Barranquilla Weather in December

December weather

December is warm and sticky in Barranquilla, with afternoons around 30°C and nights still warm. It's one of the best times to visit, sitting within the December to March window and rating Good at 7.4/10 on our comfort score. Rain eases sharply from November, though showers can still interrupt a day. You'll get plenty of sun for the Gran Malecón, where you can stroll beside the Magdalena River or stop for a meal.

The heat and humidity make long walks through the city tiring at midday. Keep sightseeing short then, and save the riverfront or a visit to the Museo del Caribe for cooler parts of the day.

Christmas in Barranquilla

Día de las Velitas, on December 7, is a Colombian tradition that marks the start of the Christmas season. Neighbours set out candles and lanterns, and you may see festive displays around the city. Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve are also important family holidays, so some businesses may close or change their hours.

If you enjoy local holiday traditions, December will reward you more than a quiet, ordinary city break.

Crowds and local tips

Because December falls in the drier, popular season, Christmas brings more visitors than rainy November. Expect more demand around the holidays and prices that are often higher than in quieter months. January is drier still, so if you can shift your plans by a few weeks, it's almost as good a choice.

For an easy evening by the river, take a taxi to the Gran Malecón rather than walking there from central Barranquilla. The city is spread out, and the riverside route is best once the day's heat has eased. Don't expect the big Carnaval celebrations in December, since they come later in the year.