The sea temperature at Tayrona (Cabo San Juan) today is 29.8 °C (86 °F) – water as warm as a bath. The usual October average is 29.2 °C. The forecast for the next 3 days is 29.8 to 29.9 °C. Over the last 30 days the sea temperature has held at around 29.8 °C. Swimmable all year – the sea averages 25 °C or more in every month. Source: Sea Temp Map (seatempmap.com) – NASA MUR satellite data and the Copernicus Marine sea forecast.
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25.1°C / 77.1°F | 25.6°C / 78.1°F | 26.3°C / 79.4°F |
| February | 24.2°C / 75.5°F | 25.3°C / 77.6°F | 26.5°C / 79.6°F |
| March | 24.9°C / 76.8°F | 25.6°C / 78.1°F | 26.5°C / 79.6°F |
| April | 25.5°C / 77.9°F | 26.1°C / 78.9°F | 26.6°C / 79.9°F |
| May | 26.6°C / 80.0°F | 27.3°C / 81.1°F | 27.9°C / 82.2°F |
| June | 27.2°C / 81.0°F | 27.9°C / 82.3°F | 28.8°C / 83.9°F |
| July | 26.7°C / 80.1°F | 27.1°C / 80.9°F | 27.6°C / 81.7°F |
| August | 27.7°C / 81.8°F | 28.0°C / 82.4°F | 28.5°C / 83.3°F |
| September | 28.4°C / 83.2°F | 28.9°C / 84.0°F | 29.4°C / 84.9°F |
| October | 28.8°C / 83.9°F | 29.2°C / 84.6°F | 29.6°C / 85.2°F |
| November | 27.8°C / 82.0°F | 28.4°C / 83.2°F | 29.1°C / 84.3°F |
| December | 26.0°C / 78.8°F | 26.6°C / 79.9°F | 27.4°C / 81.4°F |
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21.1°C / 69.9°F | 23.0°C / 73.5°F | 24.7°C / 76.5°F |
| February | 21.4°C / 70.4°F | 23.1°C / 73.6°F | 24.5°C / 76.1°F |
| March | 21.9°C / 71.3°F | 23.4°C / 74.2°F | 24.7°C / 76.4°F |
| April | 22.6°C / 72.7°F | 23.9°C / 75.1°F | 24.9°C / 76.7°F |
| May | 23.3°C / 74.0°F | 24.8°C / 76.7°F | 26.0°C / 78.8°F |
| June | 23.4°C / 74.2°F | 24.9°C / 76.8°F | 26.1°C / 79.0°F |
| July | 23.4°C / 74.2°F | 25.0°C / 76.9°F | 26.3°C / 79.3°F |
| August | 23.7°C / 74.6°F | 25.0°C / 77.0°F | 26.1°C / 79.0°F |
| September | 23.7°C / 74.7°F | 25.1°C / 77.1°F | 26.1°C / 79.1°F |
| October | 23.5°C / 74.4°F | 25.0°C / 77.0°F | 26.0°C / 78.9°F |
| November | 23.3°C / 73.9°F | 24.7°C / 76.4°F | 25.8°C / 78.5°F |
| December | 22.3°C / 72.1°F | 24.0°C / 75.1°F | 25.5°C / 77.8°F |
5-year averages (2021–2025). Min/Max are typical daily lows and highs, not record extremes. (Copernicus ERA5)
Cabo San Juan holidays
In Tayrona National Natural Park, on Colombia's Caribbean coast east of Santa Marta, the two palm-fringed coves of Cabo San Juan del Guía lie where the forested foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta meet the sea. A rocky headland between the two beaches is topped by a thatched hut, and a campsite with tents and hammocks sits behind the sand.
Beaches
Swimming is allowed in the coves of Cabo San Juan, where the headland shelters calmer water; the second cove, beyond the thatched hut, is quieter. On the way from the entrance to Tayrona, Arrecifes has strong currents and is closed to swimming, while La Piscina, a short walk before Cabo San Juan, is protected by an offshore reef and suits snorkelling. Heavy surf and currents affect many other Tayrona beaches, so obey the warning signs.
Things to do
Most visitors reach Cabo San Juan on foot, a walk of about two hours through the forest from the Cañaveral area, passing Arrecifes and La Piscina; howler monkeys, capuchins and lizards are often seen on the way. Follow only Tayrona's currently authorised trails: the path to Pueblito, an ancient Tayrona settlement, is closed to tourist visits. Santa Marta, founded by the Spanish in 1525, has a waterfront promenade and cathedral, the hill village of Minca is known for coffee farms and waterfalls, and multi-day treks leave for Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City.
Weather and best time to visit
At Cabo San Juan the sea stays above 25 °C / 77 °F all year, even in the coolest month.
The Tayrona coast is hot all year. The main dry season usually runs from about December to April, with strong breezes, and the wettest months are usually from about September to November. The park closes for set periods each year to let nature recover and for ceremonies of the Indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada, and it limits daily visitor numbers, so check opening dates, fees and rules before going.
Hotels and where to stay
Inside Tayrona National Natural Park, Cabo San Juan offers tents and hammocks, and eco-lodges stand near the Cañaveral entrance. Hotels and lodges along the main road near El Zaíno and Los Naranjos make an easy base, and Santa Marta, Taganga and Palomino have more choice.
Signature hotels: Senda Watapuy Boutique Hotel Tayrona (El Zaíno)
Airport and getting there
Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR) in Santa Marta has flights from Bogotá, Medellín and other Colombian cities. The El Zaíno entrance of Tayrona is about 35 km east of Santa Marta, roughly an hour by car or local bus along the coastal highway. Boats also run from Taganga and Santa Marta to Cabo San Juan when the sea allows, though the crossing can be rough, so check current services.