November in Cartagena brings two certainties. Rain, and a party worth getting rained on for. With 191mm of rainfall spread across roughly 22 days, this is the second-wettest month on the calendar, trailing only October's 207mm. Average highs reach 29°C (84°F) and lows sit around 24.6°C (76°F), which makes this technically the coolest Cartagena gets all year. The humidity tends to hover near 85%, the kind that sticks to your skin the moment you step off the plane and doesn't relent until you're back in air conditioning. Mornings often start deceptively clear, warm and breezy off the Caribbean, before the clouds stack up after lunch.
The reason to come in November, despite all of that, is the Fiestas de Independencia. Cartagena declared independence from Spain on November 11, 1811, and the city still celebrates with roughly 4 days of parades, live cumbia bands, and champeta sound systems rattling through the streets of Getsemaní. The Concurso Nacional de Belleza, Colombia's national beauty pageant, has traditionally been held during the same period, pulling domestic tourists and media crews into the city. Outside the Fiestas window, November is genuine low season. Hotel rates in Bocagrande and the Walled City's San Diego quarter drop 20-30% from peak. The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas feels spacious. You'll find open tables at restaurants that need reservations in January.
The trade-off is concrete, though. Afternoon downpours roll in most days between 2pm and 5pm, heavy enough to flood the lower streets around La Matuna. Boat trips to the Islas del Rosario get cancelled when seas are rough. Beach days at Playa Blanca on Isla Barú become hit-or-miss. If you can plan around the rain and anchor your trip to the Fiestas de Independencia, you'll see a side of the city that peak-season visitors never encounter. December's 35mm of rain and calmer seas are only 3 weeks away.
Why visit in November
- The Fiestas de Independencia (November 7-11) are the biggest cultural event on Cartagena's calendar, with 4 days of parades, cumbia, and champeta street parties concentrated in Getsemaní and the Ciudad Amurallada
- Hotel rates in Bocagrande and the Walled City run 20-30% below the January-March peak, making boutique hotels inside the historic center more accessible
- Cruise ship traffic drops in the rainy season, so the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and other major sites feel noticeably less crowded
- At 29°C (84°F), November is the coolest month in Cartagena, making daytime walking tours through the colonial streets more comfortable than in March's 33°C
Worth knowing
- Rain falls on roughly 22 of 30 days, with heavy afternoon downpours between 2pm and 5pm that flood low-lying streets near La Matuna
- The 85% humidity makes the air feel thick and heavy, especially in the narrow streets of the Centro Histórico where the Caribbean breeze doesn't reach
- Rough seas lead to more cancelled boat trips to the Islas del Rosario and Playa Blanca than operators will tell you when you book
- The Fiestas de Independencia pack the city with domestic tourists around November 11, spiking hotel prices and creating traffic gridlock in the old town
Best for
Think twice if
November sits deep in Cartagena's second rainy season. Expect overcast mornings that give way to heavy afternoon downpours on most days, with 191mm falling across roughly 22 of the month's 30 days. Highs hover around 29°C (84°F), the lowest of any month, while lows stay near 24.6°C (76°F) at night. The humidity rarely dips below 80% and averages 85%. The Caribbean breeze provides some relief along the waterfront in Bocagrande and on the city walls, though it drops off in the narrow colonial streets. Sea conditions tend to be rougher than during the December-March dry season, with swells that occasionally cancel island boat trips. Mornings before noon are typically the driest window.
Seasonal caution
- Street flooding in low-lying areas of the Walled City, particularly near La Matuna and parts of Getsemaní, is common after heavy afternoon rain. The colonial stone surfaces become slippery.
