Colombia has a very distinct, tropical climate. Its position along the equator presents five natural regions, each encompassing their own weather throughout the year. While the country holds consistent temperatures due to its proximity to the equator, the weather does vary depending on the altitude. In the upland areas, it is typically cooler and can even reach freezing temperatures during certain times of the year. In contrast, the Amazon region keeps warm temperatures year-round with frequent rain showers.
Colombia is the only country in South America with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Along the coast, the temperature remains warm and tropical except during the months of May to November, when Colombia experiences its rainy season. Lying to the south of Panama, Colombia controls the land access between Central and South America. Colombia shares a border with Venezuela to the east, Brazil to the southeast, and Ecuador and Peru to the southwest. The landscapes vary from warm beaches and tropical plains to the cooler rugged Andes, subtropical forests in the south, and the warm Magdalena River Valley in the west.
Because Colombia sits on the equatorial line, there are no distinct seasons. The “winter” months, from June-August, are just a period when there are slightly more rain and humidity than the rest of the year. The winter, or invierno in Spanish, is also called the “the green season.” It is rare, but it happens on occasion, that the weather of Colombia altered by the seasons in the northern hemisphere.
In general, Colombia is a warm destination requiring light and breezy outfits. However, in places of high altitude such as Bogotá, temperatures tend to drop significantly at night so be sure to pack a sweater or jacket! For the rainy season and most of your time in the Amazon, it is a good idea to pack waterproof garments to fend off any downpours.
