Tolima, Colombia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Tolima, Colombia? If you're planning to go to Tolima, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Tolima
- Important essentials for Tolima
- Activities for Tolima
- Tolima in January: weather and what to pack
- Tolima in February: weather and what to pack
- Tolima in March: weather and what to pack
- Tolima in April: weather and what to pack
- Tolima in May: weather and what to pack
- Tolima in June: weather and what to pack
- Tolima in July: weather and what to pack
- Tolima in August: weather and what to pack
- Tolima in September: weather and what to pack
- Tolima in October: weather and what to pack
- Tolima in November: weather and what to pack
- Tolima 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 Tolima, Colombia
Based on the climate and weather in Tolima, the best time to go is January. See below for details.
Important essentials for Tolima, Colombia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Tolima, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly choice.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often get worn. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great kit.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Tolima. 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.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be appropriate for most places, but check with your hotel.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Tolima, Colombia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Tolima can be blisteringly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) to 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to keep you cool:
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Light linen shorts
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to help you stay cool and offer UV protection.
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Make sure bring extra, as these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sun protecting legwear
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Skirts
Bug bite relief
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
February
In February, Tolima is a scorcher. Temperatures routinely are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Tolima, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Skirts
Bug bite relief
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to help you stay cool and to provide UV protection.
-
Light linen shorts
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Remember to pack additional, since these get wet or dirty.
-
Sun protecting legwear
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed for cooling:
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
March
In March, Tolima is unbearably hot. Temperatures routinely are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Tolima, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to help you stay cool and to provide UV protection.
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to help you stay cool:
-
Waterproof sandals
Bug bite relief
-
Insulated water bottle
-
UV protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light linen shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget pack additional, as these easily get wet or dirty.
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
April
Traveling to Tolima in April, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
May
If you are traveling to Tolima in May, you will notice that it is consistently hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
June
If you go to Tolima in June, you will notice that it is consistently hot. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
July
Traveling to Tolima in July, you will notice that it can be sizzling. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Make sure bring additional, as these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Skirts
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed for cooling:
Bug bite relief
-
Sunglasses
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Light linen shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to keep you cool and include UV protection.
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
August
August in Tolima can be sizzling. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) to 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Protecting legwear
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure bring extra, as these get wet or dirty.
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to keep you cool and to provide UV protection.
-
Light linen shorts
-
Bug repellent
Bug bite relief
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Skirts
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created to cool you:
-
Sunglasses
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
September
In September, Tolima is unbearably hot. Temperatures routinely are in the 90s F (mid 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Tolima, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light linen shorts
-
Skirts
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are created to help you stay cool:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
You should pack extra, as these are likely to get wet or dirty.
Bug bite relief
-
Waterproof sandals
-
UV protecting legwear
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to keep you cool and include UV protection.
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
October
October in Tolima can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
November
November in Tolima is extremely hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
December
December for Tolima is extremely hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We recommend:
Activities for Tolima, Colombia
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Tolima.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Taukkyan, Myanmar, Killarney, Ontario, Canada, Khimki, Russia, Carlsbad, California, United States of America, Sallisaw, Oklahoma, United States of America, Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico, Buford, Georgia, United States of America, Amherst, New Hampshire, United States of America, Powys, Wales, United Kingdom, Falkenberg, Sweden, and Averøy, Norway.