- Mosquito activity rises with the standing water from daily rains. Dengue fever is present in Cartagena, and November's wet conditions increase exposure. Use DEET-based repellent, especially at dawn and dusk.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 24 | 17 |
| Feb | 32 | 24 | 14 |
| Mar | 33 | 25 | 22 |
| Apr | 32 | 25 | 79 |
| May | 31 | 25 | 159 |
| Jun | 30 | 25 | 202 |
| Jul | 31 | 25 | 142 |
| Aug | 30 | 25 | 171 |
| Sep | 30 | 25 | 150 |
| Oct | 29 | 25 | 207 |
| Nov | 29 | 25 | 191 |
| Dec | 31 | 25 | 35 |
Headline events
Fiestas de Independencia de Cartagena
November 7-11
Cartagena's biggest annual celebration, marking the city's declaration of independence from Spain on November 11, 1811. Four days of parades, cumbia and champeta music, beauty pageant events, and street parties fill Getsemaní, the Ciudad Amurallada, and neighborhoods across the city. The Desfile de Bando opens the festivities, and the energy builds to a peak on the 11th, when parties at the Plaza de la Trinidad run until dawn. The smell of frying arepas and the bass-heavy thump of champeta picós define the atmosphere.
Best things to do in November
Fiestas de Independencia street parties in Getsemaní
culturalThe Plaza de la Trinidad and surrounding streets of Getsemaní become an open-air dance floor for 4 nights during the Fiestas. Champeta picós, massive speaker towers mounted on trucks, pump bass-heavy Afro-Caribbean rhythms while cumbia groups play on smaller stages. The smell of frying empanadas mixes with rum and sweat in the warm night air. Locals outnumber tourists by a wide margin.
The Fiestas de Independencia run November 7-11, and Getsemaní is the epicenter of the street celebrations. This only happens once a year.Booking tipNo booking needed. Show up at the Plaza de la Trinidad after 8pm on any Fiestas night. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet or dirty.
Walking tour of the Ciudad Amurallada
sightseeingThe Walled City's 13km of colonial ramparts, built starting in 1586, enclose churches, plazas, and balcony-lined streets painted in faded yellows and blues. November's 29°C highs are the most comfortable of the year for a 3-hour walk. Start at the Torre del Reloj, loop through Plaza de los Coches and Plaza Santo Domingo, and end at Las Bóvedas, the 18th-century dungeons converted into craft stalls.
November's lower temperatures and reduced cruise ship crowds make the narrow colonial streets more walkable than during the December-March high season.Booking tipMorning tours before 11am avoid both the heat and the afternoon rain. Several operators run free walking tours from the Torre del Reloj.
Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
sightseeingThe largest Spanish colonial fortress in the Americas, built on the Cerro de San Lázaro between 1536 and 1657. The underground tunnel network stays cool even in midday heat, and the rooftop views extend across the old city to the modern Bocagrande skyline. In November, you might have entire sections of the tunnel system to yourself.
Cruise ship passenger counts drop during the rainy season, and the fortress feels noticeably emptier than during the January-March peak when lines form at the entrance.Booking tipArrive by 9am to explore the tunnels before the midday heat builds. Tickets are available at the gate without advance booking in November.
Bazurto Market
foodCartagena's largest public market sprawls across several blocks south of the Walled City. The fish section smells of brine and scales. The fruit vendors stack pyramids of lulo, zapote, corozo, and maracuyá in colors that photograph well against the concrete stalls. Comedores in the back serve plates of fried fish with coconut rice and patacones for a fraction of restaurant prices in the tourist zone.
November's rainy season means peak tropical fruit supply at Bazurto, and the Fiestas drive extra food vendors into the market's overflow areas.Booking tipGo before 10am when the fish is freshest. Consider hiring a local guide for a first visit, as the market can feel overwhelming to navigate alone.
Day trip to Islas del Rosario
outdoorsAn archipelago of 27 coral islands about 45 minutes by speedboat from Cartagena's Muelle de la Bodeguita. The water over the reef shifts between turquoise and deep blue depending on the depth. Snorkeling around Isla Grande reveals brain coral, sea fans, and schools of blue tang, though visibility varies with the recent rainfall. The Oceanario on Isla de San Martín de Pajarales has dolphin and shark exhibits.
Lower visitor numbers mean less crowded beaches on Isla Grande and Isla del Pirata. Boat operators are more willing to negotiate group rates when demand is soft.Booking tipCheck sea conditions the morning of your planned trip. Operators at the Muelle de la Bodeguita cancel runs when swells exceed safe levels. Book the day before but confirm the morning of.
