Home › Destinations › Santa Marta
Weather in Santa Marta
Oldest city at the Sierra Nevada gates
—
Loading live weather...
About Santa Marta
Santa Marta, founded in 1525 as one of South America's oldest cities, sits where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Caribbean coast. Its compact historic centre offers colonial charm and seafood restaurants, while nearby Tayrona National Park provides jungle-backed beaches and hiking trails. A warm, tropical climate prevails year-round, with the driest months from December to March being most popular. The Lost City trek through the surrounding mountains is a highlight for more adventurous visitors.
Best months to visit
January, February, March, April, December
Things to do in Santa Marta
Tayrona National Park hikes
Lost City multi-day trek
Historic centre exploration
Beach time at Playa Grande
Seafood restaurant tours
Snorkelling along the coast
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
29C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
February
29C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
March
30C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
April
30C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
May
30C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
June
30C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
July
30C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
August
30C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
September
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
October
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
November
30C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
Recommended
December
30C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
Santa Marta combines Caribbean beach life with access to two of Colombia's most striking natural areas — the jungle-clad ruins and beaches of Tayrona National Park, and the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, the world's highest coastal mountain range. The city itself has a relaxed, slightly worn colonial centre that's becoming increasingly popular with backpackers and digital nomads.
Best areas to stay in Santa Marta
Historic Centre
Santa Marta's colonial old town, with colourful buildings, plazas and a developing restaurant scene.
Tayrona National Park
A coastal park of jungle-backed beaches and indigenous archaeological sites, a short drive from the city.
Taganga
A small bayside fishing village popular for diving courses and a relaxed atmosphere.
Minca
A mountain village in the Sierra Nevada foothills, known for coffee farms, waterfalls and birdwatching.
Getting to Santa Marta
✈
Flights
Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) has domestic connections from Bogotá and other Colombian cities, plus some international charter routes.
⏱
From London
~1 hour from Bogotá by air; onward connections from Europe via Bogotá.
🚕
Getting around
Taxis and colectivos (shared vans) connect the city to Tayrona, Taganga and Minca.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tayrona National Park like?
A coastal park combining jungle, rocky coves and white-sand beaches, with hiking trails connecting different beaches — some require a few hours' walk or a horse ride to reach.
Can I visit the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) from Santa Marta?
Yes — multi-day guided treks (typically 4 days) through the Sierra Nevada lead to these ancient indigenous ruins, older than Machu Picchu.
Is Santa Marta or nearby Taganga better to stay?
Santa Marta has more amenities and a livelier centre; Taganga is a smaller, more laid-back fishing village popular with backpackers and divers.
What's the best time to visit?
December to April is the driest period; the rest of the year sees more rainfall, particularly inland in the Sierra Nevada.
Is it safe to hike to Tayrona or the Lost City?
Both are popular, well-trodden routes with guides recommended (and required for the Lost City trek); standard precautions apply as with any hiking trip.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Tayrona's beaches were some of the most beautiful I've seen — the hike in is worth it. Santa Marta itself is a bit rough around the edges but has a great energy.
Owen P. · January 2024
★★★★★
Did the 4-day Lost City trek and it was tough but incredible — far less crowded than Machu Picchu and just as impressive in its own way.
Camila S. · March 2023
★★★★☆
Spent a few days in Minca after the coast — great change of scenery with waterfalls and coffee farms. Easy to combine both in one trip.
Drew M. · February 2024
Ready to visit Santa Marta?
Find the best hotels and experiences for your trip.
More dream destinations
