Expat Topics
Best Time to Move to Colombia (2026)
Seasonal planning guide — weather, visa timing, rental markets & expert tips
Last updated: March 2026
The best time to move to Colombia is January – March. Varies by altitude. Medellín: eternal spring (18–28°C, 1,500m altitude). Bogotá: cool (8–18°C, 2,600m). Cartagena: hot and humid (28–35°C). No seasons — wet and dry periods. Avoid moving during October – November (heaviest rains) if possible.
January – March
October – November (heaviest rains)
Colombia Climate Overview
Varies by altitude. Medellín: eternal spring (18–28°C, 1,500m altitude). Bogotá: cool (8–18°C, 2,600m). Cartagena: hot and humid (28–35°C). No seasons — wet and dry periods.
Season-by-Season Guide
Dry Season (Dec–Feb)
18–30°C
- Best time to arrive in Medellín — sunny, warm, dry
- Christmas and New Year celebrations are incredible
- Peak digital nomad season — vibrant community events
Light Rains (Mar–May)
18–28°C
- Medellín: brief afternoon showers, still pleasant
- Feria de las Flores (Medellín, August) prep begins
- Good time for cédula de extranjería applications
Dry Period (Jun–Aug)
17–27°C
- Second dry season — pleasant across most of Colombia
- Good time for apartment hunting in Bogotá
- Cooler months in Medellín (locals call it 'winter')
Wet Season (Sep–Nov)
17–28°C
- Heaviest rains in October
- Cheapest rents as nomads move on
- Good time to negotiate long-term lease discounts
Visa & Immigration
Digital Nomad Visa (V-type): $50, requires $3 minimum wage (~$780/mo) income proof, valid 2 years. Migrant visa (M-type): for those with Colombian income or family. Processing: 1–4 weeks online.
Rental Market
Medellín (El Poblado) 1-bed: $500–900. Bogotá (Chapinero): $400–700. Cartagena: $500–1,000. Month-to-month available on Airbnb for first few months. Furnished apartments standard.
Colombia Relocation Timeline
Research Colombia visa options and residency pathways. Consult an immigration lawyer. Start gathering documents (apostilles, translations, police clearances).
Submit your Colombia visa application. Arrange international health insurance. Open a multi-currency bank account (Wise, Revolut). Start learning the local language.
Book temporary accommodation in Colombia for your first 2–4 weeks. Arrange international shipping if needed. Downsize and sell belongings. Get apostilles on remaining documents.
Book flights to Colombia. Set up mail forwarding. Cancel local subscriptions and memberships. Download offline maps and translation apps.
Get a local SIM card. Open a local bank account. Register with local authorities. Explore neighborhoods before signing a long-term lease.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to move to Colombia?
The best months to move to Colombia are January – March. Varies by altitude. Medellín: eternal spring (18–28°C, 1,500m altitude). Bogotá: cool (8–18°C, 2,600m). Cartagena: hot and humid (28–35°C). No seasons — wet and dry periods.
What visa do I need for Colombia?
Digital Nomad Visa (V-type): $50, requires $3 minimum wage (~$780/mo) income proof, valid 2 years. Migrant visa (M-type): for those with Colombian income or family. Processing: 1–4 weeks online.
How much does rent cost in Colombia?
Medellín (El Poblado) 1-bed: $500–900. Bogotá (Chapinero): $400–700. Cartagena: $500–1,000. Month-to-month available on Airbnb for first few months. Furnished apartments standard.
When should I avoid moving to Colombia?
Try to avoid moving during October – November (heaviest rains). This is typically the most challenging period due to weather extremes, peak pricing, or administrative slowdowns.