The Amazon is one of the most breathtaking destinations in Colombia, immersing you in some of the world’s most spectacular flora and fauna. This remote region is a paradise for adventurous travelers and the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Beyond its stunning biodiversity and unique wildlife, the rainforest is also home to diverse indigenous communities with rich cultural traditions.
Did you know that nearly one-third of Colombia is covered by jungle? While much of the rainforest remains inaccessible, the Amazonian capital of Leticia and the picturesque eco-village of Puerto Nariño are open to visitors year-round. Exploring the Colombian Amazon is an incredibly rewarding experience, but before embarking on your adventure, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
When is the best time to visit the Colombian Amazon?
Amazon Temperature
As you might expect, thanks to its location in the tropical jungle, the climate in the Colombian Amazon is hot and humid. Here, you can enjoy warm temperatures throughout the year, with an average daytime temperature of around 25°C (with highs of 35°C and lows of 23°C). Although days are hot, nighttimes can be significantly cooler, with evening temperatures often dropping up to ten degrees.
The Amazon Rainforest experiences two main seasons throughout the year: the high-waters (rainy) season and the low-waters (dry) season. Each season offers a unique experience, influencing wildlife observation, river navigation, trail accessibility, and other ecotourism activities. During the high-water season, flooded forests allow for easier boat excursions and increased chances of spotting aquatic wildlife. In contrast, the low-water season reveals hidden jungle trails, making it ideal for Amazon hiking and adventure travel. Understanding these seasonal changes will help you choose the best time to visit the Amazon and ensure a well-prepared, unforgettable experience.
Wet season in the Amazon - (Dec to May)
High Waters: The wet season in the Amazon typically runs from December to May, with the heaviest rains occurring between December and March. During this time, river levels rise, flooding parts of the jungle and creating unique opportunities for jungle safaris, wildlife spotting, and canoe navigation along the Amazon River.
During the rainy season, the river waters are running high, and you can easily access different parts of the Amazon by boat. Although some walking trails become inaccessible, it’s the perfect time to swim in black water creeks and kayak through the treetops of the flooded rainforest. However, you will likely see fewer animals in the wet season, as they often retreat to remote dry forests. Humidity is very high and there are also more mosquitos.
Activities to enjoy during the wet season:
- Navigating the Amazon River
- Navigating other rivers and lakes, such as Lake Tarapoto
- Kayaking
- Recreational fishing
- Swimming in black water creeks
- Pink dolphins Watching in the Amazon River
Discover the secrets of the Colombian Amazon with our immersive trip into the heart of the jungle. Our itinerary includes guided nocturnal safaris, hikes in the rainforest, Amazon River tours, visits to indigenous communities and unique experiences in the world’s lungs. Click here.
Dry season in the Amazon: (June to Nov)
Low waters: The Amazon Jungle offers lower water levels from June to October, making it ideal for hiking and spotting land-based wildlife.
Low river waters coincide with the dry season when it rains less. With less water in the rivers, more hiking trails are open, and you can explore deeper into the jungle on foot. Lots of wildlife is more straightforward to spot during the dry season, and some animals not as commonly observed in the rainy season are more visible as they come in search of water. There are also far fewer mosquitos.
Activities to enjoy in the dry season:
- Better trail access. Enjoy long walks & hikes deep in the jungle.
- Bird watching – This is a great time to see beach-nesting birds like black skimmers and many kinds of terns
- More opportunity to see wildlife as you can hike further into the jungle.
- Fewer mosquitos
- More opportunity to see the caiman crocodiles (this is rutting/mating season)
- Less Rain
- Exploring the beaches that form in the Amazon. A truly special natural wonder.
Although the Amazon River waters are much lower, it is often still possible to kayak on the other lakes of the Colombian Amazon as well as go fishing.
Explore All-Inclusive Amazon Tours: In-Depth 3 to 5-Day Packages with Flights from Bogotá. This is One of Our Most Complete and Exciting Jungle trips.
To conclude, when is the best time to visit the Amazon, or what are the best dates to go? We would say that it depends on the experience you are looking for. During the dry season, which typically runs from June to November. There is less rainfall, and trails are more accessible, making it easier to explore the jungle on foot. However, water levels in the rivers may be lower, which can limit boat access to some areas.
On the other hand, the rainy season from December to May brings higher water levels, allowing for deeper exploration of flooded forests by boat or canoe. While you may experience frequent showers, this season offers lush landscapes, more active wildlife, and a unique perspective of the Amazon’s biodiversity.
Must-Know Tips for the Amazon Before You travel
Yellow fever vaccination
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to travel within Colombia’s Amazon and other tropical regions. Get the yellow fever vaccination at least 10 to 12 days before traveling. You can obtain it at travel clinics, public health departments, hospitals, or pharmacies. Some airports and border health clinics offer the vaccine as well.
Pack insect repellent
Regardless of the season in which you travel, the Amazon is home to plenty of insects. Effective insect repellent is essential for keeping the bugs at bay. Mosquito-proof clothing and mosquito nets for sleeping are also strongly advised.
Bring appropriate clothing
The Colombian Amazon is known for its warm climate year-round, with temperatures averaging 25°C, reaching highs of 35°C, and lows of 23°C. However, you may experience sun, rain, and even cooler temperatures at night. To stay comfortable, we recommend packing a fresh outfit for each day, including lightweight clothing such as shorts, dresses, light pants, t-shirts, and polo shirts to handle the heat and humidity. Don’t forget to bring a layer of warm clothes for the evenings, as temperatures can drop unexpectedly
Protect yourself from the sun.
The sun is extremely strong in the Amazon, and although many tall forest canopies provide shade, it is still essential to use a high factor sunscreen. A sun hat is also advisable.
Bring your camera and binoculars.
Don’t forget your camera to take photos of the spectacular biodiversity of the Amazon. Binoculars are also handy for spotting birds, monkeys, snakes, and more! As you can see, the Amazon is a fantastic destination that can be enjoyed at any time of year. Some of the activities that don’t depend on the water levels include:
- A trip to Monkey Island
- Sleeping in the middle of the jungle at one of the beautiful natural reserves
- Discovering more about the indigenous communities of the Amazon
- Enjoy the local cuisine – see our article on what to eat in the Colombian Amazon
Contact Us to Customize Your Unique Amazon Adventure: A One-of-a-Kind Trip to the Lungs of the Earth. Over 35 Years of Supporting Amazon Communities Through Responsible Travel CONTACT
In-deep Tours and Trips to the Amazon Rainforest
The difference between a good trip and an EXCEPTIONAL one! Visit the Amazonas Three Borders (Colombia, Perú, Brazil) with My Trip Colombia
