Colombia in March: Weather and Travel Tips

Situated close to the equator, Colombia has more or less uniform temperatures throughout the year. It has only two distinct seasons—wet and dry. March falls at the end of the typically dry winter season. The country sees plenty of sun accompanied by a faint hint of spring showers during this time of year. Colombia’s temperatures tend to differ as you gain altitude. Bogota, located high on the Andes plateau, has a maximum high of 20°C and a low of 8°C in March. The coastal city of Cartagena, on the other hand, has a high of 31°C and a low of 25°C on average. Medellin, the land of eternal spring, is pleasantly warm at 28°C with lows of 18°C throughout March.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Colombia.

March is the start of the shoulder season in the tourism calendar of Colombia. The weather is dry, and days are ripe for exploring the many attractions and engaging in activities in Colombia. Here are some reasons why you should visit Colombia in March:

• Calm Before Easter: Aside from the Holy Week, March is mostly tourist-free. With Easter, both international and domestic tourism picks up. Book in advance to avoid last-minute reservation hassles and inflated holiday prices.
• Better Price: Columbia is already a budget destination, but March makes it a lot easier on your pockets. Expect great deals during the lean period as hotels and tours compete to offer better prices to attract customers.
• Festivals: March is known for the traditional festivity of Semana Santa or the Holy Week. There are plenty of places to visit in Colombia to partake in festivities across the country. Spend it like a local in Popayán, see a religious procession at the plaza and join the people to party the night away. Or, you can choose to sway to the century-old tune of ancient music from as far back as the 15th century at the music conference at Villa de Leyva. Occasionally, the carnival at Barranquilla spills over to the beginning days of March. So, check the dates and if lucky, shimmy away at this high-energy costumed celebration with vibrant floats, parades, and lots of dancing.

Colombia is a natural gem with varying landscapes and biodiversity. March offers trips to take in the captivating sights of these destinations and indulge in activities across the country. Tayrona National Park opens up after its customary month-long February closure. With its ecosystem freshly restored, the park brims with wildlife, and encountering them becomes easy in March.

To witness another spectacular natural phenomenon, travel to Acandí, a town near Capurgana, where leatherback turtles visit its beaches to lay eggs every year starting in March. Explorers at heart will find their true calling with a multi-day trek to The Lost City in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Mountain range. The urban centers of Bogota and Cartagena are also ready to reel you in with their charming historical districts and brightly graffitied street art.

Though the March weather is ideal for visiting several locations in Colombia, you still have to be mindful of what to pack for each place. The best way to tackle the temperature difference is to carry layers. You can strip off or add on as you hop from one destination to the next.

You can check out our guide on how many days to spend in Colombia to plan an itinerary that best fits your interest, or chat with one of our travel experts to create a customized trip to Colombia. For more information, you can browse through our Colombia tours in March.