Colombia - Things to Do in Colombia in June

Colombia in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Colombia

29°C (84°F) High Temp
22°C (72°F) Low Temp
180 mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall
80% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

  • Dramatic landscape transformation - waterfalls at full power, lush green mountains, and botanical gardens at their most spectacular
  • Fewer international tourists mean cheaper accommodation rates (30-40% lower than December peak) and authentic local experiences
  • Perfect weather for coffee region exploration - cool temperatures at 1,500m+ (4,921ft+) elevation with misty mountain mornings
  • Indoor cultural activities shine - world-class museums in Bogotá, colonial architecture tours in Cartagena's covered areas, and busy nightlife scene

Considerations

  • Heavy afternoon rains 15+ days per month disrupt outdoor plans - expect 2-4 hour downpours starting around 2pm daily
  • Caribbean coast beaches have rough seas, strong winds, and limited sun - not ideal for beach relaxation or water sports
  • Transportation delays common - domestic flights delayed 40% more often, mountain roads become treacherous with landslides

Best Activities in June

Coffee Region Farm Tours and Tastings

June's cool mountain climate (18-24°C/64-75°F) and frequent mists create perfect conditions for coffee farm visits. Harvest season overlaps in some areas, offering authentic picking experiences. Rain typically comes after 3pm, leaving mornings clear for farm tours. The landscape is impossibly green and dramatic.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours (8am-1pm) to avoid afternoon rains. Tours typically cost 80,000-150,000 COP ($20-37 USD). Look for working farms that include transportation from Pereira or Armenia. See current tour options in booking section below.

Bogotá Museum and Indoor Cultural Experiences

June's rainy afternoons make Bogotá's world-class museums perfect. Gold Museum, Botero Museum, and Banjul offer climate-controlled environments during downpours. The city's covered shopping areas, rooftop bars with retractable covers, and extensive underground culture scene thrive in wet season.

Booking Tip: Many museums offer combo tickets (40,000-60,000 COP/$10-15). Book afternoon activities indoors and morning walking tours. Free museum days typically Sundays. See current cultural tours in booking section below.

Medellín Transformation Tours and Metro Exploration

Colombia's modern metro system and covered Comuna 13 graffiti tours work perfectly in June weather. Temperature stays pleasant at 22-28°C (72-82°F) year-round. Rain creates dramatic backgrounds for photography, and the city's innovative urban planning shines in any weather.

Booking Tip: Comuna 13 tours run rain or shine with covered areas. Day passes for metro system cost 2,500 COP ($0.65). Book guided transformation tours 48 hours ahead, typically 45,000-80,000 COP ($12-20). See current options in booking section below.

Cartagena Historic Center Colonial Architecture

Cartagena's walled city offers extensive covered walkways, colonial courtyards, and indoor attractions perfect for rainy season. Morning temperatures (24-27°C/75-81°F) are ideal for walking before afternoon storms. The dramatic skies create impressive photography opportunities against colonial facades.

Booking Tip: Focus on morning walking tours (7am-11am) and afternoon indoor activities like museums and restaurants. Guided historic tours typically 35,000-70,000 COP ($9-18). Avoid beach day trips in June. See current cultural tours in booking section below.

Guatapé and El Peñón Rock Climbing

The famous 740-step climb up El Peñón rock is spectacular in June's dramatic weather. Post-rain visibility can extend 50+ km (31+ miles) on clear moments. The colorful town of Colombia offers covered boat tours of the reservoir when weather permits.

Booking Tip: Start early (8am departure from Colombia) to climb before afternoon rains. Entry fee 20,000 COP ($5). Day tours including transport typically 60,000-120,000 COP ($15-30). Bring rain gear. See current tour options in booking section below.

Cocora Valley Wax Palm Hiking

June transforms Cocora Valley into a mystical landscape with morning mists revealing the world's tallest palm trees. The 5.5 km (3.4 mile) hike through cloud forest is most dramatic during wet season, though trails become muddy. Wildlife is most active with abundant water sources.

Booking Tip: Essential to start by 8am before afternoon rains make trails dangerous. Waterproof boots mandatory. Guided hikes 35,000-50,000 COP ($9-13). Horse riding alternatives available for muddy conditions. See current tour options in booking section below.

June Events & Festivals

Mid June

Festival de Poesía de Medellín

One of Latin America's largest poetry festivals featuring international poets, street performances, and literary events throughout the city. Indoor venues make it perfect for June weather.

Late June

Festival Folclórico y Reinado Nacional del Bambuco

Traditional music and dance festival in Neiva celebrating bambuco rhythm. Features parades, competitions, and cultural performances showcasing Huila region traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof rain jacket with hood - not poncho which fails in 40+ km/h (25+ mph) winds during thunderstorms
Quick-dry synthetic clothing - cotton stays wet for hours in 80% humidity and never fully dries
Waterproof daypack cover - electronics and documents need protection during sudden downpours
Closed-toe waterproof shoes plus backup pair - open shoes become unusable in muddy conditions
Compact umbrella rated for wind - cheap umbrellas break immediately in Colombian storm winds
Moisture-wicking undergarments - regular cotton becomes uncomfortable in constant humidity
Waterproof phone case - essential for photography during dramatic weather moments
Light fleece for mountain regions - temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) in coffee region evenings
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index still reaches 7-9 between clouds at high altitudes
Anti-chafe balm - wet clothing causes friction during long walking days

Insider Knowledge

Local buses and metros become packed during afternoon storms (2-5pm) - plan indoor activities during these hours or expect crowded public transport
Many restaurants offer 'menu del día' lunch specials until 3pm for 12,000-18,000 COP ($3-4.50) - perfect timing before daily rains start
Book accommodation with good WiFi and common areas - you'll spend more time indoors than expected, and locals gather in lobbies during storms
ATMs inside shopping centers work better than street ATMs which often malfunction in heavy rain - Éxito and Carulla supermarkets always have functioning machines

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning beach days on Caribbean coast - June brings rough seas, constant wind, and limited sunshine making beach time miserable
Booking afternoon outdoor activities - 90% of outdoor tours get cancelled or severely impacted by daily 2pm thunderstorms
Packing only summer clothes - mountain regions like Bogotá (2,640m/8,661ft elevation) require warm layers even in summer season

Activities in Colombia