The best time to visit Quito is the dry season, from June to mid-September, when rain drops to about 20–40 mm a month and mornings are often clear enough to see the volcanoes. That said, Quito works all year: highs sit around 19–20°C (66–69°F) every month, and even the wettest months usually bring sunny mornings and afternoon showers.
We have run a hostel in Quito’s Old Town for 15 years, so we watch this weather from our rooftop every single day. Below is what each month actually looks like, which festivals are worth planning around, and how to pack for a city where you can get sun, wind, rain and cold before dinner.
Quick answer: when should you go to Quito?
- Driest months: June, July and August (about 20–40 mm of rain and 5–7 rainy days a month).
- Wettest months: March and April (about 145–170 mm and around 15 rainy days each).
- Temperature: roughly the same all year, with highs of 19–20°C (66–69°F) and lows of 9–10°C (48–50°F).
- Altitude: 2,850 m (about 9,350 ft), which is why nights are cool and the sun feels strong.
- Best time of day: early morning, when the sky is usually clearest.
- Biggest festival: Fiestas de Quito, around December 1–6.
Does Quito have seasons?
Not in the summer-and-winter sense. Quito sits almost on the equator, so day length and temperature barely change through the year. What changes is rain.
Locals talk about two seasons:
- Dry season (June to mid-September): the least rain, more sunshine, windier afternoons in July and August, and the best odds of clear views of the surrounding volcanoes.
- Wet season (roughly October to May): more rainy days, with a peak in March and April. Rain usually arrives in the afternoon, so mornings are still good for sightseeing.
There is no bad month to visit. The wet season just means planning outdoor plans for the morning and keeping a rain jacket in your daypack.
Quito weather by month
Here is the month-by-month picture. Rainfall figures are long-term averages; the festival dates are for the 2026–2027 season.
| Month | Rain (mm) | Rainy days | What to expect / events |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 85 | 10 | Moderate rain, many sunny mornings. A calm month after the holidays. |
| February | 110 | 11 | Wetter afternoons. Carnaval falls on February 8 in 2027, with water and foam fights in the streets. |
| March | 145 | 15 | One of the two wettest months. Good Friday lands on March 26 in 2027. |
| April | 170 | 15 | The wettest month. Plan sightseeing early and museums for the afternoon. |
| May | 105 | 13 | Rain starts to ease toward the end of the month. |
| June | 40 | 7 | Dry season begins. Inti Raymi on June 21, with a sunrise concert at Itchimbía. |
| July | 20 | 5 | The driest month. Sunny, breezy afternoons and clear volcano views. |
| August | 30 | 5 | Still dry and often windy. Great for hikes and day trips. |
| September | 70 | 11 | Dry first half, then the rain slowly returns from mid-month. |
| October | 115 | 14 | Wet season is back. Mornings remain the best time to explore. |
| November | 110 | 11 | Día de los Difuntos on November 2, the season for colada morada. |
| December | 100 | 11 | Fiestas de Quito around December 1–6, marking the city’s founding on December 6, 1534. |
What is the dry season in Quito like?
From June to mid-September, Quito gets its most reliable weather. July averages only about 20 mm of rain over 5 days, and August is similar. This is the easiest time to do anything that depends on views: the TelefériQo, a volcano hike, or a day trip out of the city.
A few things to know about the dry season:
- It is windy. July and August afternoons can be gusty, especially at viewpoints.
- It is not hot. Highs still sit around 19–20°C (66–69°F), and nights drop to about 9–10°C (48–50°F).
- It is busier. Many travelers aim for these months, so book beds early if your dates are fixed.
Is the rainy season a bad time to visit Quito?
No. Even in April, the wettest month, it rarely rains all day. The usual pattern is a bright morning, clouds building around midday, and a shower in the afternoon that often clears by evening.
In the wet season we tell guests to:
- Do viewpoints, hikes and the TelefériQo first thing.
- Save museums, churches and cafés for the afternoon.
- Carry a light rain jacket every day, even if it looks perfect at breakfast.
The upside: fewer travelers and greener hills around the city.
Why are mornings the clearest time in Quito?
