Colombia in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Colombia

30°C (86°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Amazon region becomes accessible as water levels drop, making wildlife viewing exceptional - jaguars, pink dolphins, and over 300 bird species are easier to spot
Coffee harvest season begins in Zona Cafetera - participate in picking, processing, and taste freshly harvested beans at 1,500-2,000m (4,920-6,560 ft) elevation
Fewer crowds at major attractions like Cartagena's Old City and Colombia - hotel rates drop 20-30% from peak season
Optimal conditions for paragliding in Colombia and San Gil with stable thermal currents and clearer afternoon skies between rain periods

Considerations

Daily afternoon showers lasting 1-3 hours affect outdoor activities - plan morning excursions and have indoor backup plans ready
Caribbean coast experiences heavier rainfall (250mm/9.8 inches) making beach days unpredictable, though mornings are often clear
Some remote hiking trails in Cocuy National Park may be muddy or temporarily closed due to wet conditions

Best Activities in September

Amazon Rainforest Wildlife Tours

September marks the start of dry season in the Amazon. Receding water levels concentrate wildlife around remaining pools, making animal spotting 40% more successful. Temperatures average 28°C (82°F) with less humidity than other months. Pink dolphins, caimans, and exotic birds gather at accessible viewing points.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead through operators offering 3-4 day packages ranging COP$800,000-1,200,000 ($200-300). Look for guides certified by SINCHI (Colombian Amazon Research Institute). See current tour options in booking section below.

Coffee Farm Experiences

September begins the main harvest season in Colombia's Colombia. Participate in hand-picking ripe cherries at farms between 1,200-2,000m (3,937-6,562 ft) elevation. Cool morning temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) make farm work comfortable. Learn processing techniques and taste coffee within hours of picking.

Booking Tip: Full-day experiences cost COP$120,000-200,000 ($30-50). Book directly with certified farms or through operators offering transport from Armenia, Pereira, or Manizales. Multi-day stays at coffee fincas range COP$300,000-500,000 ($75-125) per night. See current options in booking section below.

Medellín Urban Innovation Tours

September's mild temperatures 24-28°C (75-82°F) and afternoon rain breaks create perfect conditions for exploring Colombia's transformation. Ride the cable cars to Comuna 13 during clear morning hours. The city's spring-like climate means comfortable walking between metro stations and outdoor art installations.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost COP$80,000-150,000 ($20-38). Book with operators offering small groups (maximum 8 people) and bilingual guides. Include metro day passes COP$15,000 ($3.75). Avoid 2-4pm when afternoon rains are most likely. See current tours in booking section below.

Cartagena Colonial Walking Tours

September mornings in Cartagena offer ideal conditions for exploring the walled city before afternoon storms. Temperatures of 32°C (90°F) with 75% humidity are manageable between 7-11am. Fewer cruise ships mean less crowded streets and better photo opportunities at Plaza Santo Domingo and Las Bóvedas.

Booking Tip: Book morning tours starting 8-9am to avoid afternoon rain and heat. Prices range COP$60,000-120,000 ($15-30) for 3-4 hour experiences. Look for guides certified by Colombian Tourism Ministry. Include food stops at local patios for authentic Caribbean flavors. See current options in booking section below.

Cocuy National Park Trekking

September offers clearer morning conditions for high-altitude trekking at 4,000-5,300m (13,123-17,388 ft). While afternoon clouds build up, morning visibility reveals snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes. Temperatures drop to -5°C (23°F) at night, requiring proper gear but creating impressive photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Multi-day treks cost COP$400,000-800,000 ($100-200) including guide, permits, and basic accommodation. Book 6-8 weeks ahead as park limits visitors. Mandatory acclimatization day in Güicán required. Bring high-altitude gear or rent locally. See current guided options in booking section below.

Guatapé Lake Boat Tours

September's intermittent clouds create dramatic lighting over Colombia's reservoir and islands. Water temperatures remain warm at 22°C (72°F) while air temperatures of 26°C (79°F) make boat rides comfortable. Climb El Peñón rock formation during morning hours for best visibility before afternoon cloud cover.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Colombia cost COP$100,000-180,000 ($25-45) including transport and boat tour. Private boat rentals range COP$200,000-400,000 ($50-100) for groups. Book morning departures to maximize clear weather windows. See current tour combinations in booking section below.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Festival de Jazz de Mompox

This intimate jazz festival transforms the colonial town of Mompox into an open-air concert venue. International and Colombian musicians perform in historic plazas and courtyards along the Magdalena River. Limited accommodation makes advance booking essential.

Late September

Festival Nacional del Bambuco

Neiva celebrates Colombia's national folk dance with competitions, traditional music, and the crowning of the Bambuco Queen. Street performances, food stalls, and artisan markets fill the city center. This is one of Colombia's most authentic cultural celebrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon showers occur 16 days per month and last 1-3 hours

Quick-dry hiking pants - humidity stays at 75% and trails can be muddy after rain

Waterproof day pack cover - essential for protecting electronics and documents during sudden downpours

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 7 even with cloud cover, especially at high altitudes

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - mosquito activity increases during rainy season, particularly in Amazon and coastal regions

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester which traps moisture in 75% humidity

Waterproof hiking boots for altitudes above 2,500m (8,202 ft) - essential for coffee region and Cocuy treks

Compact umbrella - more practical than rain jacket for quick city walking between showers

Layers for altitude changes - temperatures drop 6°C per 1,000m (3.3°F per 1,000 ft) of elevation gained

Waterproof phone case - protect devices during boat tours and sudden rain in Amazon region

Insider Knowledge

Local coffee farmers offer authentic farm stays during harvest season for COP$80,000-150,000 ($20-38) per night - book directly through municipal tourism offices in coffee towns

September marks 'veranillo' (little summer) - short dry periods lasting 3-5 days occur mid-month, perfect for last-minute outdoor bookings

Avoid Friday afternoon flights from coastal cities - thunderstorms peak between 2-5pm causing frequent delays at Cartagena and Santa Marta airports

Use TransMilenio and metro systems during rain - Colombia and Colombia's public transport continues operating while taxis become scarce and expensive

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling beach days without checking hourly weather - Caribbean coast mornings are often clear while afternoons bring heavy rain starting around 1pm

Packing only summer clothes for coffee region visits - temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) at night in mountainous areas above 1,800m (5,906 ft)

Not booking Amazon tours early enough - September begins peak wildlife viewing season and quality operators fill up 4-6 weeks in advance