Weather in Cartagena 🇨🇴
Monthly weather averages & travel planning
April
Avg Temp
32°C
Rain Days
15 days
Sun Hours
11 hrs
Humidity
82%
South America › 🇨🇴 Colombia › Cartagena
Updated: March 2026
Is April a Good Time to Visit Cartagena?
4/10
Fair
April is a fair time to visit Cartagena (4/10). With 11 daily sunshine hours and only 15 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 4th sunniest of the year in Cartagena. April suits travellers visiting for indoor culture, food, and architecture rather than outdoor activities. Pack accordingly for 15 potential rain days. May offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 15 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: most accommodation categories have availability, and last-minute deals are common. The quieter streets and shorter queues can make this a genuinely enjoyable time to visit for the right type of traveller. Budget-conscious visitors will find the best value of the year in this period.
vs March:33°C avg high
Cartagena's April climate peaks at 32°C each afternoon before cooling to 25°C overnight. 11 daily sunshine hours and just 15 wet days mean the odds of a fine day are solidly in your favour. It is a reasonable time to visit, with a backup plan for the occasional shower.
32°C
90°F
Avg High
25°C
77°F
Avg Low
15 days
73 mm total
Rain Days
11h
per day avg
Sunshine
82%
Humid
Humidity
Temperature in Cartagena in April
The 7°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. At 82% humidity, the 32°C daytime high feels 2-4°C warmer in practice: quick-dry fabrics and shade-seeking between noon and 3pm are the sensible response. UV index averages 6 this month, classed as moderate. Sunscreen is a sensible precaution for extended outdoor time, particularly at midday. Wind averages 21 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 90°F average high, 77°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Temperature Trends
High
Low
Rainfall (mm)
0-20 mm21-50 mm51-100 mm100+ mm
What to Wear in Cartagena in April
Morning25°CBefore the day warms up
Afternoon32°CPeak daytime temperature
Evening28°CAfter sunset cools down
Packing for Cartagena in April means dressing for 32°C days and 25°C evenings. A lightweight linen or cotton shirt with loose-fit trousers or a sundress handles the 32°C daytime heat. Evening temperatures settle at 25°C, a modest 7°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. For footwear, breathable walking sandals work for casual exploration, but closed-toe trainers are better for uneven surfaces in the historic centre. With 15 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes. At 82% average humidity, quick-dry synthetic or bamboo fabrics dry overnight and stay comfortable longer than cotton.
Local tip: Cartagena sees heavy rain periods where a compact travel umbrella can feel inadequate. A packable waterproof jacket offers better coverage for prolonged downpours and leaves both hands free for maps and cameras.
Events in Cartagena in April
April has no major festivals or public holidays in Cartagena, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
What to Pack for Cartagena in April
Based on 32°C average highs and 15 rainy days
- Lightweight breathable clothing
- Linen or bamboo shirts for the hottest hours
- Sun hat with a wide brim
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Hydration bottle (at least 1 litre)
- Quick-dry travel towel
- Anti-chafe balm for long walking days
- Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics for active days
- Compact folding umbrella
- Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
- Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
- SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
- Universal travel adapter
- Small day pack for city exploration
- Reusable water bottle
Best Activities in Cartagena in April
- Early morning walk through Cartagena's historic market districtBest before 9amTemperatures are still manageable at 28°C before the midday heat builds
- Open-air rooftop dining at sunsetFrom 6pm onwardsThe 32°C daytime heat drops noticeably after sunset, making al fresco dining comfortable
- Waterfront promenade or harbour walkEarly morning or after 5pmSea breezes cut through the humidity, making coastal routes the most pleasant in heat
- Guided cycling tour of the old quarterFirst tour of the day (7-9am)The low-traffic window before tourist crowds and the cooler morning air make this the prime riding slot
- Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 15 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
- Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
- Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
- Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningApril brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
- Seek out chilled local specialities: cold-brew tea, ice desserts, or chilled seafood at street-level stallsAny time; most atmospheric in evening marketsHot-weather street food culture peaks in April, with vendors setting up specifically for warm evenings
Why is Cartagena warm in April?
In April, Cartagena sits in the dry season corridor, as the ITCZ shifts away from the region and trade winds bring drier, more stable air. This produces reliably sunny days reaching 32°C, with lower humidity than the wet months. Overnight lows of 25°C offer a pleasant reprieve from the midday heat. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cartagena in April
In April, Cartagena experiences average highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 25°C (77°F). Expect around 15 rainy days and 11 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 82%. The 7°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an overshirt or cardigan handles the cooler evenings. UV index averages 6, so sun protection is advisable on clear days.
Cartagena typically sees 15 rainy days in April, with total precipitation of around 73mm. Rain is moderate and manageable. Showers tend to pass quickly, and a light rain layer or foldable umbrella is sufficient protection for most days. For context, the driest month in Cartagena typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than April.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing (linen or cotton), a wide-brim sun hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle for Cartagena in April. The 32°C daytime heat demands sun protection during midday hours, typically 11am to 4pm. A compact travel umbrella is also worth packing, as 15 rainy days means afternoon showers are a real possibility. Quick-dry synthetic fabrics are preferable to cotton in 82% humidity.
April is a reasonable time to visit Cartagena. Expect 15 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 32°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 11 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.
The average high temperature in Cartagena in April is 32°C (90°F), and the average low is 25°C (77°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 29°C (83°F). The day-to-night range of 7°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.
The best month to visit Cartagena is generally January. January offers the most sunshine at 11 hours per day and only 2 rainy days. Average temperatures reach 32°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around January gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.
April is shoulder or low season in Cartagena, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 11 sunshine hours and 15 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.
In April, Cartagena suits a range of activities thanks to warm temperatures of 32°C. Mix of indoor and outdoor activities works well given the moderate chance of rain. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. With 11 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.
April ranks 4th sunniest of the year in Cartagena, with an average 11 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are January, February, and March. February is the hottest month (33°C avg high); October is the coolest (29°C). From here, temperatures fall 2°C into May. Compared to last month (March: 33°C high, 5 rain days), April is cooler and wetter. April sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Cartagena, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
Year-Round Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C | 24°C | 2 | 11h | View |
| February | 33°C | 25°C | 2 | 11h | View |
| March | 33°C | 25°C | 5 | 11h | View |
| April | 32°C | 25°C | 15 | 11h | View |
| May | 30°C | 25°C | 26 | 10h | View |
| June | 30°C | 25°C | 25 | 10h | View |
| July | 30°C | 25°C | 25 | 10h | View |
| August | 30°C | 25°C | 27 | 10h | View |
| September | 30°C | 25°C | 28 | 9h | View |
| October | 29°C | 24°C | 29 | 9h | View |
| November | 29°C | 24°C | 24 | 10h | View |
| December | 30°C | 24°C | 10 | 11h | View |
January
2 rain days, 11h sun
32°24°
February
2 rain days, 11h sun
33°25°
March
5 rain days, 11h sun
33°25°
April
15 rain days, 11h sun
32°25°
May
26 rain days, 10h sun
30°25°
June
25 rain days, 10h sun
30°25°
July
25 rain days, 10h sun
30°25°
August
27 rain days, 10h sun
30°25°
September
28 rain days, 9h sun
30°25°
October
29 rain days, 9h sun
29°24°
November
24 rain days, 10h sun
29°24°
December
10 rain days, 11h sun
30°24°
Other Months in Cartagena
Plan Your Trip to Cartagena
Nearby Destinations
Cities within 500 km with comparable weather conditions
Data Sources for Cartagena
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.