Sunset from the city walls at Café del Mar
experienceThe stretch of wall between the Baluarte de Santo Domingo and the Baluarte de Santa Clara faces west over the Caribbean. Café del Mar sits on top of the fortification, and the sunset views extend to the silhouette of Tierrabomba island. The stone of the wall retains the day's warmth, and the sea breeze picks up as the temperature drops. November sunsets happen around 5:45pm.
November's cloud cover often produces more dramatic sunset colors than the clear-sky dry season months. Fewer tourists on the walls means you can find a seat without arriving an hour early.Booking tipArrive by 5pm for a table at Café del Mar. Alternatively, bring your own drinks and sit on the wall itself for free, closer to the Baluarte de Santa Clara where the crowd thins out.
Cooking class in Getsemaní
foodSeveral small culinary schools in Getsemaní run half-day classes that start with a Bazurto Market shopping trip and end with a 3-course meal. You'll learn to make coconut rice, ceviche with local white fish, and fried plantain dishes. The classes typically cap at 8-10 people, and the instructors explain the African, Indigenous, and Spanish roots of Cartagena's coastal cuisine.
Rainy afternoons make indoor activities valuable. November's lower tourist numbers mean smaller class sizes and more hands-on time with the instructor.Booking tipBook at least 2 days ahead. Morning classes that include the market visit fill faster than afternoon-only sessions.
Convento de la Popa
sightseeingA 17th-century Augustinian convent perched on the highest hill in Cartagena, 150 meters above sea level. The courtyard garden is quiet, the chapel holds a gold-leaf altar, and the panoramic view from the terrace covers the entire city, from the container port to the Bocagrande skyline to the Walled City's rooftops. On clear November mornings, you can see the Islas del Rosario on the horizon.
The lower crowds in November mean you'll likely have the courtyard and terrace largely to yourself. Mornings before the rain builds offer the clearest views.Booking tipTake a taxi up the hill rather than walking, as the road passes through a neighborhood with safety concerns. Negotiate the round-trip fare before departing.
What to eat in November
On menus now
Cazuela de mariscos
A hearty shellfish and coconut milk stew served in a clay pot. Locals eat it year-round, but it becomes a Fiestas staple at the informal comedores along Calle del Arsenal in Getsemaní. The coconut broth carries the brininess of shrimp, squid, and whatever the fishermen brought in that morning.
Street food peaks
Arepa de huevo
Deep-fried corn pockets filled with a whole egg and sometimes ground meat. Street vendors set up extra carts across Getsemaní and the Walled City during the Fiestas, serving them fresh from the oil. The crunch of the shell against the soft egg inside is the signature Cartagena street snack.
Carimañola
Torpedo-shaped yuca fritters stuffed with seasoned beef or cheese, then deep-fried until the exterior cracks when you bite through it. Fiestas stalls sell them alongside arepas de huevo, and they're best eaten hot while the filling is still soft.
Cocada
Coconut candy cooked with sugar into chewy blocks or soft balls, sold by Palenquera women carrying bowls on their heads through the Plaza Santo Domingo. November's fruit stalls in Bazurto Market carry fresh coconut in peak supply, and the cocadas appear in mango, tamarind, and plain coconut varieties.
Regular events in November
Concurso Nacional de Belleza
Colombia's national beauty pageant has historically been held in Cartagena during the Fiestas de Independencia period, with regional contestants parading through the city. The event draws significant domestic media coverage and fills hotels in the Bocagrande strip.
Early to mid-NovemberDesfile de BandoFree
The opening parade of the Fiestas de Independencia, led by the elected Bando queen who rides through the streets of the Walled City and Getsemaní. Cumbia groups, dance troupes, and costumed performers follow. The route typically runs from the Plaza de la Aduana through the Centro Histórico.
November 7Best places this November
Plaza de la Trinidad
plazaThe heart of Getsemaní and the epicenter of November's Fiestas celebrations. By day it's a quiet square where locals play dominoes under the trees. By night during the Fiestas, it transforms into an open-air party with champeta and cumbia filling every corner. The church of La Santísima Trinidad anchors one end.
