If you want to visit Colombia during the lull between peak seasons, September is a good time to do so. You'll experience all the famous sights and places without having to contend with the masses of foreign travelers—plus, there are seasonal activities and events to enjoy.

Weather

September marks the start of Colombia's second rainy season, though given Colombia's proximity to the equator, temperatures change little and only fluctuate depending on a location's altitude. The Andes and the Pacific coast tend to get quite a bit of rain this month, while the Caribbean coast continues to stay relatively dry. Meanwhile, in the Amazon, rainfall is similar to what you'd see in August with the Amazon River low. The coasts (and insular region) average 86°F (30°C), while Medellín and its surrounding Antioquia region are forever springlike, and Bogotá is chillier at 50-73°F (10-23°C) with frequent drizzle.

If you travel south to Cali you'll find its tropical savanna climate and average high of 77°F (23°C) lends itself to those sultry nights spent at local salsa clubs. 

Crowds & Costs

As the start of the country's second low (wet) season, September on average sees fewer crowds and reduced accommodation and flight rates. Still, it's smart to book Amazon excursions and Caribbean coast stays early to lock in your top picks.

Where to Go

All of Colombia can be your playground during September, depending on your interests. If you have an eye for a jungle adventure, you can head south to Leticia, the principal city in Colombia's Amazon region. There's no wet and dry season here but rather a high-water/low-water season, which denotes the water level of the Amazon River. Low-water season means the waterways are more easily navigable, there are better opportunities for wildlife spotting, and all of the boat tours and excursions are available.

Plan your trip to Colombia
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get Started

What to Do

For beaches and wildlife spotting, consider making a trip to the northern Pacific coast. This is Colombia's Chocó region, and September is an excellent month for whale watching. Come to the coastal village of Nuqui, where you can spot humpback whales migrating south to the warmer waters of the equator. An added bonus to visiting Chocó in late September is the Fiesta de San Pacho (more info on this below). Read more tips about visiting the Chocó region here. 

As mentioned, September is a great time for Amazon boat tours, and there's no bad time for city exploration and sightseeing in Medellín. It will still be rainy in Bogotá, but late September sees more clear days, and visitors can check out the annual jazz festival.

If you don't mind the warmer weather and still want to get some hiking in, head to Valle de Cocora, in Colombia's Zona Cafetera (Coffee Region). Here you can trek across the rolling green hills dotted with towering wax palms, Colombia's national tree. You can even pencil in a visit to the popular tourist town of Salento and take a tour of a working coffee farm. Maybe explore more of this region by visiting the city of Manizales (also in coffee country). 

September Events

Jazz al Parque, Bogotá. For a weekend in mid or late September, local and international musicians descend on Bogotá’s parks and treat audience members to various types of jazz, including instrumental and big band.

Fiesta de San Pacho, Chocó Department. Every year in late September Chocó Department holds its own carnivalesque celebration, which usually lasts for a couple of weeks or more. Ground zero for this celebration is the Choco's principal city of Quibdó.

Festival de la Luna Verde, San Andrés. The Green Moon Festival is a folklife tradition celebrated on the islands of San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina. This multiday festival is as unique as its Caribbean island setting of Afro-Caribbean culture, food, and music. From sunrise to sunset, dance and listen to Calypso and Reggae music on a beach overlooking the sea with the surprising and welcoming influence of English lyrics.

Traveling to Colombia in September? Check out these great itineraries

Colombia's Wild Pacific Coast - 10 Days. South America's undiscovered region of El Chocó on the Pacific Ocean takes center stage in this unique adventure. Start in Medellín before flying to Bahía Solano to explore Utría National Park. Then on to Nuquí for canoeing, hiking, and soaking in hot springs, all the while looking for humpback whales and sea turtles close to shore.

Colombia's Ultimate Bird-Watching & Wildlife Tour - 16 Days. Experience Colombia's diverse landscapes during guided hikes and bird-watching expeditions on this itinerary, perfect for September. The trip starts on the Caribbean coast, where you'll explore the vibrant streets of Cartagena and the untamed beauty of Tayrona National Park. Then journey to the tranquil mountains of Minca and the cloud forests of Manizales. Finish with four special nights surrounded by the wild nature in the Amazon rainforest before wrapping up in Colombia's sophisticated capital, Bogotá.

More Helpful Information

Colombia in August
Colombia in October
Best Time of Year to Visit Colombia
How Many Days to Spend in Colombia