Bogota's climate is just right for enjoying a sunset.
Elevated regions, generally speaking, are really cold or extremely hot, depending on the time of year in question. Yet Bogota, Colombia's largest city, breaks this mold. Extremes are generally less than 20 degrees apart, no matter when you take a sample. Mildness is the rule; well, let's call it a cooler form of "mild."
When tourists come to Bogota, there's little in the climate that a light jacket or sweater can't handle. However, this probably isn't the best place to bring your assortment of shorts.
Geography
Bogota sits at an elevated height 8,600 feet above sea level. The Andes Mountains circle around the city that largely fits inside a basin. The Caribbean Sea is not far north of this capital city either. In fact, this significant body of water lies close enough that it contributes in keeping temperatures from reaching extremes. The city's proximity to the Equator is also important to the region's moderate tendencies.
Expert Insight
A visitor deciding what to wear in Bogota should consider the rainy seasons that come twice per year to the area. According to Joel Zartman, a Bogota resident, "One [rainy season] starts around late March or early April and tapers off in June. It rains at all hours and on some days, nonstop." Zartman says the other rainy period is more "violent." This occurs in October and November. During this time temperatures might get warmer in the day and then the clouds roll in at some point in the afternoon. At times, residents may even experience hail, flooding and torrential rains for up to six to eight hours.
Although the altitude of Bogota helps keep the air cool, the latitude of the city can make the sun powerful--as Zartman points out, "you'll feel it strongly at times."
Appropriate Attire
Sweater-like clothing and accessories are always a good idea.
Based on the climate factors, clothing stores in Bogota sell a lot of sweaters and light jackets. These two general items should form the core necessities you need to include when loading the suitcase. At least three blog commentators familiar with Colombian culture mentioned something that tourism articles also seem to suggest: Wearing shorts just won't cut it.
One good strategy, say residents, is to think like people do in the northern United States during the winter. That is, wear what you would indoors during January, for instance. Either way, Zartman says that Bogota's citizens put on jackets each morning, even during the dry season. He claims every day seems to begin on the chilly side.
Warning
Anyone visiting this city might want to consider some of the U.S. government's warnings for tourists. Although the situation for visitors today is definitely "on the mend," it is generally wise to blend in. So for style, consider looking at pictures of Colombian residents so you can gain some feel for their urban styles. Then try and duplicate some of them prior to going out on the town--it's generally good practice to do this. There is really no up side to standing out while in Bogota.
In Summary
The city itself is situated in a place where snowmobile suits and giant down jackets will never be appropriate. In fact, wear these kinds of items and you will surely stand out, something not recommended by anyone familiar with the "terrain" of this South American capital. The people of Bogota are usually friendly, but they are probably not prone to point out how a visitor should dress. One should look into several factors, including the weather, when deciding what goes in the suitcase or what stays in the closet.
Tags: Bogota Colombia, deciding what, familiar with, Zartman says
