Weather in Cuenca

Planning your day in Cuenca? Take a look at the current weather conditions and detailed forecasts presented below to be prepared for any weather surprises.

The climate of Cuenca is often described as an "eternal spring," making this city an attractive destination for travellers at any time of the year. Thanks to its high-altitude location in the Andes, moderate weather prevails here without extreme heat or severe cold. The temperature conditions remain remarkably stable: average figures hover around 11–13°C, with the air warming up to a comfortable 16°C during the day, while nights become noticeably fresh.

There are practically no distinct seasons throughout the year, although the period from June to August can be described as slightly cooler and drier. A specific feature of the local climate is the high frequency of precipitation despite a low total volume: rains here are frequent but, as a rule, not too intense. This creates an atmosphere of freshness and maintains the lush greenery in the city's surroundings.

Tourists should be prepared for changeable weather: a sunny morning can quickly give way to cloudiness or light rain. For comfortable walks around Cuenca, it is best to adhere to the principle of layering in clothing to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day, and always have a light raincoat or umbrella with you.

Cuenca is distinguished by a remarkably stable and mild climate, which travellers often call an "eternal spring." By analysing temperature indicators, one can notice that the average air temperature fluctuates within a very narrow range throughout the year — from 11.3°C to 13.0°C. There is no extreme heat or severe cold here. The warmest months are conditionally February and March, when daily highs reach 16.1°C, while July is considered the coolest period, when the average temperature drops to 11.3°C.

The usual concepts of "winter" and "summer" in Ecuador are quite relative due to the proximity to the equator. In the first months of the year, the weather is pleasantly warm, with night-time temperatures around 10°C. In the period from June to August, when calendar winter arrives in the Southern Hemisphere, it becomes a little fresher: daytime figures drop to 14.5°C–14.9°C, and nights become the coldest of the year, with minimums around 8.0°C–8.1°C. Nevertheless, even in the coldest months, the weather remains comfortable for walking if you have a light jacket or sweater.

It is important to take into account daily temperature fluctuations, which are characteristic of the highlands. The difference between the daily maximum and the nightly minimum is consistently about 6–7 degrees throughout the year. For example, in January, the air warms up to 15.9°C during the day but cools down to 9.6°C by night. This climatic feature dictates a certain style of clothing: layering will allow you to feel comfortable both under the midday sun and during a cool evening.

Precipitation in Cuenca is a frequent phenomenon accompanying the city throughout the year, so travellers should always have a raincoat or umbrella with them. Thanks to the mild climate and stable positive temperatures, there is no snow here, and moisture falls exclusively in the form of rain. The nature of precipitation often resembles a light but regular drizzle, although more noticeable rains do happen.

The wettest period lasts from October to May. Statistics show that in months such as March, April, and December, it can rain almost daily — up to 30–31 rainy days per month are recorded. However, this does not always mean prolonged downpours; often these are frequent but moderate rains that keep the city eternally green.

The relatively dry season (although this concept is quite relative here) falls on the period from June to September. July and August are considered the "driest" months: precipitation levels drop to minimum values (about 3–4 mm), and the number of days with precipitation decreases to 23–25. This time is considered the most favourable for hiking and sightseeing, as the probability of catching a clear sky is slightly higher.

The weather in Cuenca remains fairly stable and cool throughout the year, resembling eternal autumn or early spring. Considering that the daytime temperature rarely exceeds 16°C, and at night it can drop to 8–10°C, the main principle of your wardrobe should be layering. It is recommended to take long-sleeved T-shirts, warm sweaters, fleece tops, and a light jacket. This approach will allow you to easily adapt to weather changes: taking off extra layers when the sun comes out, and wrapping up warm when the wind picks up.

Particular attention should be paid to protection from moisture, as statistics show a large number of rainy days in every month (from 23 to 31 days). Even if the rains are not torrential, drizzle and fog are frequent occurrences here, so a high-quality raincoat, a waterproof windbreaker, or a compact umbrella are simply necessary. At the same time, being in the highlands of Ecuador, do not forget about the active sun: be sure to put sunscreen with a high protection factor, sunglasses, and a hat in your luggage, as ultraviolet radiation is very strong here even in cloudy weather.

For walking around the historic centre with its cobbled streets, you will need maximally comfortable flat-soled shoes — tried-and-tested trainers or light trekking boots will be the ideal choice. Since evenings in the city can be quite chilly, it wouldn't be amiss to bring a warm scarf and a pair of thick socks. This set of items will ensure your comfort and allow you to enjoy your trip without being distracted by the whims of the climate.