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Popayán

Weather in Попаян: What to Expect by Season

Photo: Car710, CC BY-SA 3.0

Weather overview

Попаян sits in Colombia’s Andean highlands, where the weather stays gentle all year. Daytime temperatures rarely stray far from 18 °C, while nights cool to around 13–14 °C. The city’s elevation keeps the air crisp, making every season comfortable for exploring.

Rainfall shapes the rhythm of life in Попаян. The wettest stretch runs from April to May and again from October to November, when afternoon showers are common. Between July and August, the skies clear, offering the driest—and often sunniest—weeks of the year.

Temperature

In Попаян, the thermometer hovers between 13 °C at night and 23–24 °C by midday. The warmest afternoons usually arrive in September, when highs reach 24 °C, while the coolest nights settle in August at 12.9 °C.

Seasonal swings are subtle. From January to March, daytime highs stay near 23 °C, while June brings a slight dip to 22.6 °C. Even in the coolest months, the air never feels harsh, so layers are more about comfort than necessity.

Average air temperature °C
Average air temperature
Month Minimum Maximum
January 13.7 23.5
February 14.3 23.1
March 14.1 22.9
April 14.1 23
May 14.5 23.7
June 13.8 22.6
July 13.2 23.9
August 12.9 23.8
September 13.2 24
October 13.9 23.7
November 14.1 23.2
December 14.4 23

Precipitation

Попаян sees rain in every month, but the pattern shifts noticeably. The heaviest downpours arrive in November, with 300.8 mm of rain, while July is the driest at just 60.5 mm.

From April to May and October to November, afternoon showers become a daily ritual. Between July and September, the rain eases, leaving more dry hours for hiking or wandering the colonial streets. Even in wetter months, mornings often start clear.

Precipitation amount mm
Precipitation amount
Month Precipitation
January 195.2
February 224.3
March 272.2
April 220.7
May 178.6
June 132.6
July 60.5
August 95.7
September 101.2
October 226.2
November 300.8
December 223

What to pack

For a trip to Попаян, pack clothes that layer easily. Days call for light shirts or blouses, while evenings may need a sweater or light jacket, especially if you’re out after sunset. A compact umbrella or rain jacket is useful year-round, but essential from April to November.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must—cobblestone streets and occasional rain make sturdy soles practical. If you visit between July and August, a sun hat and sunscreen help during the drier, sunnier weeks. For the rest of the year, a waterproof bag keeps your belongings dry during sudden showers.

Average monthly wind m/s
Average monthly wind
Month Wind speed
January 1.6
February 1.5
March 1.4
April 1.4
May 1.6
June 1.5
July 1.8
August 1.6
September 1.5
October 1.4
November 1.3
December 1.4