Cartagena events & things to do in December 2026
Start with Walled City and Las Murallas, Torre del Reloj and Plaza de los Coches, plus Getsemaní and Plaza de la Trinidad. December in Cartagena averages 32°C / 89°F highs, 25°C / 77°F nights, and about 3 rainy days.
Expect 32°C/89°F days and about 3 rainy ones in December. Start with these:
- Walled City and Las Murallas★ 4.8 · 34.0k reviewsCartagena walls were built and expanded from the 16th to 18th centuries to protect the Spanish Caribbean port.
- Torre del Reloj and Plaza de los Coches★ 4.7 · 36.1k reviewsThe clock tower is the main gate into the old city, opening onto Plaza de los Coches and the Portal de los Dulces.
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By TripSapien Research · Updated June 3, 2026
Cartagena in December 2026
Weather
TempTemperature
89°F / 77°F
31.5°C / 24.9°C
RainPrecipitation
3d
1.4in · 35mm
LightDaylight
11.4h
Sea
84.9°F
29.4°C
December dries out quickly, with Christmas and New Year demand pushing up old-city and island prices.
Holidays, observances & long weekends
Holiday and observance schedules can affect services and venue hours; confirm each place directly.
- Dec 8Immaculate ConceptionPublic holiday
- Dec 25Christmas DayPublic holiday
- Dec 5-Dec 8Long weekend with bridge day
- Dec 25-Dec 27Long weekend
About Cartagena
City overview
Cartagena is a Caribbean port where the walled colonial city, Getsemaní street art, fortress lines, and modern Bocagrande beach towers sit around a hot, humid bay. The useful traveler map is Centro and San Diego inside the walls, Getsemaní just outside the clock tower, and Bocagrande, Manga, Crespo, or La Boquilla for beaches, hotels, and airport access.
Food & drink
Cartagena food is coastal and Afro-Caribbean: arepa de huevo, posta negra cartagenera, coconut rice, fried fish, ceviche, cazuela de mariscos, mote de queso, patacones, and cocadas. Portal de los Dulces, Plaza de la Trinidad street stalls, Bazurto Market tours, and old-city seafood restaurants give the clearest range.
Top sights
Ranked for December suitability using weather, setting, ratings, and review volume.
- 1Getsemaní and Plaza de la Trinidad
- 2Las Bóvedas
- 3Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
- 4Convento e Iglesia de San Pedro Claver
- 5Plaza de Bolívar and Museo del Oro Zenú
- 6Convento de la Popa
- 7Museo Naval del Caribe
- 8Palacio de la Inquisicion
1Getsemaní and Plaza de la Trinidad
4.7★ · 12,337outdoorOpen dailyGetsemaní was once a working neighborhood outside the walls and now mixes murals, hostels, restaurants, music, and Plaza de la Trinidad evenings. It is a short walk from the clock tower.
2Las Bóvedas
4.5★ · 8,381outdoorOpen dailyThe vaulted cells built into the northeastern walls were once military storage and later prison spaces. Today they hold handicraft shops between San Diego and the sea wall.
Wikipedia
3Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
4.7★ · 66,949indoorOpen dailyThe hill fortress grew from a 17th-century Spanish defensive work into a huge tunnel-and-bastion complex guarding the land approach to Cartagena. It stands east of Getsemaní on San Lazaro hill.
Wikipedia
Show 3 more sights
- 4Convento e Iglesia de San Pedro Claver
- 5Plaza de Bolívar and Museo del Oro Zenú
- 6Convento de la Popa
Neighborhoods
1Centro
Centro is the polished walled core, with the clock tower, Plaza de la Aduana, cathedral, Bolívar square, colonial balconies, boutique hotels, and heavy daytime foot traffic.
2San Diego
San Diego is quieter and residential inside the walls, with Las Bóvedas, Plaza de San Diego, small hotels, restaurants, and easy rampart access.
3Getsemaní
Getsemaní feels colorful and social, with Trinidad square, murals, hostels, bars, street food, and restored houses between the walls and Castillo San Felipe.
Day trips
45km / 45-60min by boat from Muelle La Bodeguita
Rosario Islands
The island chain has reef water, beach clubs, aquariums, and crowded tour docks. Choose boat operators carefully and confirm return times before leaving the city.
35km / 1h by boat or road transfer from Cartagena
Playa Blanca and Baru
Baru has bright sand and shallow Caribbean water but intense vendors and weekend crowds. Weekday starts are easier.
50km / about 1h by car or tour from Cartagena
San Basilio de Palenque
The village is tied to maroon history, Palenquero language, music, and Afro-Colombian culture. Go with a guide who treats it as a living community rather than a photo stop.
Getting around
The walled city and Getsemaní are best on foot, with taxis or ride-hail useful for Bocagrande, Manga, La Popa, the airport, and late returns. Buses and Transcaribe serve longer local moves, but visitors usually save them for daylight and simple routes.
Planning a Cartagena trip?
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Common questions about Cartagena in December
- What to pack for Cartagena in December
Pack for December's weather, not a generic Cartagena checklist.
- Light, breathable daytime clothes for average highs around 32°C / 89°F.
- Breathable evening clothes because nights stay near 25°C / 77°F.
- A small umbrella or packable shell for scattered rain across about 3 days.
- How many days do you need in Cartagena
- 4 days covers the main Cartagena highlights at a realistic pace. Add 3 extra days if you want the listed day trips.
- Is Cartagena worth visiting in December
- Yes. December in Cartagena averages 32°C / 89°F highs, 25°C / 77°F nights, and about 3 rainy days.
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