Medellín
Best Times to Visit Medellín, Colombia (Festivals & More!)
Medellín, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” offers American expats a vibrant lifestyle with year-round pleasant weather and an exciting calendar of events. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in local traditions, enjoy international festivals, or simply take advantage of the city’s perfect climate, knowing the best times to visit Medellín will help you plan your life abroad more effectively.
Medellín’s Climate: Eternal Spring
- Average Temperatures: 65–80°F (18–27°C) year-round.
- Rainy Seasons: April–May and September–November bring afternoon showers, but mornings are often sunny.
- Best Weather Months: December–March and June–August are drier, with more sunshine for exploring.
Pro Tip: Pack light jackets or umbrellas since the city’s mountain setting means weather can change quickly.
Major Festivals & Events in Medellín
- Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival) – Late July to Early August
- What to Expect: Medellín’s most famous festival, celebrating the region’s flower growers with parades, concerts, art fairs, and the iconic Desfile de Silleteros (flower carrier parade).
- Why It’s Great for Expats: A colorful immersion into Antioquian culture and an unbeatable chance to experience Medellín’s pride and tradition.
- Christmas Lights Festival (Alumbrados Navideños) – December to Early January
- What to Expect: Medellín transforms into one of the world’s best holiday light displays, with millions of twinkling lights along the Medellín River and throughout the city.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: Perfect for families and newcomers—it’s a festive season full of joy, music, and community gatherings.
- Feria de la Independencia (Colombian Independence Day) – July 20
- What to Expect: Parades, concerts, and cultural showcases.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: Experience Colombian patriotism firsthand while connecting with locals in celebratory spaces.
- Festival Internacional de Poesía de Medellín (International Poetry Festival) – July
- What to Expect: Poets and artists from around the world gather for performances, readings, and workshops.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: A unique chance to dive into Medellín’s intellectual and artistic community.
- Medellín Fashion Week (Colombiamoda) – July
- What to Expect: Latin America’s largest fashion and textile event, attracting global designers, models, and entrepreneurs.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: A networking goldmine for creatives and business professionals.
- Festival de Jazz de Medellín – September
- What to Expect: International jazz artists bring soulful rhythms to theaters and public spaces.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: Enjoy world-class performances at affordable prices while mingling with fellow expats and locals.
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) – March or April (varies)
- What to Expect: Religious processions, cultural rituals, and quiet city vibes as many locals travel.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: A more relaxed pace in the city, with unique cultural and religious experiences.
Best Times for Expats to Visit Medellín
- For Culture Lovers: July–August (Flower Festival, Independence Day, Poetry Festival, Colombiamoda).
- For Holiday Enthusiasts: December–January (Christmas Lights Festival, New Year’s celebrations).
- For Outdoor Exploration: December–March (sunny and drier months, ideal for hiking, paragliding, and day trips).
Key Takeaways
Medellín’s year-round spring weather means there’s never a bad time to visit.
July–August and December are the busiest and most exciting months for expats and tourists alike.
Festivals like Feria de las Flores and Alumbrados Navideños are must-sees for anyone living in or visiting Medellín.
Final Word: For American expats, Medellín offers the perfect balance of affordable living, rich cultural experiences, and endless celebrations. Plan your trips around these festivals, and you’ll always have something memorable to look forward to in the City of Eternal Spring.
Cartagena
Best Times to Visit Cartagena, Colombia (Festivals & More!)
Cartagena, Colombia, is a vibrant Caribbean city known for its colonial charm, Afro-Colombian culture, lively festivals, and tropical climate. For American expats considering Cartagena as a destination to live or spend extended time abroad, understanding the best times to visit and the city’s major cultural events can help you make the most of your experience.
Cartagena’s Climate: Tropical Warmth Year-Round
- Average Temperatures: 77–89°F (25–32°C).
- Rainy Seasons: May–June and September–November. Short, heavy showers are common but usually pass quickly.
- Dry Season: December–April offers sunnier skies and lower humidity.
Pro Tip: The dry season is peak tourist season, so book accommodations early if traveling during these months.
Major Festivals & Events in Cartagena
- Hay Festival – Late January
- What to Expect: A world-renowned literary and arts festival featuring writers, journalists, musicians, and thinkers from around the globe.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: An intellectual and cultural immersion, offering networking opportunities in English and Spanish.
- Cartagena International Music Festival – Early January
- What to Expect: Classical and chamber music concerts in historic venues like theaters, churches, and open-air plazas.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: A refined cultural experience in the heart of Cartagena’s colonial setting.
- Cartagena International Film Festival (FICCI) – March
- What to Expect: Latin America’s oldest film festival, showcasing independent films, documentaries, and international cinema.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: Ideal for film lovers and creatives looking to connect with the artistic community
- Independence Day & Fiestas de la Independencia – November 11
- What to Expect: Parades, street parties, concerts, and the famous Reina de la Independencia beauty contest.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: Experience Cartagena’s Afro-Caribbean spirit with vibrant music, dance, and local traditions.
- Holy Week (Semana Santa) – March or April (varies)
- What to Expect: Religious processions, solemn ceremonies, and cultural displays.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: A meaningful way to observe Colombian traditions and experience a quieter side of the city.
- Cartagena Jazz Festival (Festival Internacional de Jazz Bajo la Luna) – December
- What to Expect: International jazz musicians performing under the stars in historic plazas.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: A mix of culture, music, and Caribbean charm.
