Colombia in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Colombia

28°C (82°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

60mm (2.4 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with only 8 rainy days - perfect for hiking trails in Colombia and exploring colonial cities without weather interruptions
Ideal temperatures 16-28°C (61-82°F) for high-altitude destinations like Colombia, Colombia, and coffee region - no oppressive heat or heavy rains
Whale watching season on Pacific coast - humpback whales migrate through Colombian waters March-November, with March offering calm seas and excellent visibility
Pre-Easter pricing - accommodation costs 25-40% less than April's Semana Santa peak, with flights from US/Europe averaging $100-200 cheaper than high season

Considerations

Strong UV radiation at high altitudes - index reaches 11+ in Colombia (2,640m/8,661ft elevation), requiring constant sun protection even on cloudy days
Significant temperature swings - can drop from 28°C (82°F) midday to 8°C (46°F) at night in mountain regions, requiring layered clothing strategy
Caribbean coast experiences hottest, most humid conditions of the year with temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F) and 85% humidity in Colombia

Best Activities in March

Coffee Region Finca Tours and Hiking

March offers perfect conditions for Colombia's coffee triangle with minimal rainfall and comfortable temperatures 18-25°C (64-77°F). Coffee farms are actively harvesting, allowing visitors to participate in picking and processing. The dry weather makes mountain roads accessible to traditional fincas that become impassable during rainy season. Jeep tours through coffee plantations and hiking trails in Los Nevados National Park are at their best.

Booking Tip: Reserve finca stays 3-4 weeks ahead as March is peak coffee harvest season. Multi-day packages typically cost $180-320 per person including accommodation, meals, and activities. Look for certified sustainable coffee farms and operators with 4WD vehicles for remote locations.

Cocora Valley Wax Palm Hiking

The world's tallest palm trees are impressive in March's dry conditions with clear mountain views and minimal mud on hiking trails. Temperature stays comfortable at 1,800-2,400m (5,905-7,874ft) elevation, ranging 12-22°C (54-72°F). Trails that are treacherous during rainy months are perfectly accessible, including the full loop to Acaime hummingbird sanctuary. Cloud forest visibility is excellent with only occasional afternoon mist.

Booking Tip: Start hikes by 8am to avoid afternoon clouds. Full-day guided hikes cost $40-70 including transport from Salento. Book through eco-certified operators who support palm conservation. Wear sturdy hiking boots - trail gains 400m (1,312ft) elevation over 5.5km (3.4 miles).

Pacific Coast Whale Watching

Humpback whales arrive in Colombian Pacific waters for breeding season, with March offering calm seas and 80% sighting success rates. From Nuquí and Bahía Solano, boats can get within 200m (656ft) of whale pods. The dry season means minimal rain interference and excellent photography conditions. Water temperature reaches 26°C (79°F), perfect for post-watching beach time and snorkeling.

Booking Tip: Book whale watching tours 2-3 weeks ahead through licensed operators with marine biologist guides. Day trips from coastal towns cost $60-90, including lunch and snorkeling equipment. Choose morning departures (7am-8am) for calmest seas and best wildlife activity.

Ciudad Perdida Trek Preparation

March represents the last excellent month for the challenging 4-day Ciudad Perdida trek before April rains make trails extremely muddy and river crossings dangerous. Temperatures in Sierra Nevada range 20-30°C (68-86°F) with minimal precipitation. The ancient Teyuna archaeological site, predating Machu Picchu by 650 years, is accessible via relatively dry jungle paths. River levels are low enough for safe crossings.

Booking Tip: Book mandatory guided treks 4-6 weeks ahead - only 4 authorized operators exist, charging $290-350 for 4-day expeditions. Requires moderate fitness level as trek covers 44km (27 miles) with river crossings and steep terrain. Medical certificate recommended for travelers over 60.

Medellín Urban Exploration and Metrocable

Colombia's eternal spring climate peaks in March with ideal 22-28°C (72-82°F) temperatures and minimal rain for exploring transformation neighborhoods like Comuna 13. The innovative Metrocable system provides spectacular valley views without weather interruptions. Street art tours, Pablo Escobar historical sites, and innovative urban planning showcases are best experienced in dry conditions.

Booking Tip: Purchase integrated metro day passes for $2-3 covering all Metrocable lines and metro routes. Historical and transformation tours cost $25-45 per person. Book Comuna 13 graffiti tours through community-based operators who employ local residents as guides.

Caño Cristales Natural Wonder

March marks the end of Caño Cristales viewing season as the 'Liquid Rainbow' river begins transitioning from busy reds, yellows, and greens to regular water colors. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in Meta department offers the last chance to see Macarenia clavigera aquatic plants in full bloom. Access requires internal flights and guided tours with limited daily visitors.

Booking Tip: Book immediately - Caño Cristales season ends March 30th and requires advance permits from Cormacarena environmental agency. Complete 3-day packages cost $400-600 including flights from Colombia, accommodation in La Macarena, and guided river tours. Only 200 daily visitors allowed.

March Events & Festivals

Early March

Festival Internacional de Cine de Cartagena

Latin America's oldest film festival showcases regional cinema across historic venues including Teatro Heredia and outdoor screenings at Plaza de la Aduana. International celebrities attend premieres and masterclasses, transforming the colonial city into a cultural hub. Free outdoor screenings complement paid premiere events.

Late March

Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata

Valledupar hosts Colombia's most important traditional music competition where accordion players compete for the Rey Vallenato crown. Four-day celebration includes street performances, traditional food vendors, and cultural exhibitions celebrating Caribbean coast folklore. Attracts over 500,000 visitors annually.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 11+ at high altitudes even on cloudy days, causing severe burns within 15 minutes

Insulated jacket rated to 5°C (41°F) - mountain temperatures drop dramatically after sunset, especially in Colombia and coffee region

Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support - essential for coffee region trails and Colombia's 400m (1,312ft) elevation gains

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers occur 8 days in March, typically lasting 30-45 minutes

Layers including long-sleeve merino wool or synthetic blend - temperature swings of 20°C (36°F) between day and night common

Insect repellent with 25%+ DEET - essential for Pacific coast and jungle regions where mosquitoes carry dengue and chikungunya

Portable water purification tablets or filter - rural coffee fincas and trekking routes may have questionable water sources

Cash in small denominations (20,000 and 50,000 peso notes) - many rural businesses and small vendors cannot break 100,000 peso notes

Altitude sickness medication if applicable - Colombia sits at 2,640m (8,661ft) and symptoms affect 25% of visitors from sea level

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid synthetic fabrics that trap moisture in 65% humidity conditions

Insider Knowledge

Book domestic flights on VivaColombia or LATAM 6-8 weeks ahead - prices increase 200-300% closer to travel dates, especially for routes to coffee region and Caribbean coast

Withdraw cash from Bancolombia ATMs exclusively - they have lowest foreign transaction fees (9,000-12,000 pesos vs 15,000+ at other banks) and widest network coverage

Avoid Colombia's walled city restaurants charging tourist prices - walk 3 blocks outside walls to Getsemaní neighborhood where identical meals cost 60% less

Use Uber or registered taxis only after 8pm in major cities - informal 'pirate taxis' increase petty crime risk, especially targeting tourists with luggage and electronics

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating altitude effects in Colombia - arriving from sea level and immediately doing strenuous activities can cause severe headaches, nausea, and fatigue lasting 2-3 days

Wearing shorts and tank tops in conservative highland regions - locals consider this inappropriate, particularly when visiting religious sites or rural communities

Booking Caribbean coast accommodations expecting dry weather - March temperatures reach 35°C (95°F) with 85% humidity, making it the least comfortable time for coastal destinations