Bogotá
Bogotá
Colombia
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Perched high in the Andes at 2,640 meters (8,660 feet), Bogotá is a vibrant metropolis where colonial history meets a cutting-edge urban scene. Often referred to by locals as 'La Nevera' (The Fridge) ...
About Bogotá
Perched high in the Andes at 2,640 meters (8,660 feet), Bogotá is a vibrant metropolis where colonial history meets a cutting-edge urban scene. Often referred to by locals as 'La Nevera' (The Fridge) due to its brisk mountain air, the city enjoys an 'eternal autumn' climate that remains remarkably consistent throughout the year. Unlike the tropical warmth of Cartagena or the 'Eternal Spring' of Medellín, Bogotá is defined by its two distinct rainy and dry seasons rather than temperature shifts. Whether you are coming for the world-class Gold Museum, the legendary nightlife of Zona Rosa, or the Sunday Ciclovía, timing your visit around the Andean rain cycles is key to a comfortable experience. Peak travel typically coincides with the driest months in December, January, July, and August, while shoulder seasons offer a fantastic balance of lower prices and moderate weather.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Bogotá at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
December to February
Main Dry Season
March to May
First Rainy Season
June to August
Second Dry Season (The Windy Season)
September to November
Second Rainy Season
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Bogotá, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
4 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
Colombian Peso (COP) daily budgets: $35–$50 USD to $200+ USD
At a Glance: When to Visit Bogotá
Best Overall
December–February and July–August
Cheapest
May, June, and October
Busiest
December, January, and Easter Week
Best Weather
January and February (driest and sunniest)
For Events
March (Estéreo Picnic) and April (International Book Fair)
For Families
July and August (Summer Festival and Kite Season)
For Couples
September (Love and Friendship Month) and December
Budget Travel
May and November
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Bogotá.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Bogotá — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Bogotá
January
19°C (66°F) / 9°C (48°F). The driest month with average sunshine of 6 hours/day. Crisp, clear blue skies are common.
“Best for those seeking the sunniest weather and clearest views of the mountains.”
February
19°C (67°F) / 10°C (50°F). Still largely dry and sunny, though occasional afternoon showers begin to return toward the end of the month.
“A perfect month for active travelers who want to avoid the peak holiday crowds of January.”
March
19°C (66°F) / 10°C (50°F). Transition to the first rainy season. Expect unpredictable weather with frequent afternoon downpours.
“Best for music and culture lovers attending Estéreo Picnic.”
April
18°C (65°F) / 11°C (52°F). One of the wettest months. Rain is frequent, often occurring as heavy afternoon storms.
“Best for indoor cultural exploration and literary enthusiasts.”
May
18°C (65°F) / 11°C (52°F). Continued rainy season. Lush green landscapes surrounding the city are at their peak beauty.
“Best for budget travelers who don't mind the rain in exchange for lower hotel rates.”
June
18°C (64°F) / 10°C (50°F). Rain begins to taper off. A transition month with mixed overcast and sunny spells.
“A great balance for those wanting to catch the start of the drier season and Pride festivities.”
July
18°C (65°F) / 10°C (50°F). Start of the second dry season. Notable for the 'vientos de julio' (strong winds).
“Perfect for families and those wanting to see the city in a festive, patriotic mood.”
August
19°C (66°F) / 10°C (50°F). The windiest month. Sunny and dry, perfect for the local tradition of kite flying.
“Best for outdoor park life and experiencing unique local traditions like kite flying.”
September
19°C (66°F) / 10°C (50°F). Transition to the second rainy season. Mostly pleasant with increasing cloud cover.
“The best month for art enthusiasts and couples seeking a sophisticated vibe.”
October
18°C (65°F) / 10°C (50°F). Statistically the wettest month of the year. Expect frequent, heavy afternoon rain.
“Best for movie buffs and party-goers who enjoy indoor nightlife.”
November
18°C (65°F) / 11°C (51°F). Still rainy, but the frequency of storms begins to drop by late month.
“Best for music fans looking for one of Latin America's largest free rock festivals.”
December
19°C (66°F) / 9°C (48°F). The return of the dry season. Sunny days and very cold, clear nights.
“The most magical and festive time to visit, perfect for experiencing Colombian culture.”
Festivals & Events in Bogotá
Festival Estéreo Picnic
Colombia's premier multi-day music festival featuring major international headliners and local talent.
