Colombia is one of the most climatically diverse countries on Earth. Because it sits directly on the equator, it does not experience traditional northern or southern hemisphere seasons (spring, summer, autumn, and winter). Instead, the climate is defined by altitude—a concept known as Pisos Térmicos (Thermal Floors)—and alternating periods of rainfall and dryness.
The Hierarchy of Altitude: Thermal Floors
In Colombia, your altitude determines your temperature more than the time of year. Residents categorize their climate into four primary zones:
- Tierra Caliente (Hot Land): Locations below 1,000 meters, including the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the Amazon, and the Eastern Plains. Temperatures remain a consistent 24°C–32°C (75°F–90°F) year-round.
- Tierra Templada (Temperate Land): Between 1,000 and 2,000 meters. This includes Medellín and the Coffee Axis. Temperatures hover comfortably between 17°C–24°C (63°F–75°F). This is the land of "Eternal Spring."
- Tierra Fría (Cold Land): Between 2,000 and 3,000 meters, featuring cities like Bogotá. Expect average temperatures of 12°C–17°C (54°F–63°F). Mornings are often misty, and nights can feel quite crisp.
- Páramo & Sierra Nevada (Frozen/Moorland): Above 3,000 meters. These are alpine tundras and glacier peaks. Temperatures can drop below freezing, and the weather is notoriously unpredictable and windy.
The Rhythms of Rain and Sun
While temperatures are stable, precipitation follows a bimodal cycle in the Andean and central regions. There are two "summers" (dry seasons) and two "winters" (wet seasons):
- The Dry Seasons (Verano): Typically December to March and July to August. These months offer the most reliable sunshine and blue skies. In the Caribbean, the dry season is intensified by the Alisios (trade winds), which provide a cooling breeze.
- The Rainy Seasons (Invierno): Generally April to June and September to November. During these months, rain usually arrives as intense, short-lived afternoon tropical downpours rather than all-day grey skies. November is historically the wettest month nationwide.
Regional Climate Variations
Climate behavior varies dramatically across Colombia’s five natural regions:
- The Caribbean Coast: Tropical and humid. The La Guajira Peninsula in the northeast is a striking exception, featuring a near-desert microclimate that is hot and arid.
- The Pacific Coast: One of the wettest places on the planet. Rain occurs almost daily, fueling one of the world's most biodiverse rainforests.
- The Amazon: An equatorial climate where heat and humidity are permanent fixtures. The "driest" window is between July and September, though "dry" is relative in a rainforest.
- The Eastern Plains (Llanos): This region follows a unimodal cycle with one long rainy season from April to October and a distinct, dusty dry season from November to March.
Atmospheric Phenomena: El Niño and La Niña
Colombia's weather is heavily influenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
- El Niño years bring prolonged droughts and higher-than-average temperatures, often leading to water shortages and forest fires.
- La Niña years trigger extreme rainfall and flooding, particularly in the Andean valleys. Historically, these events can shift the timing of the expected dry and wet seasons by several weeks.
Local Experience and Adaptation
Locals have adapted their lifestyles to these "thermal floors." In Bogotá, the cachacos (residents) are accustomed to a four-seasons-in-one-day experience, where a sunny morning can turn into a chilly, rainy afternoon in minutes. In the Coffee Axis, farmers rely on specific rainfall patterns for harvest cycles; however, shift in these patterns due to climate change has forced indigenous groups like the Wayúu to develop more resilient agricultural techniques to survive unpredictable droughts.
Beyond the Thermometer
The weather in Colombia "feels" different depending on your location. On the Caribbean coast, the high humidity can make 30°C feel like 38°C, creating a heavy, tropical atmosphere. Conversely, the equatorial sun at high altitudes, like in Bogotá, is exceptionally strong; even on a 15°C day, the direct sunlight feels much warmer on the skin than the air temperature suggests. In Medellín, the lack of humidity combined with a constant light breeze creates a sensation of perfect physical comfort that persists throughout the day.