

Best time to travel to Santa Marta: when to go and what to do
Santa Marta is a destination that combines beaches, mountains, and a rich cultural heritage. However, to make the most of your visit, it’s essential to know the best time to travel and what tourist activities you can enjoy depending on the season.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the best times to visit Santa Marta and introduce you to the must-see experiences that the city has to offer.
Climate and seasons in Santa Marta Colombia

Santa Marta has a tropical climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 33°C. The city experiences two main seasons: the dry season from December to April and the rainy season from May to November. Although Santa Marta is a destination that can be enjoyed any time of the year, each season offers different experiences that may influence your choice of when to visit.
Dry season (December to April): Dry and sunny weather, ideal for enjoying beaches and outdoor activities.
Rainy season (May to November): Frequent rains, especially in September and October, but with clear mornings and lush green landscapes.
Dry season: December to April
The dry season is the most popular time to visit Santa Marta since the weather is warm and dry, perfect for enjoying the beaches and natural landscapes without rain interruptions. It’s the ideal time for engaging in the region’s most iconic outdoor activities.
Depending on when you choose to visit Santa Marta, you can enjoy a variety of activities. Here’s a look at some of the plans available:

Rainy season: May to November
Santa Marta’s rainy season brings greener landscapes and a cooler atmosphere. Although rains can be intense, they typically occur in the afternoon, leaving mornings free to explore. This season is perfect for those looking to enjoy nature or avoid crowds.
Visit Tayrona National Natural Park

Tayrona National Park is one of Santa Marta’s main attractions. During the dry season, the trails are in optimal condition, allowing you to explore the park’s most famous beaches, such as Cabo San Juan and Playa Cristal. This park is perfect for hiking, camping, and enjoying the Caribbean Sea in a natural setting.
It’s important to note that the park has three annual closures to ensure its sustainability. These closures allow indigenous communities to perform spiritual ceremonies and give the park time to recover from the impact of tourism. The 2024 closure dates are:
February 1 to 15, 2024
June 1 to 15, 2024
October 19 to November 2, 2024
Therefore, if you plan to visit the park, make sure to check these dates before organizing your trip.
Here are some recommended tours:
Tour to Playa Cristal Santa Marta
Playa Cristal is one of the most beautiful beaches in Tayrona Park, with its crystal-clear waters and white sand. This recommended tour allows for approximately six hours of sun and beach enjoyment.
The tour includes land and boat transportation, entrance to Tayrona National Natural Park, and a professional Spanish-speaking guide. It’s recommended for its focus on biodiversity and the natural beauty of the region.
Discover Bunkuany, the alternative to the Lost City Trek Colombia
Bunkuany stands out for its ancient terraces and is an excellent alternative to the trek to Ciudad Perdida, as it’s a less demanding route that can be completed in 1 or 2 days. The journey to this destination takes you along a trail surrounded by lush fauna and flora.
To get a deeper insight into this place, we suggest an experience that includes immersion in the local culture and nature, with visits to historical monuments, walks through indigenous terraces, and a beekeeping activity, all accompanied by a bilingual guide and a typical regional lunch.
Enjoy the beaches of El Rodadero and Playa Blanca
El Rodadero is one of the busiest beaches in Santa Marta, offering a lively atmosphere with water sports, bars, and restaurants. Just 15 minutes by boat from El Rodadero is Playa Blanca, a quieter beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming, relaxing, and snorkeling. During peak season, both beaches can be crowded, but each maintains its unique charm for visitors.
Here are some options for tours to Playa Blanca:
Explore the Historic Center of Santa Marta

The Historic Center of Santa Marta can be explored in one day, allowing tourists to visit its main attractions. We recommend starting at the Cathedral Basilica of Santa Marta, the oldest in Colombia, followed by a visit to the Customs House, now the Tairona Gold Museum, where important archaeological pieces are displayed.
Walking through Parque de los Novios, you can enjoy the local ambiance surrounded by restaurants and bars. You can end the tour at the Camellón de la Bahía, a promenade with stunning views of the bay and spectacular sunsets.
Discover the Beaches of Taganga
Taganga, a charming fishing village just 20 minutes from Santa Marta, is perfect for those seeking nature adventures. Its mountains and coasts invite hikes to nearby beaches such as Playa Grande and Sisiguaca, where the landscape unfolds in all its splendor.
The hike to Playa Grande takes about 20 to 25 minutes, starting from Taganga’s boardwalk. The trail offers panoramic views of the sea and the town that are worth every step.
For the more adventurous, the route to Playa Sisiguaca is a longer trek. The hike lasts between 45 and 50 minutes and takes you through vegetation-lined trails. Upon arrival, the reward is a secluded, peaceful beach, perfect for snorkeling in its clear waters or simply relaxing on the sand.
Regardless of when you visit, Santa Marta offers an unforgettable mix of culture, history, nature, and a wide range of tourist activities that can be enjoyed year-round. Discover all the plans to do in Santa Marta and the Magdalena region with www.tumap.travel.
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