- Carnival Season (Nearby Barranquilla) – February or March (varies)
- What to Expect: While not in Cartagena itself, Barranquilla’s world-famous carnival is only a few hours away.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: Cartagena becomes a convenient base for expats wanting to experience one of Latin America’s largest carnival celebrations.
Best Times to Visit Cartagena
- For Culture & Arts: January–March (Music Festival, Hay Festival, Film Festival).
- For Festive Atmosphere: November (Independence celebrations) and December (Christmas season + Jazz Festival).
- For Beach & Outdoor Life: December–April (dry season, best for island trips and Old Town exploration).
Key Takeaways
Cartagena has warm weather year-round, making it a versatile destination for expats.
January–March and November–December are the best months for festivals, cultural events, and outdoor living.
Festivals like the Hay Festival, Independence Celebrations, and Jazz Festival are must-sees for long-term expats and newcomers alike.
Final Word: For American expats, Cartagena offers more than stunning beaches—it’s a city alive with culture, music, and history. Whether you plan around major festivals or simply enjoy the dry season, Cartagena provides an unforgettable experience in every season.
Santa Marta
Best Times to Visit Santa Marta, Colombia (Festivals & More!)
Santa Marta, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is one of the oldest cities in South America and a popular destination for American expats looking for a mix of beaches, mountains, and Afro-Colombian culture. From the white sands of Tayrona National Park to the cultural heartbeat of the city, Santa Marta offers year-round sunshine, exciting festivals, and a laid-back lifestyle. Knowing the best times to visit and the top local events can help expats plan travel, housing, and cultural immersion.
Santa Marta’s Climate: Warm Caribbean Living All Year
- Average Temperatures: 77–90°F (25–32°C).
- Dry Season: December to April. Hot, sunny days perfect for beaches, hiking, and festivals.
- Rainy Season: May–November. Expect short but intense showers, especially September–October, though mornings are often clear.
- Humidity: High year-round but tempered by sea breezes.
Pro Tip: The dry season is the most popular for tourism. Expats who prefer fewer crowds and lower costs might enjoy the shoulder seasons (May–June and September).
Major Festivals & Events in Santa Marta
- Fiesta del Mar (Festival of the Sea) – Late July
- What to Expect: Santa Marta’s biggest cultural celebration with parades, concerts, sporting events, and water competitions.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: A chance to experience local pride and Afro-Caribbean culture, while enjoying music and food festivals.
- Carnival (Nearby Barranquilla) – February or March (varies)
- What to Expect: Barranquilla Carnival is one of the largest in Latin America, just a few hours from Santa Marta.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: Many expats in Santa Marta travel to Barranquilla for this world-famous cultural event, then return to Santa Marta’s beaches for relaxation.
- Holy Week (Semana Santa) – March or April (varies)
- What to Expect: Religious processions, cultural rituals, and increased tourism in Santa Marta’s historic center and nearby Minca.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: A deeply cultural and spiritual period, ideal for those looking to connect with Colombian traditions.
- National Vallenato Festival (Valledupar) – Late April to Early May
- What to Expect: Colombia’s most famous vallenato music festival, held in Valledupar (a short trip from Santa Marta).
- Why It’s Great for Expats: Perfect for music lovers wanting to experience Colombia’s traditional folk rhythms.
- Christmas & New Year Celebrations – December
- What to Expect: Fireworks, street parties, concerts, and family celebrations across Santa Marta and nearby towns.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: A festive, community-centered atmosphere. Many expats enjoy New Year’s Eve on the beach or in Tayrona National Park.
- Independence Day (Fiestas Patrias) – July 20
- What to Expect: Patriotic parades, local fairs, and cultural showcases throughout the city.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: A chance to celebrate alongside Colombians and learn more about the nation’s history.
- Seafood and Gastronomy Festivals – Various Dates
- What to Expect: Celebrations of Caribbean flavors with seafood, local dishes, and music.
- Why It’s Great for Expats: Great opportunities for foodies to experience Afro-Colombian and coastal cuisine.
Best Times to Visit Santa Marta
- December–April (Dry Season): Best for beach trips, Tayrona National Park hikes, and cultural festivals.
- July: Don’t miss the Fiesta del Mar, Santa Marta’s biggest annual festival.
- December: Christmas and New Year are celebrated with vibrant Caribbean flair.
- February–March: Great for expats who want to enjoy Carnival in Barranquilla while living in Santa Marta.
Budget Tip for Expats: Rent and hotel prices increase in December–January and during major festivals. Long-term expats may want to secure housing before these peak times.
Key Takeaways
- Year-Round Destination: Santa Marta’s Caribbean climate makes it a versatile place to live or visit.
- Best Cultural Festivals: Fiesta del Mar (July), Holy Week (March/April), and Independence Day (July 20).
- Regional Highlights: Proximity to Barranquilla Carnival and Valledupar’s Vallenato Festival gives expats access to world-class cultural events.
- Beach Life + Culture: December–April is best for outdoor adventures, while July brings Santa Marta’s most important cultural celebration.
Final Word: For American expats, Santa Marta offers a perfect blend of beaches, culture, and festivals. Whether you’re exploring Tayrona, joining the Fiesta del Mar, or experiencing Christmas by the sea, this city offers unique opportunities to live like a local while enjoying global expat comforts.