Question 1

What is the annual temperature range in Quito throughout 2024?

Accepted Answer

Quito maintains remarkably stable temperatures year-round, with monthly averages varying by only 1.4°C (2.5°F) throughout 2024. This exceptional consistency is a defining feature of the city's climate, thanks to its equatorial location and high elevation at 2,849 meters (9,350 feet).

In 2024, Quito recorded an annual average temperature of 12.8°C (55.0°F). September was the warmest month with an average of 13.6°C (56.5°F), while June was the coolest at 12.2°C (54.0°F). The standard deviation of monthly averages was just 0.37°C, demonstrating the city's famous temperature stability.

While seasonal variation remains minimal, daily temperature swings in Quito are significant. The average daily variation between highs and lows was 15.2°C (27.4°F), with September showing the largest daily swing of 18.4°C (33.1°F). The year's highest recorded temperature reached 23.3°C (73.9°F) in September, while the lowest dropped to 4.6°C (40.3°F) in November.

This temperature pattern means visitors to Quito can expect similar weather conditions regardless of the season. However, layered clothing is essential to handle the pronounced daily temperature changes. Mornings and evenings can feel quite cool, while midday sunshine brings comfortable warmth. The city's perpetual spring-like climate makes it suitable for outdoor activities year-round, though the dry season from June to September offers the most pleasant conditions with July receiving only 17.7mm of rainfall compared to December's 369.8mm.

Question 2

What is the wettest month in Quito?

Accepted Answer

December is the wettest month in Quito, receiving 369.8mm (14.6 inches) of rainfall based on 2024 weather data. This makes December the peak of the rainy season in Ecuador's capital, accounting for 17.0% of the city's total annual precipitation.

Quito's rainfall pattern shows a clear distinction between wet and dry periods. The wettest months in 2024 were December with 369.8mm, followed by April at 353.8mm (13.9 inches) and February at 334.7mm (13.2 inches). In contrast, July was the driest month with only 17.7mm (0.7 inches) of rain, making December more than 20 times wetter than the driest month.

Throughout 2024, Quito received a total of 2,175mm (85.6 inches) of precipitation, with an average of 181.2mm (7.1 inches) per month. The city's location at 2,849 meters elevation near the equator creates consistent year-round temperatures around 12-13°C (54-56°F), but precipitation varies dramatically by season.

For travelers planning to visit Quito, December's heavy rainfall means frequent afternoon showers and occasional flooding in lower areas. Visitors during this period should pack waterproof gear and plan indoor activities for afternoons when storms typically develop.

Question 3

When is the sunniest time of year in Quito?

Accepted Answer

The sunniest time of year in Quito is from July through September, with August 2024 recording the highest sunshine at 255.8 hours for the month.

During this three-month period in 2024, Quito accumulated 737.4 hours of sunshine, representing about 30% of the city's annual total of 2,468 hours. August stands out with an average of 8.3 hours of daily sunshine, followed closely by September at 8.1 hours and July at 7.7 hours per day. This sunny stretch coincides with Quito's dry season, when precipitation drops dramatically to just 107.7 mm (4.2 inches) combined across these three months.

The contrast with Quito's cloudier periods is notable. February recorded only 172.1 hours of sunshine—nearly 49% less than August—as heavy rainfall brought overcast conditions. The city's high elevation of 2,849 m (9,347 ft) contributes to these clear skies during the dry months, when moisture-laden clouds struggle to form.

For visitors planning outdoor activities in Quito, the July to September window offers the most reliable sunny weather conditions. Temperatures remain mild during this sunniest period, averaging 12.9°C (55.2°F) in August and 13.6°C (56.5°F) in September, making it comfortable for sightseeing and exploring the historic center without the afternoon downpours common in wetter months.

Question 4

What were the temperature extremes in Quito in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Quito experienced a relatively narrow temperature range in 2024, with the highest recorded temperature reaching 23.3°C (73.9°F) on September 14 and the coldest temperature dropping to 4.6°C (40.3°F) on November 9.

This 18.7°C (33.7°F) spread between extremes reflects Quito's remarkably stable climate, influenced by its position near the equator and its high altitude of 2,849 meters. The annual average temperature remained steady at 12.8°C (55.0°F) throughout 2024. Daily temperatures in Quito typically varied by about 10.5°C (18.9°F) between morning lows and afternoon highs.

During 2024, Quito recorded 80 days with temperatures exceeding 20°C (68°F), primarily occurring from August through October. The warmest month was September, while the coolest overnight temperatures occurred in November. Only 13 days throughout the year saw temperatures fall below 6°C (43°F).

For visitors planning a trip to Quito, these mild temperature extremes mean comfortable conditions year-round. Light layers are recommended to handle the daily temperature swings, but extreme cold or heat are rarely a concern in the city.

Question 5

How many rainy days does Quito have per year?

Accepted Answer

Quito experienced 267 rainy days in 2024, meaning precipitation occurred on approximately 73% of all days throughout the year. This high frequency of rainfall is typical for a city located at 2,849 meters (9,347 feet) elevation in the equatorial Andes.

The distribution of rainy days in Quito varies significantly by season. During the wet season from January through May and October through December, the city recorded 210 rainy days with rainfall on most days each month. December 2024 was the rainiest month with 30 days of precipitation, while February, April, and May each saw 27-28 rainy days.

In contrast, Quito's dry season from June through September brought noticeably fewer rainy days. July 2024 was the driest month with only 8 days of rain, followed by September with 9 rainy days. During these four months, Quito recorded just 57 rainy days total compared to 210 during the wet months.

Despite the frequent rainfall, daily precipitation amounts are often light to moderate. The city received 2,175mm (85.6 inches) of total rainfall in 2024, distributed across many days rather than concentrated in heavy downpours. For visitors planning outdoor activities in Quito, the dry season months of July and August offer the best chance for rain-free days, though afternoon showers can still occur.

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FAQ

What is the annual temperature range in Quito throughout 2024?

What is the wettest month in Quito?

When is the sunniest time of year in Quito?

What were the temperature extremes in Quito in 2024?

How many rainy days does Quito have per year?