Cartagena in December
In December, Cartagena averages 31°C (88°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night, with only about 3 rainy days.
Peak seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.
December in Cartagena is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How December compares to the rest of the year in Cartagena
December is one of the coolest months in Cartagena (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. December runs roughly the same as November (31°C) and stays flat into January.
December sunrise & sunset in Cartagena
Times shown for Cartagena local time (America/Bogota), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cartagena — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Cartagena's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cartagena in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and Cartagena's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Cartagena
Cartagena is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge beach-season conditions
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Cartagena
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Sea temperature in Cartagena — December
Across the year Cartagena's sea swings from 28.1°C (February) to 30.6°C (September) — December sits at 29.7°C.
Cartagena in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| February | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| March | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| April | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 25 mm | 3 | 0 |
| May | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 105 mm | 9 | 0 |
| June | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 105 mm | 12 | 0 |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 105 mm | 12 | 0 |
| August | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 130 mm | 14 | 0 |
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 175 mm | 16 | 0 |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 220 mm | 17 | 0 |
| November | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 95 mm | 11 | 0 |
| December | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 25 mm | 3 | 0 |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cartagena in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cartagena in December?
In December, Cartagena averages a high of 31°C (88°F) and a low of 24°C (75°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Cartagena in December?
December is generally dry in Cartagena, with about 3 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Cartagena?
December is hot and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Cartagena in December?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full December packing list for Cartagena for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.