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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Calima Lake #
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.
January
January is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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February
February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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March
March is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Heavy rain (202 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Heavy rain (214 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm).
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July
July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (154 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (219 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (195 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm).