Popayan, Colombia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Popayan, Colombia? If you're planning to go to Popayan, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Popayan
- Important essentials for Popayan
- Activities for Popayan
- Popayan in January: weather and what to pack
- Popayan in February: weather and what to pack
- Popayan in March: weather and what to pack
- Popayan in April: weather and what to pack
- Popayan in May: weather and what to pack
- Popayan in June: weather and what to pack
- Popayan in July: weather and what to pack
- Popayan in August: weather and what to pack
- Popayan in September: weather and what to pack
- Popayan in October: weather and what to pack
- Popayan in November: weather and what to pack
- Popayan in December: weather and what to pack
About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Popayan, Colombia
Based on the climate and weather in Popayan, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Popayan, Colombia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Popayan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection available.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear out. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Popayan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most countries, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Popayan, Colombia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your coat can be a lifesaver by protecting your main jacket. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff don't get wet. Even the best luggage can let moisture in. We like:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
If you are going to go to the stunning Iglesia de San Francisco, it's useful to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Parque de Caldas, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
February
February in Popayan is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Sandals
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your jacket will avoid travel headaches by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff don't get wet. The finest suitcases can let moisture in. We like:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
If you are going to go to the stunning Iglesia de San Francisco, it's useful to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Parque de Caldas, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
March
Traveling to Popayan in March, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your main jacket. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. Even the finest luggage can let moisture in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
If you are going to go to the stunning Iglesia de San Francisco, it's useful to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Parque de Caldas, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
April
April for Popayan is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff remain dry. The finest luggage can let moisture in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
If you are going to go to the stunning Iglesia de San Francisco, it's useful to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Parque de Caldas, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
May
If you are traveling to Popayan in May, you will notice that it is mild. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your coat saves you time and money by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff remain dry. The best suitcases can let water in. We like:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
If you are going to go to the stunning Iglesia de San Francisco, it's useful to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Parque de Caldas, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
June
If you are traveling to Popayan in June, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your coat saves you time and money by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. The best luggage can let water in. We like:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a rainstorm.
If you are going to go to the stunning Iglesia de San Francisco, it's useful to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Parque de Caldas, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
July
July is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Rain poncho
A weatherproof rain poncho to wear over your jacket can be a lifesaver by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff stay dry. Even the most durable suitcases can let water in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
If you are going to go to the stunning Iglesia de San Francisco, it's useful to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Parque de Caldas, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
August
August is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
If you are going to go to the stunning Iglesia de San Francisco, it's useful to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Parque de Caldas, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
September
September in Popayan is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your coat will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. Even the most durable suitcases can let moisture in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
If you are going to go to the stunning Iglesia de San Francisco, it's useful to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Parque de Caldas, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
October
If you vacation in Popayan during October, you are likely to find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Rain poncho
A high quality rain poncho to wear over your coat can be a lifesaver by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things remain dry. The best suitcases can let rain in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
If you are going to go to the stunning Iglesia de San Francisco, it's useful to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Parque de Caldas, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
November
November in Popayan is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Rain poncho
A high quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket will avoid travel headaches by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things remain dry. The finest suitcases can let rain in. We like:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
If you are going to go to the stunning Iglesia de San Francisco, it's useful to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Parque de Caldas, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
December
December in Popayan is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff don't get wet. Even the most durable luggage can let rain in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
If you are going to go to the stunning Iglesia de San Francisco, it's useful to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to Parque de Caldas, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Activities for Popayan, Colombia
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Popayan.
Sebastian de Belalcázar Statue and Viewpoint
Popayán
Metropolitan Cathedral
San Antonio
San Antonio Church
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