Quito Weather
There is a saying in some parts of the world – ‘If you don’t like the weather, wait an hour’, that certainly applies to Quito weather.
What weather to expect in Quito Ecuador? Let’s just say the capital experiences an unpredictable pick and mix of climatic conditions, literally four seasons in one day. Most days you’ll need to keep both sun protection and an umbrella handy. The good news for visitors though is that Quito weather is fresh and spring-like throughout the year – perfect for comfortable exploring.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about Quito weather. What temperatures to expect? Which climate seasons does Quito experience? What are the implications for your packing list? plus lots more Quito climate travel tips.
Quito Weather: The Big Surprise
Quito Ecuador lies just 26km (16 miles) from the Equator line, so it must be baking hot, right? Wrong!
Many visitors are surprised to find that Quito's temperature is in fact pleasantly cool & fresh.
Why does Quito have a cool climate? It comes down to the city’s high elevation (2800m or 9252ft) in the Andean mountains. This catches a lot of visitors out. At Quito airport, it’s not uncommon to see new arrivals wearing shorts and sandals, desperately searching for warmer clothes in their suitcase.
Quito’s weather doesn’t adhere to a strict set of standards – many compare it to spring weather in the northern hemisphere. Most tourist visitors to Quito will enjoy a mix of sun and showers. Temperatures remain relatively consistent - it is usually warm during the day and can be a bit chilly after sunset. Once in a while a mountain storm will blow through with heavy rain or even icy hail. But, by and large, Quito's weather has no nasty surprises.
Perhaps the best word to describe the weather in Quito is “changeable”. Look left for blue skies, and right for brewing storms, all happening at the same time in the same city. Locals even go so far as to jokily compare Quito’s climate to the unpredictable mind of a fickle lady.
Quito Ecuador: Weather Seasons
Quito’s next surprise is that the city doesn’t experience the same 4 climate seasons that most travelers are used to. Our location right on the Equator means that we have no summer, winter, spring, or fall as such, and the sun rises and sets at the same time right through the year.
What Quito (& Ecuador) does have is a wet season and a dry season.
Broadly speaking Quito's dry climate season runs from June to September, with clear skies, less chance of rain, and occasionally strong winds.
Quito’s wet season lasts from October through to May, with a higher chance of clouds and showers, although not necessarily as a daily occurrence.
In truth, these two seasons often overlap, and the distinction in weather conditions is not as strictly defined as the season names suggest.
Let’s take a closer look at some Quito weather statistics to give you a better idea …
Quito Ecuador Weather by Month
Average Quito Temperature
The Quito Ecuador average temperature (low to high) ranges from 49-72 degrees F (or 9-22 degrees Celsius) most of the year. The highs represent midday, and the lows are average evening temperatures, highlighting the fact that Quito is not a city of extreme weather.
The consistency of the average temperatures through each month of the year also serves to highlight that Quito does not experience very defined climate seasons.
Average Quito Rainfall by month
Quito’s rainfall chart shows that wet season months typically receive between 5 and 7 inches of rain, with April being the wettest month. There is even a local saying to back this up: "Abril, aguas mil" (literally: one thousand waters in April).
Quito's dry season months only receive on average 1 to 2 inches of rainfall.
Also, keep in mind that Quito enjoys 12 hours of sunlight each and every day. This is true every month of the year due to our proximity to the equator line. The sun rises around 06:30 a.m. and sets close to 18:30 p.m.
What To Pack for Quito’s Climate?
So, we've established that Quito has a year-round spring-like climate, give or take a few seasonal variations. What are the implications for your Ecuador packing list?
The good news is that there are no special clothing requirements. You’ll neither need a big winter coat or skimpy shorts for temperature extremes. This makes suitcase packing easy.
The key in Quito though, is to expect unpreditable weather. Just because you enjoy an el-fresco breakfast under the glorious sun in the morning, don’t assume that the afternoon skies will look the same.
When you venture out for a day of Quito city exploring, we recommend that your day pack includes the following items:
• Extra layers – you might feel great in a T-shirt or shorts in the morning, but Quito’s temperature is known to change at the drop of a hat.
• Rain gear – a light rain jacket or umbrella means you’ll be ready for any showers that happen to pass through.
• Bag cover – an impermeable cover for your day pack will protect cameras or electronics in the case of a heavy shower.
• Sun hat and sunscreen – due to our location at the Equator and at high altitude, Quito´s sun is much stronger than it actually feels. Careful sun protection is a must, even on cloudy days.
Quito Weather - Other Tips & Practicalities
1. The best time of day to explore the capital based on typical Quito weather patterns is in the morning. Mornings in Quito have a higher chance of being sunny and clear. So if you´re taking a tour that explores the streets of colonial Quito, or heading up the Teleferico cable car, try to start early.
2. Rainy days don’t mean plans are put on a standstill. Discovering Quito's museums and markets are some options to consider during storms. Quito rain showers are typically more common in mid to late afternoon, but they mostly pass through quickly.
3. Things can change quickly and often at a moment’s notice. If taking a Quito day tour, guides are adept at changing plans when the weather comes in. If exploring on your own, have a few different options in mind instead of a set list, and keep an eye on the skies.
4. During heavy showers the streets of Quito have a tendency to flood as the drainage system struggles to cope. You might have to jump puddles to cross the road and watch out for cars causing a big splash as they drive through them. Usually, within an hour or so the drainage system has recovered, and streets are normal again.
5. Quito is a city full of yellow taxis, sometimes it seems there are as many taxis as people. But the situation changes quickly when the rain starts to fall – finding an empty cab suddenly becomes mission impossible.
6. While Quito weather is often at the top of the list when it comes to making plans for exploring the city, it should not be a big worry for visitors. There can be exceptions to this statement, but the city’s year-round pleasant temperatures make it a fun place to explore during both the wet and dry seasons.
7. Another thing to remember is that each region of Ecuador has its own distinct seasons, so don´t trust Quito weather as being representative of other regions. On the coast & at the Galapagos islands, daily temperatures and humidity are higher. Their wet and warm season starts in December and runs through to May. The jungle’s rainy season, while being a constant, is lightest between November and March. Much of the Andes highlands is similar to Quito but with temperatures varying based on altitude. The higher you go the colder it becomes.
Contact us for a FREE TOUR QUOTE in Quito, Ecuador, or the Galapagos Islands. We specialize in unique, customized itineraries. Well, be happy to share more information about Ecuador's weather conditions to help you plan the perfect vacation.
In conclusion, the comfortable, spring-like Quito Weather makes trip planning easy. Quito is a year-round travel destination with almost constant average temperature and just small variations in rainfall. There's no extreme heat, humidity, snow, or cold to contend with. However, what every Quito visitor should prepare for is a daily climate that's predictable in its unpredictability. Expect four seasons in one day, pretty much every day.
