Colombia, situated near the equator, does not experience the four distinct seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter that characterize temperate regions. The country receives consistent, direct sunlight throughout the year, which prevents the significant seasonal temperature shifts driven by the Earth’s axial tilt. Therefore, the common concept of seasons defined by temperature changes simply does not apply to the Colombian climate. Its climate is instead governed by two main factors: precipitation patterns and altitude.
Defining Colombia’s Two Climate Cycles
Instead of the four temperature-based seasons, Colombia operates on a system defined by its rainfall, resulting in two primary climate cycles. These cycles are locally referred to as invierno (winter) for the wet season and verano (summer) for the dry season, despite the terms having no relation to temperature. The wet season, or invierno, is characterized by increased rainfall, greater cloud cover, and higher humidity across much of the country.
The dry season, verano, brings sunnier days, significantly reduced precipitation, and generally clearer skies. For areas with a bimodal pattern, these dry periods often occur between December and March and again from July to August. A key characteristic of Colombia’s equatorial climate is the consistency of temperatures, which remain relatively stable year-round regardless of whether it is the wet or dry cycle.
The terms invierno and verano are essentially a local shorthand for the rainy and less-rainy periods, helping people anticipate conditions for travel or agriculture. This precipitation-based rhythm dictates the flow of life, commerce, and outdoor activities more than any temperature variation would.
How Altitude Creates Thermal Floors
While precipitation defines the two cycles, the dramatic variations in temperature across Colombia are a direct result of its mountainous topography, which gives rise to what are known as “thermal floors” (pisos térmicos). This system explains why Colombia can have a tropical beach and a snow-capped peak within a relatively short distance. As elevation increases, the temperature consistently decreases, creating distinct climate zones.
The hot thermal floor, or tierra caliente, exists from sea level up to about 1,000 meters and is suitable for tropical fruits and crops like bananas. Moving higher, the temperate floor (tierra templada), between 1,000 and 2,000 meters, is known for its mild climate, which is perfect for growing Colombia’s famous coffee.
Above this is the cold floor (tierra fría), extending up to around 3,000 meters, where crops like potatoes and wheat thrive in cooler conditions. Beyond 3,000 meters, the climate transitions into the páramo (high-altitude moorland), which is characterized by extremely cold temperatures and specialized vegetation. Finally, the glacial or perpetual snow floor (nevado) exists at the highest elevations, typically above 4,700 meters, where temperatures remain below freezing year-round. These thermal floors demonstrate that a traveler can experience nearly any climate simply by changing their altitude.
Regional Differences in Seasonal Timing
The general wet/dry cycle is further complicated by regional geography, meaning that the seasonal timing is not uniform across the entire country. The Andean region, where major cities like Bogotá and Medellín are located, often experiences a bimodal pattern with two distinct wet and two distinct dry periods each year. This double cycle creates two peaks of rain, usually from April to May and October to November, separated by drier stretches.
The Pacific Coast is one of the wettest places on Earth and sees heavy rainfall virtually year-round with very little dry distinction. Conversely, the Caribbean Coast experiences a single, prolonged dry season, often from December to April, making its weather much more predictable and distinct from the rest of the country.
In the Amazonian region, the seasonal rhythm is less about strict precipitation amounts and more about the impact of rainfall on river levels. Here, the cycles are defined by high-water (flooding) and low-water seasons, which dramatically affect boat navigation and access to different parts of the jungle. For instance, the high-water season, roughly from December to May, allows for exploration of flooded forests by boat.