The Andean Plateau: Perpetual Spring
Bogotá is defined by its location on the Sabana de Bogotá, a high-altitude plateau 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) above sea level. Because it is close to the equator, the city does not have thermal seasons like summer or winter. Instead, it experiences a "perpetual spring" where temperatures remain remarkably consistent year-round. Daily highs typically hover between 18°C and 20°C (64°F–68°F), while nightly lows drop to 8°C–10°C (46°F–50°F).
The Daily Weather Cycle
In Bogotá, the most significant weather changes happen over the course of 24 hours rather than across months. Locals often say you can experience "four seasons in a single day."
- Morning: Usually crisp, clear, and chilly. The air is thin and refreshing, but low-lying fog is common between November and February.
- Midday: As the equatorial sun hits the high altitude, the temperature rises rapidly. The solar radiation is much stronger than the air temperature suggests; the sun feels "hotter" on the skin even if the thermometer only reads 19°C.
- Afternoon: Clouds often build up against the eastern mountains (Cerros Orientales). In rainy months, this is when quick, intense downpours or even hail storms typically occur.
- Evening: Once the sun sets, the temperature drops sharply. Without the sun’s direct heat, the air feels noticeably cold, and dampness from afternoon rain can make it feel even chillier.
Seasonal Trends: Rainy vs. Dry
Bogotá follows a bimodal climate pattern, moving between two dry seasons and two rainy seasons.
Drier Seasons (December–March & July–August)
- December to March: This is the primary "summer." It features the most sunshine and the highest number of clear days. However, clear nights during this period can lead to ground frosts in the surrounding countryside.
- July to August: This "mini-summer" is characterized by strong winds and slightly cooler temperatures. It is the windiest time of year, traditionally celebrated by locals flying kites during the Festival del Viento y las Cometas.
Rainy Seasons (April–May & September–November)
- April to May: The first rainy peak. The landscape turns a vibrant emerald green. Rain often comes in short, heavy bursts.
- September to November: The second and often heavier rainy peak. October is historically the wettest month. During these months, the sky is frequently overcast, and the air stays humid and cool.
Microclimates and Regional Variations
The city’s geography creates distinct weather zones:
- The Eastern Hills (Cerros Orientales): Neighborhoods clinging to the mountains (like Chapinero Alto or San Cristobal) receive more rainfall and are often shrouded in mist.
- The South and West: These areas tend to be slightly drier and a few degrees warmer than the north and east.
- The Páramos: Just outside the city limits lie the high-altitude moorlands like Sumapaz and Chingaza. These are cold, mystical sponges of water that regulate the city’s climate and water supply, often experiencing near-freezing temperatures and constant drizzle.
Unique Phenomena: Hail and “The Burn”
- Occasional Hail: Bogotá is famous for sudden, violent hailstorms (granizadas) that can turn the streets white in minutes, often occurring in Octobers or Aprils.
- UV Intensity: Due to the altitude and proximity to the equator, UV rays are exceptionally strong. Travelers often experience "the burn" on cloudy days because they don't feel the heat, but the radiation penetrates the cloud cover easily.
- El Niño and La Niña: These global cycles heavily influence Bogotá. El Niño can lead to uncharacteristic droughts and forest fires in the hills, while La Niña brings intensified, prolonged flooding and landslides.
Local Experience and Adaptation
Bogotanos (locals) are experts in adaptability. You will see people dressed in "layers"—typically a t-shirt, a sweater, and a jacket. Even on a sunny morning, many locals carry an umbrella (sombrilla) as a silent acknowledgment of the city's unpredictability. Unlike coastal Colombians who might celebrate the rain, Bogotanos treat it with a stoic, relaxed attitude, often ducking into a cafe for a chocolate completo (hot chocolate with cheese) to wait out a passing storm.