After months of dry weather, the rainy season is finally approaching Colombia. Regular rainfall is expected to begin next month, in April, and continue through May. Since Colombia is situated near the Equator, its seasonal patterns are quite different from those in Europe, for instance, featuring a tropical and isothermal climate. However, Colombia undergoes two distinct climatic seasons each year: the dry season, lasting from December to March and from June to August, and the rainy season, occurring in April and May, and then from September to November.
This year, rainfall is more necessary than ever, as many Colombian regions are grappling with the El Niño climatic phenomenon, which has already led to several droughts across the country.
Climate in Colombia
Colombia is home to a wide range of natural areas, each with unique weather conditions.
The Amazon region and the Pacific coast experience a tropical rainforest climate, marked by heavy rain and high temperatures.
The Llanos, a savanna area, has a tropical monsoon climate. Here, it’s very hot in the dry season, with a long rainy season lasting from May to October.
Along the Caribbean coast, the tropical savanna climate is notably hotter, with high humidity and average temperatures exceeding 81°F (27°C).
Finally, the Andean region offers a cooler and temperate climate, with temperatures varying significantly depending on the altitude. For instance, Medellin has an average temperature of around 73 °C (23 °F), Bogota’s average is about 57 °F (14 °C), and Cali enjoys warmer conditions with an average of 81°F (27°C).
El Niño and the Rainy Season
The El Niño phenomenon is exacerbating all Colombian climate patterns, transforming the dry season into droughts, especially in mountainous regions like Medellin, while intensifying rainfall patterns in areas such as the Choco and Amazon rainforests.
Consequently, the rainy season may be altered this year, increasing the climatic issues observed over the past few months.
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