Weather
Colombia's position near to the equator means that its weather is less decided by season, more by altitude and topography. Medellín famously enjoys a spring-like climate year-round. Bogotá is chillier in that it sits high above sea level, with high temps in the 60s and lows in the 40s Fahrenheit. Alternatively, the Caribbean coast is hot and humid with averages in the mid-80s.
One note about the weather in April: this is one of the rainy-season months for Bogotá, and a high water month in the Amazon region. During this time, the levels of the Amazon River go up dramatically, meaning certain areas are inaccessible and wildlife spotting isn't at its best.
Crowds & Costs
April falls firmly in the shoulder season of travel to Colombia, meaning you will avoid big tourist crowds. Thankfully, you'll also avoid the highest prices and airfares. You might want to take advantage of this by visiting Cartagena, on the Caribbean coast. During the high season, the city can be oppressively crowded, but you'll find the hustle and bustle more manageable in April.
Where to Go
If you want to keep the spring party going in Colombia, you might like to visit Medellín and its surrounding Antioquia Department. Not only does Medellín offer some great sights and activities (try riding the Metrocable gondola system high over the city), but there are great opportunities for day trips as well. Just an hour or so away is the colorful town of Guatapé, with its towering El Peñol rock standing sentinel over the countryside (yes, you can hike to the top of it).
You can also head further south into the Zona Cafetera (coffee country). Make the hillside city of Manizales your base of operations and perhaps overnight on a nearby working coffee finca (farm). You can travel all around this green and fertile region of the country, stopping at the popular town of Salento and embarking on hikes to the Valle de Cocora to see its famous towering wax palms (the national tree of Colombia).
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
City exploration, beach bumming, and visits to working coffee farms are all great options for April. Interested in getting off the beaten path? Visit Valledupar, located in the northeast of the country. Valledupar is a beautiful city in its own right, boasting a number of rivers nearby that make for great day trips (read more about it here). But the real reason to visit is to attend the Fiesta Leyends Vallenta. Started in 1968, this is a multi-day concert festival that celebrates vallenato, a style of folk music born in the area that combines Caribbean influences.
Events in April
Fiesta Leyenda Vallenata. The city of Valledupar explodes every year in late April with a four-day party celebrating locally invented vallenato music. During the day crowds gather in Plaza Alfonso Lopez, while at night tens of thousands pack the concert area by the river for more revelry. The festival culminates in an award for best musician.
Traveling to Colombia in April? Check out these great itineraries.
Cartagena & the Caribbean Coast. Experience highlights along Colombia's northern coast in this active 10-day trip. You'll soak in the romance and colonial history of Cartagena's Old Town, 4x4 through remote jungles, visit indigenous cultures, and more.
Cartagena Family Adventure. Kids love Cartagena. As a former playground for pirates, the city has plenty to offer for active families that love to explore around—see for yourself on this 5-day tour.
More Helpful Information
Colombia in March
Colombia in May
Best Time to Visit Colombia
More Colombia Itineraries