How does elevation affect temperature in Colombia’s mountain regions?

In Colombia’s mountain regions, temperature is directly related to elevation. As altitude increases, average temperatures decrease uniformly by approximately 3 °F per 1,000 feet of ascent (0.6 °C per 100 metres).1

This vertical variation creates distinct temperature zones, known as pisos térmicos:

• Tierra caliente: Found up to about 3,000 feet (900 metres).1
• Tierra templada (or tierra del café): Located between 3,000 and 6,500 feet (900 to 2,000 metres), this zone features moderate rainfall and temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 °F (18 to 24 °C).1
• Tierra fría: Spanning 6,500 to 10,000 feet (2,000 to 3,000 metres), this zone includes cities like Bogotá, which has an average temperature of 57 °F (14 °C).1
• Páramos: High mountain regions between 10,000 and 15,000 feet (3,000 to 4,600 metres) characterized by average temperatures below 50 °F (10 °C), frequent fog, and winds.1

At elevations exceeding 15,000 feet (4,600 metres), the climate is defined by perpetual snow and ice. Because of this vertical zoning, the majority of the Colombian population resides within the tierra templada and tierra fría zones.1