Hotels in the north and near the venue sell out months in advance; prices spike.FILBO (International Book Fair)
One of the world's most significant literary events, taking over the Corferias convention center.
Very high local attendance; book accommodation near Corferias early.Holy Week (Semana Santa)
Religious processions and special services at Monserrate and local churches.
Major domestic travel period; many businesses close, but religious sites are packed.Independence Day
A massive military and cultural parade along Avenida 68 on July 20th.
Street closures in central areas; patriotic and festive atmosphere.Bogotá Summer Festival
A week of free outdoor concerts, sporting events, and cultural shows.
Moderate impact on crowds in public parks like Simon Bolívar.ARTBO
The International Art Fair of Bogotá, attracting collectors and artists from across the globe.
Upscale hotels in the north see increased bookings from the international art crowd.Rock al Parque
The largest free rock festival in Latin America, held at Simon Bolívar Park.
Massive local crowds; public transportation near the park is extremely busy.Día de las Velitas
The official start of Christmas on Dec 7th, where the city is lit by thousands of candles.
A magical night for walking; traffic can be difficult as everyone is out in the streets.Expoartesanías
A giant fair showcasing the finest Colombian handicrafts and artisan goods.
High local and tourist attendance; great for high-quality souvenir shopping.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Bogotá?
Colombian Peso (COP)
Daily Budget
Peak
$80–$150 USD (Mid-range)
Off-Peak
$50–$90 USD (Mid-range)
Prices in Bogotá are relatively stable compared to coastal cities. The biggest surges occur during December/January and during major events like Estéreo Picnic (March) or the Book Fair (April). Mid-week stays in the northern business districts (Chicó, Rosales) can be more expensive than weekends due to business travel demand.
Where to Stay in Bogotá by Season
La Candelaria
Budget to Mid-rangeDry Season (Dec–Feb)
The historic heart. Best in the dry season so you can walk the cobblestone streets and enjoy the street art and museums without the rain.
Chapinero
Mid-rangeYear-round
The trendy, central soul of the city. Excellent for rainy seasons because of its massive density of cozy coffee shops, bars, and restaurants.
Zona Rosa / Chicó
LuxuryDry Season (July–Aug)
The upscale shopping and nightlife district. Ideal in the mid-year dry season for enjoying the many rooftop bars and outdoor patios.
Usaquén
Boutique / Mid-rangeDecember
A colonial village feel in the north. Visit in December for its famous Christmas light displays and the Sunday flea market.
What to Pack for Bogotá
Dry Seasons (Dec–Feb, July–Aug)
Pro tip: The sun at 2,600m is much stronger than it feels. Always wear sunscreen even if it’s cool.
Rainy Seasons (March–May, Sept–Nov)
Pro tip: Locals tend to dress in darker, more formal colors (black, navy, gray) during the rainy months.
FAQs: Visiting Bogotá
What is the best month to visit Bogotá?
January and February are generally the best months. You'll enjoy the most sunshine, the least amount of rain, and clearer views of the mountains.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Bogotá?
The low seasons of May and October often offer the cheapest flights and hotel rates, as these are the rainiest months.
Is it always cold in Bogotá?
Bogotá is never truly 'hot' or 'freezing.' It stays between 8°C and 20°C year-round. It feels like a permanent autumn morning.
What is the weather like in Bogotá in December?
December is dry and sunny with clear blue skies during the day. However, it can get very chilly at night, often dropping to 7°C (45°F).
Is Bogotá worth visiting during the rainy season?
Yes! Bogotá has a world-class indoor culture. The rainy season is perfect for visiting the Gold Museum, the Salt Cathedral, and enjoying the city's famous culinary scene.
Does it rain all day in Bogotá?
Rarely. Even in the rainy season, mornings are often dry or overcast, with heavy rain usually concentrated in the mid-to-late afternoons.
How does Bogotá's weather compare to Medellín?
Bogotá is significantly cooler and rainier than Medellín. While Medellín is known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' (22-28°C), Bogotá is the 'City of Eternal Autumn' (12-19°C).
What should I wear for a night out in Bogotá?
Bogotá is more formal than other Colombian cities. Opt for jeans or trousers, a nice shirt/blouse, and definitely a jacket, as you'll be cold moving between venues.
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