Weather in Quito

Planning your day in Quito? Check out the latest weather information. Below you will find up-to-date data, forecasts, and useful charts to help you prepare for any of nature's whims.

The climate in Quito is unique and is often described as a climate of "eternal spring". Thanks to its high-altitude location on the equator, the city does not experience sharp seasonal temperature fluctuations. Throughout the year, the weather remains surprisingly stable and mild. The average annual temperature hovers around 15°C, with daytime highs around 18°C and nighttime lows around 11-12°C. This creates comfortable conditions for visiting the city at any time of the year.

Instead of the usual four seasons, two main periods are distinguished in Quito: dry and wet. The dry season, known as verano (summer), usually lasts from June to September. During this time, rainfall is minimal (about 9-10 mm per month), and days are most often sunny and clear. The wet season, or invierno (winter), covers the period from October to May. In these months, precipitation increases (up to 16 mm), which usually manifests as short but intense rains in the afternoon, while the mornings often remain sunny.

For the traveller, this means that the weather in Quito is predictable in its variability throughout the day. Regardless of the month of your trip, it is recommended to bring layered clothing: a light jacket or sweater for cool evenings and mornings, as well as an umbrella or raincoat in case of a sudden downpour, especially if you plan to travel during the wet season.

The climate in Quito is frequently described as "eternal spring" due to its remarkable stability throughout the year. The average monthly temperature here practically does not change, fluctuating within a very narrow range around 15°C. There are no pronounced seasons of heat or cold in the city. May can be considered the warmest month, when the average temperature reaches 15.7°C, and the daytime maximum rises to 18.7°C. The coolest period falls in August with an average temperature of 14.6°C, which differs only slightly from the rest of the year.

A key feature of the weather in Quito is the noticeable daily temperature fluctuations rather than seasonal ones. Days are generally pleasantly warm and comfortable for walking — the thermometer steadily stays around the 18°C mark. However, with sunset and at night, it becomes significantly cooler. The air temperature regularly drops to 11-12°C, especially from June to September. This difference between daytime warmth and nighttime coolness is an important trait of the local climate to consider when planning your trip and choosing your wardrobe.

In Quito, precipitation is an integral part of the climate throughout the year. A distinctive feature of the city's weather is the extremely high frequency of rainy days — rain or drizzle falls here almost daily, regardless of the season. However, the total amount of precipitation remains quite low, indicating a prevalence of light, short rains and drizzle rather than heavy tropical downpours.

Despite the constant humidity, periods with varying amounts of rainfall can be distinguished. The wettest month is considered to be January, when an average of 16 mm of precipitation falls. The period from December to April is generally rainier, with a monthly rainfall level of about 14 mm, while the number of rainy days ranges from 28 to 31 per month.

The so-called "dry season" in Quito falls during the summer months and early autumn. June, July, and September are the driest months of the year, but even during this time, about 9 mm of precipitation falls, and it rains almost every day. Thus, travellers should be prepared for frequent, albeit light, precipitation at any time of the year.

When planning a trip to Quito, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, as the weather here has its own peculiarities. The city is often called the "city of eternal spring" due to its stable average annual temperature of about +15°C. However, the weather can change within a single day. The best strategy is to use the layering principle. Bring t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, a warm fleece or sweater, and a light windbreaker or jacket. This will allow you to feel comfortable in the cool mornings, during the warmer daytime hours, and in the crisp evenings.

The main factor to consider is the high probability of precipitation. In Quito, it can rain on any day of the year, often suddenly. Therefore, a waterproof jacket and/or a reliable umbrella are absolutely indispensable items in your luggage. Also, do not forget about sun protection. Due to the high-altitude location on the equator, UV radiation here is very strong even in cloudy weather. Be sure to pack high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. For walking around the city, comfortable, closed, and preferably waterproof shoes are ideal.