Family Friendly?
Great for families
School Holidays & Travel Time
Most families travel during summer holidays (July/August). Plan early and book in advance – expect higher prices and more tourists during this time.
Kid-Friendly Infrastructure
Good facilities for families (changing rooms, childcare, etc.)
Travel advice (GOV.UK)Planning a family trip to Colombia? Here are valuable tips, kid-friendly activities, and everything you need for an unforgettable journey.
Travel Climate for Families
Important information about climate, weather, and the best travel time for your family vacation in Colombia.
27–28°C·0–45 mm(little rain)
Dezember bis März ist für die meisten Regionen die beste Reisezeit: An der Karibik ist es trocken und windig, in Bogotá und den Anden meist klarer als im Rest des Jahres. Dezember und Januar sind zugleich Ferienzeit in Kolumbien, buche Unterkünfte an der Küste früh.Für einzelne Ziele gelten eigene Zeiten. Buckelwale ziehen von Juli bis Oktober an die Pazifikküste, Caño Cristales ist nur in einer Saison etwa von Juni bis November geöffnet. Im Amazonasgebiet herrscht von Dezember bis Mai Hochwasser, von Juli bis September Niedrigwasser.
In Colombia, temperature primarily depends on altitude, not on the time of year. Distinct altitudinal zones are distinguished: tierra caliente up to about 1,000 meters with tropical heat, tierra templada from 1,000 to 2,000 meters, the classic coffee zone and Medellín, tierra fría from 2,000 to 3,000 meters, such as Bogotá, and above that, the Páramo high moors.In the Andes, there are two rainy seasons, approximately April to May and September to November, with two drier phases in between. On the Caribbean coast, it is dry from December to April; most precipitation falls from August to November, with the heaviest in Cartagena in October. The Pacific coast of Chocó is one of the wettest regions on Earth. In the Amazon region, it rains year-round; there, high and low water levels dictate the rhythm.
Seasons
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
High Season and Holidays in Colombia
Dry season in the Caribbean and the Andes
Erste Regenzeit in den Anden
Mid-year holidays, short dry spell in the Andes
Nebensaison, Walsaison am Pazifik
Rainy season in Andes and Caribbean
Best Time to Visit
▶Show detailed monthly data
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Sun (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26.9 | 1 | 8.8 |
| February | 27.0 | 0 | 8.6 |
| March | 27.3 | 3 | 7.7 |
| April | 28.1 | 19 | 7.0 |
| May | 28.6 | 117 | 6.2 |
| June | 28.9 | 93 | 6.3 |
| July | 28.6 | 121 | 6.7 |
| August | 28.7 | 128 | 6.4 |
| September | 28.6 | 133 | 5.7 |
| October | 28.3 | 237 | 5.5 |
| November | 28.1 | 178 | 6.2 |
| December | 27.5 | 45 | 7.8 |
Consider School Holidays
The main travel times for families often fall during school holidays (July/August in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland). Plan early and book in advance, as higher prices and more tourists are expected during this time.
Summer Holidays
Summer holidays are the most popular travel time for families. In Colombia, it can get very warm during this time – make sure to have enough shade, sun protection, and cool activities for the children.
Videos & Reportages
Get inspired by these videos and reportages about Colombia and get a first impression of kid-friendly activities and sights.
Meet a local: Cartagena, Kolumbien | DW Deutsch
Kurzes Video aus der DW-Reihe Meet a local, in der Einheimische ihre Stadt vorstellen. Diese Folge spielt in Cartagena an der Karibikküste.
Städtetrip: Medellín, Kolumbien | DW Deutsch
Der Städtetrip der Deutschen Welle stellt Medellín vor, die zweitgrößte Stadt Kolumbiens. Er erzählt auch, wie sich die Stadt seit ihrem Ruf als gefährlichste Stadt verändert hat.
Von den Mangroven in die Anden | Kolumbien | ARTE Fernweh
Die ARTE-Reportage begleitet Menschen im Südwesten Kolumbiens, zwischen den Mangrovenwäldern der Pazifikküste und dem Hochland der Anden. Im Mittelpunkt steht ein Alltag, der von überliefertem Wissen und den Rhythmen der Natur geprägt ist.
City trip: Medellín, Colombia | DW English
Deutsche Welle introduces Medellín, Colombia's second-largest city, and how it has changed since its time as one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
Family Tips for Colombia
Entry with ChildrenChildren need their own passport or child's passport; the Check-MIG registration also applies to children. Stricter rules apply to children with Colombian citizenship: if one parent is not traveling, Colombia requires a notarized consent form for departure. A birth certificate with Spanish translation and apostille may also be requested for domestic flights.Travel PlanningShort Stages: Domestic flights replace long bus journeys over the Andes and are usually the better choice with children.Altitude: Bogotá is located at about 2,600 meters. Start with relaxed days or begin your trip in the lowlands.Climate: The Caribbean is warm year-round, around 27 to 29 degrees Celsius; Bogotá is cool. Pack for both climate zones.Holidays: In December, January, and mid-year, many Colombian families travel, and coastal accommodations are booked up early.Suitable DestinationsThe Coffee Zone with its fincas, the Valle de Cocora, and manageable trails is well-suited for families. In Medellín, the Metro and Metrocable make the journey itself an experience. On the Caribbean coast, day trips from Cartagena to the Islas del Rosario are a good option. Multi-day treks like to Ciudad Perdida, however, are strenuous and only realistic for older, experienced children.
General Tips
Planning Activities
Plan varied activities that are interesting for both adults and children.
Timing Your Trip
Keep school holidays, climate, and local events in mind.