. Consistent 24°C (75°F) temperatures and minimal rain create ideal conditions for cable car rides and outdoor plaza events leading up to the festival.

Booking Tip: Flower farm tours cost COP $60,000-100,000 ($15-25 USD). Book accommodation early as prices spike 50-70% during festival approach. Pre-festival cultural tours offer better value and smaller groups. See available tours in booking section.

Colonial Town Exploration

July's dry weather provides perfect conditions for exploring UNESCO sites like Cartagena's walled city and Colombia's cobblestone streets without rain interruptions. Morning golden light (6:30-8:30am) offers ideal photography conditions before tourist crowds arrive at 10am.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but guided historical tours cost COP $40,000-80,000 ($10-20 USD). Book evening food tours 7-10 days ahead as they're popular in dry season. Private photography tours range COP $150,000-250,000 ($38-63 USD).

July Events & Festivals

Mid July

Festival de Verano (Summer Festival) - Santa Marta

Caribbean coast celebration featuring vallenato music, traditional dance competitions, and seafood festivals. Peak beach weather combines with cultural performances along the Magdalena River waterfront.

Late July

Festival Nacional del Bambuco - Neiva

Traditional folk music and dance festival celebrating Colombian bambuco rhythms. Includes beauty pageants, craft exhibitions, and outdoor concerts taking advantage of Huila region's dry season weather.

Early July

Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata - Valledupar

While the main festival occurs in April, July features pre-qualifying events and accordion competitions. Dry weather allows for outdoor performances and street music throughout the historic center.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 90 minutes - UV index reaches 10-11 at high altitudes and Caribbean coast

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in breathable cotton for sun protection during 32°C (90°F) coastal temperatures

Warm layers for Colombia evenings - temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) after sunset despite daytime comfort

Waterproof daypack cover for occasional 15-20 minute afternoon showers in mountain regions

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for cobblestone streets in colonial towns

Insect repellent containing 20-30% DEET for Pacific coast and coffee region mosquitoes

Portable water bottle with purification tablets - stay hydrated in low humidity and high altitude

Light rain jacket that packs small - quick showers possible even in dry season

Hat with chin strap for coastal winds and high-altitude sun exposure

Altitude sickness medication if visiting Colombia or coffee regions above 2,000m (6,562ft)

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights on Tuesday-Thursday for 20-25% savings - Avianca and LATAM offer mid-week deals during high season

Eat lunch at executive restaurants (restaurantes ejecutivos) between 12-2pm for fixed-price meals at COP $12,000-18,000 ($3-4.50 USD) instead of tourist restaurant prices

Use TransMilenio bus system in Colombia during dry season - no weather delays and efficient transport to major attractions for COP $2,950 ($0.75 USD) per ride

Exchange money at casas de cambio in major cities rather than airports for 3-5% better rates - US dollars get best exchange rates in July 2025

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects in Colombia and coffee regions - arrive 1-2 days early to acclimatize before intensive activities

Packing only summer clothes and freezing in Colombia evenings or air-conditioned buses during long-distance travel

Booking Caribbean coast activities for midday hours - schedule beach and outdoor activities before 11am or after 4pm to avoid 35°C (95°F) heat