The short answer: November is one of the most colorful months to visit Cartagena. It’s still the rainy season, but the month brings two Colombian holiday weekends (Monday, November 2, and Monday, November 16, 2026) and the Independence Festival, the city’s biggest street celebration, which peaks on November 11. If you want to join the party, book early. If you’d rather keep things low-key, the last week of the month is calmer, right before December’s high season. Hotel Regatta Cartagena, on the beachfront in Bocagrande, is well placed for moving between the beach and the Old Town during the festivities.
November is a month of contrasts in Cartagena. On one hand, it’s still the rainy season and the city hasn’t hit its high-season stride yet. On the other, it’s when Cartagena celebrates its independence with parades, neighborhood street parties, dance troupes, and live music, a festival many international travelers have never heard of that shows the city at its most authentic.
This guide covers what November weather is like, the key dates to know for 2026, what to do during the festival, and how to pick the best week for your trip.
What the weather is like in November
Cartagena has two seasons: the dry season, from December through April, and the rainy season, which covers most of the rest of the year. November is still part of the wet season, and rain on several days of the month is normal, although it’s usually less intense than October, the rainiest month of the year.
In practice, November mixes sunny days, changing skies, and downpours that often don’t last all day. The Caribbean heat sticks around, with an average yearly temperature around 81°F, and the water stays warm. As the month goes on, the city edges closer to December’s dry season.
Your best bet is to plan with some flexibility: outdoor activities early in the day and indoor backups in case the rain rolls in during the afternoon.
Key dates for November 2026
November has two Colombian holiday weekends, and both affect how busy Cartagena gets:
| Date | What’s happening |
|---|---|
| Monday, November 2 | All Saints’ Day holiday. First long weekend of the month. |
| November 1 to 16 | Official Independence Festival program, with parades, cultural events, and pageants. |
| Wednesday, November 11 | The festival’s main day, marking the 1811 declaration of independence. |
| Thursday, November 12 | The Grand Bando Parade along Avenida Santander. |
| Monday, November 16 | Cartagena Independence holiday. Second long weekend of the month. |
| Thursday, November 26 | Thanksgiving in the U.S., a popular week for American travelers to head south. |
The holiday weekends and festival dates bring the most visitors. If you want to experience the celebrations, book early. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, the last week of November is usually the calmest stretch in Colombia, and it lines up nicely with a Thanksgiving week getaway.
The Independence Festival: the big reason to go in November
On November 11, 1811, Cartagena declared its independence from Spain, becoming the first province in what is now Colombia to do so. Every year, the city marks the date with its Independence Festival, a popular celebration that was officially recognized as part of Colombia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in July 2026.
During the festival, the Old Town and Getsemaní fill up with neighborhood groups, dance troupes, traditional gaita flutes, champeta music, and parades. The official 2026 program includes a citywide kickoff on November 1, the Diversity Parade on November 8, and the Grand Bando Parade on November 12, which runs along Avenida Santander, between the ocean and the city walls, starting at 10 a.m. The program wraps up on Monday, November 16, with the crowning of the Reinado Intercorregimental, a local pageant.
The Bando is the festival’s biggest crowd-pleaser. To enjoy it comfortably, get there early, bring water and sunscreen, wear light clothes, and be ready for the heat and the crowds.
If you’d like to see the city’s full calendar of celebrations throughout the year, our guide to Cartagena’s festivals and celebrations covers the main dates.
What to do in Cartagena in November
During the festival
- Watch the Bando parade on November 12, the festival’s main event.
- Wander the Old Town and Getsemaní on festival days, when the streets come alive with music and dancers.
- Try local street food at the stands and restaurants that get going during the celebrations.
Outside festival dates
- Hit the beach early in Bocagrande, before the strongest heat and the afternoon showers.
- Walk the city walls and visit the Castillo de San Felipe, with smaller crowds than in December.
- Check out the Old Town’s museums on rainy afternoons.
- Take a trip to the Rosario Islands, booking with flexibility in case sea conditions don’t cooperate.
Why Bocagrande works well in November
During the Independence Festival, most of the action, music, and crowds are concentrated in the Old Town. That’s a big part of the fun, but it also means noise and activity late into the night. Staying in Bocagrande lets you enjoy the festival by day and come back to a quieter setting to rest.
Hotel Regatta Cartagena sits on Avenida Malecón in Bocagrande, right on the beachfront, just a short taxi ride from the Old Town. It has two pools on the 11th and 18th floors, a sun deck on the 18th floor, a spa, a restaurant, a bar, beach service, and a 24-hour front desk. Every room has A/C, and continental breakfast is included with every rate.
To recharge after a day of parades, the Deluxe Premium, with a king bed and a direct view of the Caribbean, is one of the most comfortable rooms in the hotel.
How to pick your week in November
| If you want… | Your best option |
|---|---|
| The full festival experience | November 8 to 16, with the Bando parade on the 12th |
| A long weekend | October 31 to November 2, or November 14 to 16 |
| Peace, quiet, and better rates | The last week of November, which also works for Thanksgiving week |
| A mix of festival and relaxation | Arrive before the 11th and stay through the November 16 holiday |
What to pack for Cartagena in November
- Light, breathable, quick-dry clothing.
- A lightweight rain jacket or a compact umbrella.
- Comfortable shoes for parades and walking tours.
- Sunscreen and a hat.
- Bug spray.
- A small, secure bag for your phone and documents in crowded areas.
Frequently asked questions
Does it rain in Cartagena in November?
Yes. November is still the rainy season, although it’s usually less intense than October. Sunny days are common, and downpours often don’t last all day. The dry season starts in December.
When is the Cartagena Independence Festival in 2026?
The official program runs from November 1 to 16. The main day is Wednesday, November 11, the Grand Bando Parade is on Thursday, November 12, and the program wraps up on Monday, November 16, a national holiday.
What are Colombia’s public holidays in November 2026?
There are two: Monday, November 2, for All Saints’ Day, and Monday, November 16, for the Independence of Cartagena.
Is November a good time to visit Cartagena?
Yes, especially if you’re interested in local culture. The Independence Festival shows a side of Cartagena you won’t see on a postcard. If you’d rather keep it quiet, the last week of the month is a great window before high season, and it lines up with Thanksgiving week in the U.S.
Where should I stay during the Independence Festival?
It depends on your plans. The Old Town puts the festival right outside your door, but it’s noisier. Bocagrande lets you rest better and reach the Old Town in minutes. Hotel Regatta Cartagena, on the beachfront in Bocagrande, combines the beach, two pools, and easy access to the Old Town.
Do I need to book early for November?
For the holiday weekends and festival dates, yes. Demand goes up and the best rooms go first. The last week of the month usually has more availability.
Book your November stay on the beachfront
November is when Cartagena celebrates its history in the streets. With a beachfront hotel in Bocagrande, you can join the festivities, enjoy the beach when the sun is out, and unwind away from the noise at the end of the day.
Check availability and book directly with Hotel Regatta Cartagena.
