Colombia

Colombia's Climate

Are you curious about how the climate in Colombia works? Maybe you're planning a visit, and while packing your bags, you've realized you have no idea what to bring. Winter or summer clothes? Something for spring or a windy autumn?

The first thing you need to know is that Colombia is located near the Equator; therefore, we do not have traditional seasons!

Moreover, our country is traversed by the Andes mountain range, which gives us a variety of climates depending on the altitude above sea level.

In Colombia, you can be in one region feeling cold weather while someone else is in another region feeling hot and sweaty.

If you were preparing your winter gear or your flannel and shorts, think again! The weather in Colombia is not as predictable as in some countries. However, the year does have two clearly identifiable periods: rainy and dry.

Despite its proximity to the Equator, Colombia does not have a uniformly warm climate throughout the year, as many geographical and atmospheric factors influence the range of climates in the country.

The main geographical determinant is altitude. Thanks to our impressive mountain chains, crowned by the Andes Cordillera, Colombia has almost all climates found on Earth.

A Swiss friend of mine once said that in Bogotá, there is a sort of permanent spring. I agree with him, and I'd like to add an important fact: if you travel about two hours by car, you'll find a completely different climate. If you go up, the temperature drops; if you go down, the temperature rises. It's estimated that the temperature decreases by about 6°C for every 1,000 meters of altitude increase.

Now imagine that on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, there is a permanent summer, with rain during the rainy season and dry weather during the dry season. It's that simple.

When I was a child, I remember asking my dad how this could happen. If you go higher on the mountain, you're getting closer to the sun, so I thought you'd feel more heat. But it's exactly the opposite—the temperature drops.

So, I think it's better if you come and experience it for yourself.

Although the climate of Colombia is a bit unpredictable, be aware that there are five major climate zones:

• Tropical Rainforest: Warm (above 27°C), rainy, and humid climate. This is characteristic of the Amazon, certain areas of the department of Chocó, the Pacific Coast, and parts of the department of Magdalena.
• Tropical Savanna: The typical climate of the Eastern Plains and Caribbean coasts. The tropical savanna has rainy and dry seasons (six months each) and an average temperature above 24°C.
• Tropical Steppe: This climate has little rainfall and is typical of the Eastern Plains and savannahs of Bolívar and northern La Guajira.
• Desert: With temperatures over 29°C, this climate is typical of upper La Guajira. This is the least rainy region of Colombia.
• Mountain: The characteristic climate of the Andean region and areas such as the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Here, altitude determines the climate and causes the effect known as Pisos Térmicos (thermal floors).

Recommendations

• Plan Ahead: Consider where in Colombia you will be staying before packing your bags, especially regarding clothes and accessories. Remember that the climate varies greatly in different regions.
• Seasonal Awareness: Note that the dry seasons are from December to March and from July to August, but this can change if you're in the Andean region, where Pisos Térmicos affect the climate.
• Be Prepared: If you're unsure about the places you'll visit, it's best to come prepared for a variety of climates and environments.
• Enjoy the Mildness: Our climate is always mild overall — that's how the tropics work, and we love it!