Middle of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Cartagena in August
Little changes in Cartagena from July: highs stay near 85°F (30°C), lows near 81°F (27°C), and about 6.3 in (160 mm) of rain falls.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 50/100, 9th of 12.
- Avg high
- 85°F (30°C)
- Avg low
- 81°F (27°C)
- Rain
- 6.3 in (160 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 79%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 21 min
- Comfort score
- 50/100 · Fair
What August feels like
Days are warm, averaging 85°F (30°C).
Even at night it stays warm, around 81°F (27°C).
With 82% average humidity, it feels muggy.
Rain is a real factor, with about 6.3 in (160 mm) across the month.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 79%.
Plan around August
August sits mid-table; the best months are January – March.
- Comfort holds steady from July (51 → 50/100).
- Our Colombia: Coffee to Caribbean route recommends Dec – Mar, so August falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clothes85°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Quick-dry fabrics82% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoesfrequent rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Cartagena in August
With 6.3 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Las Bóvedas
Former vaults in the city wall now holding craft and souvenir shops.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 6.3 in of rain.
La Cevichería
Small spot near the walls famous for Caribbean ceviches and seafood rice.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 6.3 in of rain.
Celele
Getsemaní restaurant built on research into Colombian Caribbean ingredients and traditions.
Why now Easy to slot in when August's rain moves in.
Palacio de la Inquisición
Colonial palace on Plaza de Bolívar now a history museum covering the Inquisition and the city.
Why now A good rainy-day backup in August.
Café del Mar
Open-air bar on the old city walls at Baluarte Santo Domingo, facing the sunset.
Why now Keeps part of the day dry on wetter August days.
Nearby in August
- Medellín in August~287 mi · highs 75°F, 8.1 in rain · 6°C (10°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Cartagena in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Cartagena?
It's middling, scoring 50/100. The best months are January – March, at up to 83. Expect highs of 85°F (30°C) and 6.3 in (160 mm) of rain. Our Colombia: Coffee to Caribbean route recommends Dec – Mar, so August is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Cartagena in August?
Average highs are 85°F (30°C) and average lows 81°F (27°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cartagena in August?
Yes: about 6.3 in (160 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 53.9 in (1369 mm).
What should I pack for Cartagena in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (85°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), quick-dry fabrics (82% average humidity), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (frequent rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Cartagena
Planning Cartagena in August?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.