Cartagena in January
In January, Cartagena averages 31°C (88°F) during the day and 24°C (75°F) at night, with only about 1 rainy day.
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.
January 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 January compares to the rest of the year in Cartagena
January is in the middle of the year for warmth in Cartagena (6th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. January runs roughly the same as December (31°C) and stays flat into February.
January sunrise & sunset in Cartagena
Times shown for Cartagena local time (America/Bogota), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cartagena — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Cartagena's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cartagena in January
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 January's tier (High season) and Cartagena's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Cartagena
This is a busy month in Cartagena — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather beach-season conditions
Sun & mosquito risk — January 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 — January
Across the year Cartagena's sea swings from 28.1°C (February) to 30.6°C (September) — January sits at 28.8°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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cartagena in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cartagena in January?
In January, 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 January?
January is generally dry in Cartagena, with about 1 rainy day on average.
Is January a good time to visit Cartagena?
January 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 January?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full January packing list for Cartagena for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.