Calima Lake

Reservoir Artificial reservoir noted for wind sports and recreation

A reservoir in Valle del Cauca edged by hills and resorts, known locally for strong winds. Visitors come for kitesurfing, sailing, fishing and lakeside leisure.

Calima Lake (Lago Calima) is an artificial reservoir in Colombia’s Valle del Cauca Department used for recreation and local water management. It is a well-known regional destination for water sports.

The lake is widely used for windsurfing, kitesurfing and other watersports because of consistent winds and open water. There are lakeside facilities in nearby towns that provide boat rentals, lessons and accommodation for visitors.

The body of water was formed by damming to create a reservoir; since then it has developed into a regional recreational area used by residents and tourists. The surrounding hills and infrastructure have supported visitor services focused on outdoor activities.

Calima Lake is located within Valle del Cauca Department in western Colombia, near small lakeside towns that serve as bases for watersports and leisure activities.

  • Watersports: Popular for wind- and kitesurfing thanks to regular thermal winds; equipment rental and lessons are available locally in the lakeside towns.
  • Setting: The reservoir lies within the Valle del Cauca Department and is surrounded by hills that create a scenic setting used for recreation and weekend tourism.
Calima Lake
Lake Calima (Embalse Calima), Valle del Cauca Department, Colombia
3.8928, -76.4975

How to Get to Calima Lake #

Calima is roughly a 2-3 hour drive from Cali along the Pan-American Highway and local mountain roads. Private car or shuttle services from Cali are the typical way to reach the lake; public buses serve the main lakeside towns.

Tips for Visiting Calima Lake #

  • Windy afternoons are best for kitesurfing and windsurfing - local schools operate rental and instruction.
  • Accommodation in Darién and nearby villages fills on holiday weekends - book in advance if staying lakeside.
  • Combine a lake visit with a stop at the Calima Dam viewpoint for wide panoramas.

Best Time to Visit Calima Lake #

Calima's wind conditions are often best in the drier months; the lake is a year-round spot for water sports.

Dry season
December-March · 18-28°C
More reliable wind for water sports and clearer skies for sightseeing.
Wet season
April-November · 18-28°C
Afternoon rains are common but mornings can be calm and excellent for early activities.

Weather & Climate near Calima Lake #

Climate

Calima Lake's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 14°C to 25°C. Abundant rainfall (1703 mm/year), wettest in October.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°

Weather

105 mm
Rainfall
1.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Heavy rain (202 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 24°

Weather

202 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Heavy rain (214 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 24°

Weather

214 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 24°

Weather

114 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 25°

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
1.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 25°

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
1.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°

Weather

154 mm
Rainfall
1.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (219 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 24°

Weather

219 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (195 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 24°

Weather

195 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 24°

Weather

106 mm
Rainfall
0.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

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