In almost every month, Quito’s clearest skies come early. Clouds tend to build over the mountains as the day warms up, so views are sharpest in the first hours after sunrise.
Two ways to make the most of it:
- Breakfast with a view. Our rooftop bar & restaurant serves breakfast from 7:30am, looking out at the Basílica and El Panecillo. It is open to non-guests too.
- Take the TelefériQo early. The cable car opens at 8am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (10am Monday to Thursday). Going at opening gives you the best chance of seeing the volcanoes from Cruz Loma at 3,945 m. Our TelefériQo guide has prices and tips.
What should you pack for “four seasons in one day”?
Quito’s weather can change several times in a day: cold at 7am, warm and sunny by 11am, a downpour at 3pm and chilly again after dark. Pack for all of it.
Clothing
- Layers: a T-shirt, a long-sleeve top and a warm fleece or sweater you can add or remove.
- Rain jacket: light and packable, all year round.
- Long pants and a warm layer for evenings, which are cool in every month.
- Comfortable closed shoes for steep, cobbled Old Town streets and wet sidewalks.
Sun and altitude
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat: at 2,850 m the sun feels strong even when the air is cool.
- A warm hat or extra layer for high spots like the TelefériQo summit, which is much colder than the city.
- A water bottle: staying hydrated helps with the altitude. Read our altitude sickness guide before you arrive.
Which Quito festivals are worth planning a trip around?
Carnaval (February or March)
In 2027 Carnaval falls on February 8. Expect water balloons, foam spray and a lot of laughter in the streets. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet.
Good Friday procession (March or April)
The Jesús del Gran Poder procession leaves from the San Francisco church at noon on Good Friday (March 26 in 2027). It is one of Quito’s most striking traditions, with purple-robed penitents filling the Old Town. Arrive early for a spot.
Inti Raymi (June 21)
The Andean festival of the sun marks the June solstice. In Quito, a sunrise concert at Itchimbía is a highlight. Our Itchimbía Park guide explains how to get there.
Día de los Difuntos (November 2)
Ecuador’s Day of the Dead. Families visit cemeteries, and bakeries and cafés serve colada morada, a thick, spiced purple fruit drink, usually with bread shaped like babies (guaguas de pan).
Fiestas de Quito (around December 1–6)
The city celebrates its founding on December 6, 1534, with about a week of concerts, street parties and events. It is the liveliest time of year in Quito.
Planning your dates? We are in the heart of the Old Town, a short walk from the Good Friday route and the Fiestas de Quito action, with a rooftop that faces the Basílica for those clear mornings. Festival weeks fill up fast, so booking direct is the easiest way to lock in a bed or private room.
How long should you stay, whatever the season?
Because the weather follows a morning-clear, afternoon-cloudy pattern for most of the year, giving yourself a spare day helps. If a cloudy morning blocks the volcano views, you can try again the next day. For most travelers, three to four days covers the city and one day trip. Our guide to how many days to spend in Quito breaks down itineraries by trip length.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Quito?
July is the driest month, with about 20 mm of rain and roughly 5 rainy days, so it is the safest bet for clear views. June and August are close behind. If you prefer fewer travelers and don’t mind afternoon showers, January is a good alternative with moderate rain.
What is the rainiest month in Quito?
April is the wettest month, with about 170 mm of rain over around 15 days, followed by March at about 145 mm. Rain usually falls in the afternoon, so mornings are still good for sightseeing, viewpoints and the TelefériQo.
How cold does Quito get?
Nights usually drop to about 9–10°C (48–50°F) all year, while daytime highs reach 19–20°C (66–69°F). It never gets truly cold in the city, but high spots like the TelefériQo summit at 3,945 m feel much colder, so bring a warm layer.
Is December a good time to visit Quito?
Yes, if you enjoy festivals. December averages about 100 mm of rain over 11 days, but the Fiestas de Quito, around December 1–6, bring concerts and street parties celebrating the city’s founding in 1534. Book accommodation early for that week.
What should I wear in Quito?
Dress in layers: a T-shirt, a long-sleeve top, a warm fleece and a light rain jacket. Add long pants, comfortable closed shoes for cobblestones, sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. The sun is strong at 2,850 m even when the air feels cool.