Weather and altitude

Cool, all year

Bogotá lies almost on the equator, at 2,640 m (8,660 ft) above sea level. The latitude means there are no seasons in the European or North American sense, and the altitude keeps it cool. Temperatures hardly change through the year: around 18 to 19 °C (64 to 66 °F) in the afternoon and 7 to 9 °C (45 to 48 °F) at night.

July is no exception. A typical day feels like mild spring weather that turns into a cold evening, which often surprises visitors arriving from the northern summer.

Changeable

July is one of the drier months, and often windy. Even so, a single day can bring bright sun, low cloud, a cold shower and sun again. People here say the city has four seasons in one day, and they leave home dressed for all of them.

Buildings rarely have heating or air conditioning, so rooms can feel cool in the evening and early in the morning.

What to wear

• Layers. A shirt or T-shirt, a jumper or fleece, and a light jacket that you can take off and put back on.
• Something for the rain. A light waterproof jacket or a small umbrella.
• Closed, comfortable shoes. Pavements are uneven and showers are sudden.
• A warm layer for the evenings, and for Monserrate, which is about 500 m (1,640 ft) higher than the city, colder and windier.
• Everyday clothes. People in Bogotá dress for cool weather. Long trousers are the norm and shorts are rare.

If you travel on to the Caribbean coast after the congress, pack for the opposite as well: it is above 30 °C (86 °F) and humid there.

The sun

At this altitude and latitude the ultraviolet index is very high or extreme around midday for most of the year, including on overcast days. You can burn quickly without feeling hot.

• Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every day, on the face, neck and hands.
• Bring sunglasses, and a hat for the afternoon in the city centre.

Altitude

Most visitors feel little more than being short of breath on the stairs. During the first day or two, some people also notice a mild headache, tiredness or lighter sleep. These effects usually pass by themselves.

• Take it easy on your first day, and arrive a day early if you can.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Go easy on alcohol for the first couple of nights. It has more effect at altitude.
• Eat light meals at the start.

If you have a heart or lung condition, or you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before you travel. If symptoms are strong or do not improve, seek medical advice (see staying safe for emergency numbers).