Start of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Cartagena in December
Little changes in Cartagena from November: highs stay near 85°F (29°C), lows near 79°F (26°C), and about 2.2 in (56 mm) of rain falls.
It scores 76/100 for comfort, 4th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 85°F (29°C)
- Avg low
- 79°F (26°C)
- Rain
- 2.2 in (56 mm)
- Humidity
- 81%
- Cloud cover
- 44%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 24 min
- Comfort score
- 76/100 · Great
What December feels like
Days are warm, averaging 85°F (29°C).
Even at night it stays warm, around 79°F (26°C).
With 81% average humidity, it feels muggy.
About 2.2 in (56 mm) of rain falls in a typical year's December.
It's breezy, with average winds near 12 mph (5.3 m/s) at ground level.
Plan around December
December is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (January – March).
- The drier spell starts: rain falls to 2.2 in (56 mm) after 7.1 in (181 mm) in November.
- Comfort improves from 54/100 in November to 76/100.
- December sits inside the Dec – Mar window our Colombia: Coffee to Caribbean route recommends.
What to pack for December
- Light, breathable clothes85°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hatstrong sun this month
- Quick-dry fabrics81% average humidity
- Windproof shellaverage wind 12 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Cartagena in December
December is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Islas del Rosario
Coral archipelago in a national park about an hour by boat, with clear water for snorkeling.
Why now December scores 76/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Walled City of Cartagena
UNESCO-listed old town of plazas, flower-draped balconies and 11 km of stone ramparts.
Alquímico
Three-story cocktail bar with a rooftop, using spirits and produce from its own farm.
Why now Highs near 85°F and 2.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Getsemaní
Former working-class barrio of murals and street life around Plaza de la Trinidad.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
La Cevichería
Small spot near the walls famous for Caribbean ceviches and seafood rice.
Nearby in December
- Medellín in December~287 mi · highs 74°F, 6.8 in rain · 6°C (11°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 December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Cartagena?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 76/100 against a best of 83 in January – March. Expect highs of 85°F (29°C) and 2.2 in (56 mm) of rain. December is inside the Dec – Mar window our Colombia: Coffee to Caribbean route recommends.
How hot is Cartagena in December?
Average highs are 85°F (29°C) and average lows 79°F (26°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Cartagena in December?
Not much: about 2.2 in (56 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 53.9 in (1369 mm).
What should I pack for Cartagena in December?
Bring light, breathable clothes (85°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (strong sun this month), quick-dry fabrics (81% average humidity), windproof shell (average wind 12 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Cartagena
Routes in season in December
- Colombia: Coffee to Caribbean Dec – Mar
Planning Cartagena in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.