Weather in Santa Marta

Are you planning a trip or simply want to know what awaits you outside? Check out the most up-to-date information on meteorological conditions and weather forecasts for the city of Santa Marta right here.

Santa Marta is characterised by a hot tropical climate with a remarkably stable temperature regime. Throughout the year, the air warms up to a comfortable average of +24…+25°C, without sudden drops in temperature or extreme heat. Thanks to such a consistent temperature schedule, you can plan a trip here at practically any time, focusing mainly on the amount of rainfall.

Two distinct periods can be clearly observed in the weather calendar. A pronounced dry season lasts from December to March, when rain is a rarity, creating ideal conditions for a beach holiday. From April to November, humidity rises, and the number of rainy days increases significantly, reaching its peak in October. Nevertheless, Colombia remains warm all year round in this region, and tropical downpours are often followed by sunshine.

Santa Marta welcomes travellers with surprisingly stable and warm weather that barely changes from month to month. Due to the equatorial climate, there is no distinct change of seasons here, and the average annual temperature confidently holds in the range of +24°C...+25°C. Whether it is calendar winter or summer, you will always find yourself in an atmosphere of perpetual warmth, typical for this region of Colombia.

The nominal "summer", falling on the period from May to September, brings a slight increase in temperatures. May is considered the warmest month with an average figure of +25.2°C, while daytime maximums rarely exceed a comfortable +26.5°C. The winter months, January and February, are formally considered the "coldest", yet the difference with summer is minimal: the air warms up to an average of +24.1°C, which feels like very mild and pleasant weather, devoid of stifling heat.

A feature of the local climate is also the small amplitude of daily temperatures. The difference between daytime warmth and night-time coolness is quite small: even in the early morning, thermometers show no less than +22.5°C...+23°C. This means that tourists will not have to worry about warm clothing for evening walks — the climate remains steady and predictable at any time of day, allowing you to enjoy outdoor leisure around the clock.

The climate in this region has a distinct seasonality, so it is important to consider the rainfall schedule when planning a trip. Santa Marta greets travellers with a dry season at the beginning and end of the year. From December to March, rains here are a rarity: for example, in January and February, a minimal amount of precipitation is recorded (about 0–1 mm), and the number of rainy days is only about three per month.

The situation changes with the arrival of spring. Starting in April, humidity gradually rises, and the city enters the rainy season, which lasts approximately until November. The wettest months, according to statistics, are June and October. During this time, it rains quite often: in June, there are about 22 days with precipitation, and in October, this figure reaches a maximum of up to 24 days.

Despite the high frequency of rains in the summer-autumn period, the total volume of precipitation remains moderate, reaching peak values of 10 mm in the wettest months. This suggests that while precipitation is regular, it is often not too heavy. By December, the weather stabilises again, the number of wet days sharply decreases to six, returning a dry and sunny climate to the region.

When preparing for a journey to Santa Marta, count on consistently warm and comfortable weather: the average air temperature here hovers around +24...+25°C all year round. The foundation of your luggage should consist of lightweight garments made from natural, breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen. T-shirts, shorts, light summer dresses, and open footwear will become your best companions. Be sure to bring swimwear for beach relaxation and comfortable trainers or sandals with heel straps for long walks around the city and its surroundings.

When choosing clothes, it is important to consider the seasonality of rainfall and winds. From December to March, rain is rare, but strong winds often blow during this time, so a light windbreaker will be very useful. In other months, especially from May to October, the number of rainy days increases sharply (up to 20–24 days per month). For a trip during this period, be sure to pack a compact umbrella or a high-quality rain poncho in your suitcase, and also opt for quick-drying footwear that is not afraid of moisture.

Regardless of the season, the sun in Colombia is very intense, so cream with a high level of protection (SPF 50+), sunglasses, and headwear are mandatory items on your packing list. Use the principle of layering: it is always convenient to throw a thin long-sleeved shirt or a light cardigan over a light top. This will not only protect against evening coolness or sudden wind but will also save your skin from sunburn and insects during nature excursions.