GetsemaníCastillo San Felipe de Barajas
historicalThe largest Spanish colonial fortress in the Americas, with an underground tunnel network and panoramic views from the rooftop. November's reduced cruise traffic means shorter lines and quieter exploration of the tunnels. Built over more than a century starting in 1536.
San LázaroBazurto Market
marketCartagena's chaotic, sprawling public market where locals buy fish, tropical fruit, and household goods. The Fiestas period brings extra food vendors and a festive atmosphere. Not for the faint-hearted, but the most authentic slice of daily Cartagena life.
BazurtoLas Bóvedas
historicalTwenty-three arched vaults built into the city wall in the late 18th century, originally used as dungeons and ammunition storage. Now converted into craft and souvenir shops. The thick stone walls stay cool inside, making them a welcome rain shelter during November's afternoon downpours.
Ciudad AmuralladaPlaza Santo Domingo
plazaOne of the liveliest squares in the Walled City, anchored by the Iglesia Santo Domingo, Cartagena's oldest church dating to 1551. Botero's bronze sculpture 'La Gorda Gertrudis' sits in front. Restaurant tables fill the plaza most evenings, and Palenquera fruit sellers in bright dresses are a constant presence.
Ciudad AmuralladaPlaya de Bocagrande
beachThe most accessible city beach, running along the Bocagrande peninsula. The sand is darker and coarser than Playa Blanca, but it's walkable from most Bocagrande hotels. November's rougher surf limits swimming some days, though the beachfront promenade stays busy with joggers and vendors.
BocagrandeConvento de la Popa
historicalThe highest point in Cartagena at 150 meters, topped by a 1607 Augustinian convent. The panoramic view from the terrace covers the entire city. Clear November mornings before the clouds build offer the best visibility for seeing the Islas del Rosario on the horizon.
La Popa
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Insider tips
The Fiestas de Independencia crowd is overwhelmingly Colombian, not international. If your Spanish is limited, download offline translation before arriving. English signage and English-speaking vendors are sparse outside the Walled City's tourist restaurants during this period.
Afternoon rain usually clears by 5:30pm. Plan indoor activities or a long lunch between 2pm and 5pm, then head out for the evening when the streets dry and the temperature drops a degree or two. The post-rain golden light between 5:30pm and sunset around 5:45pm is the best photography window.
Taxi drivers raise prices during the Fiestas, especially around the 11th. Use ride-hailing apps like InDriver or DiDi instead of negotiating street fares. The fare from the airport to the Walled City should be roughly the same as in October.
Getsemaní's street art scene is best explored in the morning before the rain. The murals along Calle de la Sierpe and Callejón Angosto photograph best in the soft overcast light that November mornings tend to provide.
Bazurto Market runs a secondary fish market on the waterfront edge that tourists rarely find. The comedores there serve fresher ceviches than the ones deeper inside the main market building, and the prices reflect the local clientele.
If the Islas del Rosario boat trip gets cancelled due to rough seas, Tierra Bomba island is a shorter crossing with calmer water on the leeward side. Boats leave from the Muelle de la Bodeguita, and the ride takes about 10 minutes.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking a beach-focused trip without a backup plan. November's 22 rainy days and rough seas cancel island trips and wash out beach days regularly. Build indoor alternatives into every day.
- Assuming the Fiestas de Independencia happen only on November 11. The celebrations run roughly from the 7th to the 11th, and the best street parties are often on the nights before the official holiday.
- Walking to the Convento de la Popa. The road passes through neighborhoods with documented safety issues, and the steep climb in 85% humidity is punishing. Take a taxi both ways and negotiate the round trip before departing.
- Packing only cotton clothing. In 85% humidity, cotton absorbs sweat and rain, never fully dries overnight, and develops mildew smell within 2 days. Synthetic or linen-blend fabrics are significantly more practical.
- Eating at restaurants inside the Walled City's Plaza Santo Domingo for every meal. The tourist-facing restaurants on the plaza charge premium prices. Walk 3 blocks in any direction for local comedores serving the same coastal dishes at a fraction of the cost.
