What to expect in Cartagena in January
January is one of the best times to visit Cartagena. Expect 31° / 24°, the biggest crowds of the year and prices close to the yearly average.
Cartagena weather in January
Typical conditions in Cartagena during January, based on long-run climate normals rather than any single year. Treat it as a planning guide, not a forecast.
| Average high | 31°C 88°F |
|---|---|
| Average low | 24°C 75°F |
| Rainfall | Dry 5/100 |
| Total rainfall | 4 mm0.2 in |
| Rainy days | 0 |
| Sea temperature | 28°C 82°F |
| Daylight | 11 h 35 min |
| How it feels | Hot — midday shade matters |
Average highs sit around 31°C with lows near 24°C. It is one of the drier months — pack light.
Crowds & demand
Crowd levels are High for Cartagena — the biggest crowds of the year.
Prices & value
This month counts as shoulder season: prices close to the yearly average.
What to pack
Lightweight, breathable clothes, strong sun protection and a refillable bottle — highs near 31°C make midday heat the main constraint. Rain gear is largely optional this month, which keeps your bag light.
What it costs
Costs in January sit around the yearly average for Cartagena — neither a bargain nor a squeeze. Booking a few weeks out is usually enough.
Who this month suits
- Travellers who want the most reliable weather
- Anyone travelling on a budget
- Visitors who want to catch a festival
- Families tied to school holidays
Events & what’s on
Look out for Hay Festival Cartagena, Cartagena International Music Festival while you’re there.
- Hay Festival Cartagena — International authors and thinkers gather for literary talks and readings across the walled city each January.
- Cartagena International Music Festival — Classical musicians perform in colonial courtyards and churches throughout the historic center each January.
Cartagena in January compared with nearby months
If your dates are flexible by a few weeks, this is what shifting them actually buys you.
| Month | Temp | Crowds | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 31° / 24° | Low | $ | 57 |
| December | 31° / 24° | High | $$ | 47 |
| January · This month | 31° / 24° | High | $$ | 50 |
| February | 31° / 24° | High | $$ | 52 |
| March | 32° / 25° | Moderate | $$ | 54 |
These months score higher for Cartagena on the same blend of weather, crowds and price. Same destination, better odds.
Or go somewhere else in January
If the destination is negotiable but the month is not, these places are at their best in January.
Figures are climate normals and modelled estimates — a planning guide, not a forecast. We separate fact, estimate and recommendation. Updated October 2026
