Colombia is home to some of the hottest towns in the Americas. In these corners of the country, heat takes center stage all year round, with temperatures frequently exceeding 35°C (95°F). These places, located in different regions, offer breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and a way of life centered around heat, shade, and water.
The five hottest towns in Colombia: where the sun never hides
La Dorada (Caldas): Heat Among Rivers and Mountains
Located in the department of Caldas, La Dorada experiences average temperatures between 30°C and 38°C (86°F to 100°F) year-round, with March and August being the hottest months. Despite being in a mountainous region, its low elevation (176 meters above sea level) and its location between rivers such as the Magdalena, La Miel, and Guarinó create a humid and stifling microclimate. The warm weather encourages tourist activities like boat rides and visits to natural swimming spots.
@vamos.puees Vamos puees a La Dorada🇨🇴 #Viajes #puebleando #LaDorada#Caldas #ladoradacaldas ♬ sonido original – Mayra 👸🏼🌻👑🇲🇽🇲🇽
Aguachica (Cesar): Burning Land of the Inland Caribbean
Aguachica, in southern Cesar, is another of Colombia’s hottest towns. Here, temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F), especially between June and September. Aguachica’s geographic location in the transition zone between the Andes and the Caribbean coast, combined with its low altitude (87 meters above sea level) and the presence of dry northeastern winds, results in a semi-arid climate. The high temperatures have shaped a culture accustomed to resting in hammocks, drinking cold beverages, and staying in the shade at midday.
@luisfranciscomart ¡Descubre la magia de Aguachica, Cesar! 🌟 Lugares encantadores, cultura vibrante y experiencias inolvidables te esperan. Luis Francisco Martínez está de vuelta para mostrarte la belleza turística que no te puedes perder. Únete a esta aventura y redescubre lo asombroso que puede ser nuestro querido municipio. ✨ #AguachicaDeVuelta #ExploraConLuisFrancisco #aguachicacolombia🇳🇬🇳🇬🇨🇴🇨🇴 #aguachicacesar #aguachica ♬ sonido original – Luis Francisco Martínez
El Banco (Magdalena): Where Heat and Vallenato Music Intertwine
This riverside town on the Magdalena River is known as the birthplace of many vallenato musicians, but also for its extremely hot climate. Temperatures in El Banco range between 32°C and 39°C (90°F to 102°F), with the hottest months being March and April. Its location on a riverplain, low altitude (60 meters above sea level), and intense solar radiation contribute to its scorching weather. Despite the heat, the musical and cultural life is vibrant, especially during the National Festival of the Caiman.
@deivisvf2003 Desde el corazón de El Banco, la nueva Plazoleta refleja nuestro orgullo y pasión. Cada espacio cuenta la historia de nuestra tierra que vibra con tradición. #FestivalDeLaCumbia #PlazoletaCumbiambera #OrgulloDeNuestraTierra #banqueños #monumento #elbancomagdalena🥰🇨🇴✨ #miviejopuerto #cumbia #tradicion #40años #djimini4pro #plazoleta ♬ Juliana – Joaquín Pérez
San Vicente del Caguan (Caqueta): Amazonian Heat
In the Amazon region, San Vicente del Caguan maintains consistent temperatures between 30°C and 37°C (86°F to 99°F). Although the area is lush with vegetation, high humidity makes the heat feel more oppressive, particularly between October and February. The tropical rainforest climate, coupled with ongoing deforestation in some areas, has increased the thermal sensation. The town serves as a starting point for eco-tourism and nature expeditions, ideal for those who can withstand the Amazonian heat.
@luisafer__ #travel #tourism #caqueta #colombia ♬ Water – Tyla
Puerto Carreño (Vichada): Relentless Sun in the Orinoquia
Puerto Carreño, the capital of Vichada, sits on the border with Venezuela and on the banks of the Orinoco River. It is one of the hottest areas in Colombia, with temperatures ranging from 33°C to 42°C (91°F to 108°F). The heat intensifies between December and March during the dry season. The region features a savannah ecosystem with sparse tree cover, increasing direct sun exposure. Water activities and river tours are essential to cool off and enjoy the stunning scenery.
@colinaaaaaaa_ Bienvenidos a Puerto Carreño, Vichada💚💚💛💛 feliz de llegar a mi tierra #fyp #minivlog #puertocarreño #vichada #vlogmas ♬ sonido original – Llano.music23
Why is it so hot in these towns?
The high temperatures in these Colombian towns are due to several factors:
Low Altitude: Most of these towns are located below 200 meters above sea level, which contributes to high temperatures.
Proximity to the Equator: Colombia’s equatorial location ensures strong year-round solar exposure.
Sparse Vegetation or Land Use Changes: Deforestation and urban growth have intensified heat islands.
Hot Air Currents and Humidity: In some cases, humidity increases the thermal sensation, especially in riverine regions.