Practical tips for November
November splits into two distinct travel windows. The Fiestas de Independencia (November 7-11) bring domestic Colombian tourists, elevated hotel rates near the Walled City, and traffic congestion across the old town. Outside that 5-day window, November is deep low season with discounted rates and minimal crowds. Book Fiestas-week accommodation well ahead, as the best Getsemaní and San Diego quarter guesthouses fill with Colombian visitors who return annually. For the rest of the month, walk-in rates and last-minute availability are common even at popular hotels.
The daily rain pattern is predictable enough to plan around. Mornings are usually clear until noon, making the 8am-12pm window best for outdoor sightseeing, island trips, and market visits. Afternoon downpours typically run from 2pm to 5pm, and this is when you schedule cooking classes, museum visits, the Palacio de la Inquisición, or a long lunch. Evenings clear up and cool off slightly, opening the window for the city walls at sunset and dinner in the open air.
Cash is still king at Bazurto Market, street food carts, and many taxi drivers during the Fiestas. ATMs inside the Walled City charge withdrawal fees. The Bancolombia branch on Calle de la Moneda in the Centro Histórico tends to have lower fees than the tourist-area machines. Carry small denominations, as street vendors and informal transport often lack change for large bills.
FAQ
Is November a good time to visit Cartagena?
November is a mixed month. The Fiestas de Independencia (November 7-11) are the city's biggest cultural celebration and a compelling reason to visit, but the weather is challenging. With 191mm of rain across 22 days and 85% humidity, it ranks 10th of 12 months for overall visiting conditions. If you time your trip around the Fiestas and can tolerate afternoon rain, you'll see a side of Cartagena that dry-season visitors miss. If beach weather is your priority, January through March is a better fit.
How bad is the rain in Cartagena in November?
Rain falls on roughly 22 of 30 days, but it typically follows a predictable pattern. Mornings are often clear, with heavy downpours arriving between 2pm and 5pm. The rain is intense but usually passes within 2-3 hours. Total rainfall averages 191mm for the month. It's enough to flood low-lying streets near La Matuna and parts of Getsemaní, but rarely lasts all day.
What are the Fiestas de Independencia in Cartagena?
Cartagena's Fiestas de Independencia celebrate the city's declaration of independence from Spain on November 11, 1811. The festivities run roughly from November 7 to 11, with parades, live cumbia and champeta music, street parties centered on Getsemaní's Plaza de la Trinidad, and the traditional Concurso Nacional de Belleza pageant. The celebrations are largely free and open to the public, with the most intense partying on the nights leading up to and including the 11th.
Can you do island day trips from Cartagena in November?
Island trips to the Islas del Rosario and Playa Blanca on Isla Barú are possible but less reliable than in the dry season. Rough seas cancel boat departures more frequently, especially after heavy overnight rain. Check conditions the morning of your planned trip at the Muelle de la Bodeguita, and have a backup plan. Tierra Bomba island, a shorter 10-minute crossing, tends to be more sheltered and is a reasonable alternative when the longer crossings are cancelled.
Do I need to book hotels in advance for November in Cartagena?
For the Fiestas de Independencia week (November 7-11), book well in advance. Domestic Colombian tourists fill guesthouses in Getsemaní and the San Diego quarter of the Walled City, and popular hotels reach capacity. Outside the Fiestas window, November is low season and walk-in rates or last-minute bookings are common, often at 20-30% below the January-March peak.
Things to Do in Cartagena in November
Free cancellation Cartagena 5 Island Hop Tour: Lunch, Snorkel, Beach Clubs, & More
Day trip — 7 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Tour De Palenque, Road to Emancipation.
Day trip — free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Private Walking Tour in Cartagena Walled City & Getsemaní
Day trip — free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Cartagena ATV Tour
Outdoor experience — 2.5 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Full Day Tour of 5 Must-See Places in the Rosario Islands
Outdoor experience — 7.5 hours, free cancellation.
via Viator
Free cancellation Cartagena's Rosario Islands 5-Site Boat Tour with Lunch & Snorkel
Day trip — 7 hours, free cancellation.
via ViatorLast verified by automated review (v1.7.2) on June 15, 2026. What is automated review?