What is the weather like in Cartagena in January?

Expect temperatures between 24°C and 32°C with 3% average rain probability and about 8 hours of sunshine daily.

What is the weather like in Cartagena in January?

Cartagena in January scores 59/100 based on 30 years of climate data. Worthwhile timing with some trade-offs.

Who should visit Cartagena in January?

January in Cartagena is ideal for: Beach lovers, Photographers, Honeymoon couples, Business travelers.

Cartagena Weather in January | 30-Year Forecast

Avg High

32°C

Hottest around day 30

Avg Low

24°C

Coolest around day 1

Rainy Days

0days

3% avg rain chance

Sunshine

8hrs/day

Winter season

Sea Temperature in January

Coastal Waters(Ocean)

28.8°C

Monthly Average

Water Feel

🌴Tropical

Perfect for swimming and water sports

Swim Rating

✅Excellent for swimming

Based on average sea surface temperature

Body of Water

Coastal Waters

Ocean

Cartagena coastline

Essential Travel Info for Cartagena

🗓️ Best Time to Visit 📖 Travel Guide 🍴 Food Guide

Currency

COP

$ Colombian peso

Language

Spanish

Driving

Right side

Safety

Travel Precautions

GPI: 2.729

Travel Intelligence

Exclusive flight analytics & health data for Cartagena

Smart Flight Estimator

Airport-to-Airport Logistics

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Flight Connectivity Analysis

Airport traffic data & seasonal patterns

Low Traffic

35/ 100

Traffic Index

Quieter airport

Peak Daily Arrivals

slots per day

Peak

Apr

Low

Jul

Monthly Traffic Distribution

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Traffic Level

Low Season

Key Connections

Bogotá El Dorado (BOG)

Rionegro Jose Maria Córdova (MDE)

Tocumen (PTY)

Santiago de Cali Alfonso Bonilla Aragon (CLO)

Miami (MIA)

Health & Safety Advisory

CDC travel health recommendations

9 Recommendations

COVID-19

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please seeYour COVID-19 Vaccinationfor more information.

Chikungunya

There iselevated chikungunya riskin Colombia.Chikungunya vaccinationmay be considered for people traveling or moving to this location if they are planning to stay for an extended period of time (for example, 6 months or more).

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Colombia.Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.Travelers allergic to a vaccine component should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, are immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Colombia. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Colombia.

Malaria

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Colombia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.Transmission areasAll areas <1,700 m (<5,600 ft) elevationNo malaria transmission in the cities of Bogotá (the capital), Cartagena, or MedellínDrug resistanceChloroquineSpeciesP. falciparum(50%)P. vivax(50%)Recommended chemoprophylaxisAtovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, mefloquine, tafenoquine2Updated April 23, 2025See footnotes

Measles

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according toCDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.

+3 more

Source: CDC Travelers' Health

View Complete Health Guide

Is January a Good Time to Visit Cartagena?

👌Worthwhile timing with some trade-offs(59/100)

Short Answer

January brings oppressive conditions to Cartagena: 32°C highs feel like 42°C due to 75% humidity. Only recommended for heat-tolerant travelers willing to limit outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours.

Decision Factors

Oppressive heat and humidity

31.8°C with 75% humidity - challenging conditions

Vaccinations required

Yellow Fever

Feels significantly hotter than 31.8°C

Heat index: 42°C due to 75% humidity

Warm tropical seas

28.8°C sea temperature - Tropical Bath

Peak tourist season

85% of annual peak - expect crowds and high prices

Excellent dry conditions

Only 3% rain probability - ideal for outdoor activities

Good For

🏖️
Beach lovers
28.8°C warm seas and 3% rain probability
📸
Photographers
10.5h sunshine, 67% clear skies for golden hour shots
💑
Honeymoon couples
Wedding score 94/100 with romantic weather conditions
💼
Business travelers
Climate-controlled meetings unaffected by weather

Who Should Avoid

💰
Budget travelers
Peak season means premium prices everywhere
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Families with children
42°C heat index dangerous for children
👴
Elderly travelers
Heat index of 42°C poses health risks
🥾
Outdoor enthusiasts
Extreme conditions limit outdoor activity options

"According to 30YearWeather's analysis of 30 years of NASA POWER satellite data,Cartagena in January averages 32°C with 3% precipitation probability."

📊 Source: 30YearWeather.com🛰️ Data: NASA POWER (1991-2021)View Methodology →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cartagena in January

What are the temperatures in Cartagena in January?

Daytime highs average 32°C, nights drop to 24°C. Temperatures remain fairly consistent.

How many rainy days in Cartagena in January?

Expect around 0 days with measurable rainfall. Rain is unlikely to disrupt plans.

What to wear in Cartagena in January?

Light, breathable fabrics. Don't forget sunglasses and a hat.

Is January peak season in Cartagena?

This is shoulder season—moderate prices and manageable crowds.

Cartagena Weather in January