Climate Characteristics of Colombia

Colombia is characterized by its tropical and isothermal climate, meaning temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the year due to its proximity to the equator. Instead of traditional seasons, the climate is primarily determined by altitude and the movement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), creating distinct vertical "climatic zones".

Core Climatic Features

• Vertical Zoning (Pisos Térmicos): Altitude is the most influential factor. The country is divided into the hot zone (Tierra Caliente, <900m), temperate zone (Tierra Templada, 900–1,980m), and cold zone (Tierra Fría, 1,980–3,500m).

• Isothermal Nature: Average temperatures vary by less than 5°C between the hottest and coldest months, though the daily range (day vs. night) can be significant in high-altitude areas like Bogotá.

• Bimodal Rainfall Pattern: Most of the Andean interior experiences two rainy seasons (April–June and October–December) and two dry seasons, while the northern coast typically follows a single-cycle pattern.

• Extreme Precipitation: Colombia is one of the wettest countries on earth, particularly on the Pacific coast (Chocó), where annual rainfall can exceed 6,000–7,000 mm.

Precipitation Patterns and Regional Differences

Colombia’s diverse topography creates a patchwork of microclimates across its five natural regions.

• Caribbean Coast: Generally hot and semi-arid to tropical. It has a single dry season from December to April and a rainy season peaking in October.

• Pacific Coast (The Chocó): One of the most humid regions in the world, with almost daily rainfall and no true dry season.

• Andean Region: Home to the majority of the population, this region follows a bimodal rainfall pattern. Cities like Medellín ("The City of Eternal Spring") enjoy consistent temperate weather year-round.

• The Llanos (Eastern Plains): A tropical savanna climate with a distinct dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October.

• Amazon Rainforest: A tropical rainforest climate that is hot and humid year-round, with high precipitation throughout the year, though rain is slightly more intense from March to July.

Detailed Seasonal Breakdown

• First Dry Season (December – March): Often called "summer" (verano), this is the clearest and sunniest time for most of the country. Temperatures in the lowlands reach 24°C–33°C, while the highlands see cool nights and sunny days between 8°C–19°C.

• First Rainy Season (April – June): This "winter" (invierno) period brings increased humidity and heavy afternoon downpours. Lowland temperatures remain hot (24°C–32°C), while the highlands stay humid and mild (12°C–18°C).

• Second Dry Season (July – August): A shorter period of relatively stable and drier weather, especially in the Andean and Caribbean regions. This "veranillo" sees temperatures similar to the first dry season, with lowlands around 25°C–33°C and highlands around 10°C–19°C.

• Second Rainy Season (September – November): Statistically the wettest time of the year for the majority of the country, with November being the wettest month. Lowland temperatures average 23°C–31°C, and the highlands feel cooler and damper at 10°C–17°C.