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Loading Travel Forecast…Panama-canal · Historic destination
Cartagena is the most-visited port on Panama Canal and Central America itineraries — a UNESCO World Heritage walled city of pastel colonial mansions, flower-draped balconies, and centuries-old stone fortifications. Most cruisers spend the day wandering the Old Town, browsing emerald shops, and touring the massive Castillo San Felipe de Barajas fortress before returning to the ship for the canal transit ahead.
Each month rated on weather and crowds, alongside the real temperature, rain, and notes behind that rating — look for great weather paired with low crowds for the best overall experience. Tap a month for its full weather and tours guide.
| Month | Weather | Crowds | High °F | Low °F | Rain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | great | high | 88 | 76 | 1 | Driest month, classic tropical dry season |
| Feb | great | high | 88 | 75 | 1 | Sunny and dry, ideal walking-tour weather |
| Mar | great | peak | 89 | 76 | 2 | Still dry, heat building |
| Apr | good | high | 89 | 77 | 4 | Transitional month, first showers appear |
| May | good | moderate | 88 | 77 | 9 | Rainy season begins, brief afternoon storms |
| Jun | good | low | 89 | 77 | 8 | Hot and humid, short intense downpours |
| Jul | good | low | 89 | 76 | 7 | Brief mid-summer dry spell ("veranillo") |
| Aug | good | low | 89 | 76 | 9 | Rain returns, very humid |
| Sep | fair | low | 88 | 76 | 11 | Wet and stormy — Caribbean hurricane season regionally |
| Oct | fair | low | 87 | 76 | 13 | Wettest month of the year |
| Nov | fair | moderate | 87 | 76 | 10 | Rain tapering off toward month's end |
| Dec | great | peak | 88 | 76 | 4 | Dry season returns — peak Panama Canal cruise season |
Southern Caribbean Cruise
Royal Caribbean Cruises · Grandeur Of The Seas
Southern Caribbean Cruise
Royal Caribbean Cruises · Grandeur Of The Seas
Southern Caribbean Cruise
Royal Caribbean Cruises · Grandeur Of The Seas
Southern Caribbean Cruise
Royal Caribbean Cruises · Grandeur Of The Seas
Southern Caribbean Cruise
Royal Caribbean Cruises · Grandeur Of The Seas
Southern Caribbean Cruise
Royal Caribbean Cruises · Grandeur Of The Seas
The best months to visit Cartagena by cruise ship are December, January, February, March. During these months you can expect the driest weather and the most comfortable temperatures for port excursions.
Popular activities include: Old Town / Walled City walking tour, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas fortress, Getsemani street-art neighborhood, Emerald & artisan shopping, Rosario Islands beach day trip.
Cartagena is a popular port of call for many major cruise lines. Check the upcoming cruises section above for live departure dates, or search all itineraries that include Cartagena.