When Is the Best Time to Visit Cali, Colombia? 🌞🌙 by Day of the Week

Cali is a city that lives at night. If you’re coming here expecting busy streets and packed restaurants during the day, you might be surprised—things don’t really start until late afternoon, and the real magic happens weekend nights.

But when is the best time to visit? The truth is, any time is good, but your experience will depend more on what day of the week you arrive rather than the season. Here’s what to expect day by day.

Due to our 'eternal' warm weather, Cali people will always avoid going out during morning and noon.

☀️ Daytime in Cali: What You Need to Know about the Best Time to Visit Cali Colombia

Cali is eternally warm, with daily temperatures around 25–30°C (77–86°F). The heat is there, and if the sun is out, you’ll want to stay indoors between 11 AM and 3 PM unless you’re by a pool or in the mountains with vegetation.

• If you love nature, use the morning to explore places like Pance (waterfalls and rivers), San Cipriano, or Los Farallones.

• If you prefer history and culture, visit museums and historic neighborhoods like San Antonio or La Merced—just know that most museums close by 4 PM and don't open on Sundays.

• Forget about finding good restaurants open before 4 PM. Cali runs on nightlife, so unless it’s a breakfast spot or a bakery, most good restaurants open late afternoon.

best time to visit cali colombia

🗓️ Cali, Day by Day: What to Expect

Salsa classes at la Topa Tolondra happen Monday through Saturday at 7pm.

Monday – Recovery Mode 😴

If you arrive on a Monday, you might think Cali is a ghost town. Most clubs, bars, and even some restaurants are closed. People are recovering from the weekend.

✅ Best for: Exploring museums, coffee shops, hiking in Pance and/or a group salsa class 7pm at La Topa Tolondra (one of the few places that has something going on every night) or just enjoying a beer and the breeze at the River Boulevard (Bulevar del Río).

🚫 Not great for: Nightlife. There are some local salsa spots open, but don’t expect crowds.

Gringo Tuesdays is an event where people come together to share languages. Plus, the best Tuesday night in Cali.

Tuesday – The Warm-Up 🎶

Things start waking up on Tuesday, especially in smaller bars where locals go for casual salsa.

✅ Best for: Gringo Tuesdays - Cali’s most exciting language exchange event, perfect for practicing your Spanish with friendly locals and connecting with fellow travelers. Plus, it's one of the few nightlife options available on a Tuesday!

🚫 Not great for: Big crowds—still early in the week, so the energy is more low-key.

best time to visit cali colombia

Punto Baré is one of the only places in Cali with live music.

Wednesday – Midweek Salsa Fix 💃

This is when Cali starts feeling alive again. Some bars have live music, and dancers start coming out.

✅ Best for: Salsa bars like La Matraca, live music at places like Punto Baré, or a chill drink in San Antonio.

🚫 Not great for: Big clubbing—most major spots don’t get wild until the weekend.

Don Juan de la Torre is Cali's highest rooftop bar.

Thursday – Pre-Weekend Vibes 🍹

Now we’re talking! Thursdays are the start of the weekend in Cali. More places open, salsa spots get busy, and you can feel the energy picking up.

✅ Best for: bar hopping visiting Don Juan de la Torre, rooftop bar atop Cali's tallest skyscraper.

🚫 Not great for: Finding restaurants open before 4 PM—this applies every day.

best time to visit cali colombia

People bring their instruments to join the Salsa Street party.

Friday – The City Wakes Up 🔥

Friday is when Cali shows its true colors. This is the night where both locals and tourists fill up the salsa bars, clubs, and open-air dance spots.

✅ Best for: Experiencing Salsa Street (Río Cali Boulevard) which only happens on Fridays, dancing until late, and seeing the city’s real energy.

🚫 Not great for: A quiet night—unless you stick to a calmer spot like a cocktail bar.

Cali is a city that comes alive at weekend nights.

Saturday – Peak Cali Energy 🚀

If you’re looking for the best night to go out, this is it. Everything is packed, from salsa bars to nightclubs, and the streets feel electric.

✅ Best for: Salsa, reggaeton clubs, and food (restaurants stay open later). Options: all of them.

🚫 Not great for: Avoiding crowds—this is the busiest night of the week.

best time to visit cali colombia

Pance River is #1 hangover killer in Cali.

Sunday – The Chill Reset 🌄

Cali slows down again. Nightlife is minimal, but it’s a great day for nature and food. Locals head to the countryside, rivers, and family restaurants outside the city.

✅ Best for: A relaxed afternoon by the river in Pance, but if you want to avoid the crowd then weekdays are better. You can also watch a professional salsa dancing show at Teatro Mulato Cabaret (at midnight) for a fraction of the price of a Friday.

🚫 Not great for: Partying—there are some spots open, but the real action doesn’t return until Tuesday.

best time to visit cali colombia

Cali has more rainy days than Paris and almost the same as London.

⚠️☔ Keep in mind...

If it rains, most people stay home. Not everyone, of course, but the crowds shrink, places feel emptier, and a lively Friday night can suddenly feel more like a quiet Tuesday.

best time to visit cali colombia

🔥 So, When Should You Visit?

• For nightlife and salsa? Thursday to Saturday

• For nature and relaxation? Sunday to Wednesday

• For a mix of everything? Arrive Thursday and leave Tuesday for the full Cali experience.

best time to visit cali colombia

Cali doesn’t follow a traditional schedule—things start late and last all weekend nights. If you love dancing, warm nights, and vibrant energy, this city is waiting for you.

best time to visit cali colombia

Ready to experience Cali? Book a tour with us and see the city like a local! 💃🌆

BOOK A TOUR