Question 1

What is the driest month in Quito?

Accepted Answer

**July is the driest month in Quito**, receiving just 10.5 mm (0.41 in) of rain across the entire month in 2025. That makes it dramatically drier than the rest of the year and the heart of Quito's dry season.

July's rainfall accounted for less than half a percent of Quito's total 2025 precipitation of 2,623 mm (103 in), and it sat far below the monthly average of roughly 219 mm (8.6 in). Humidity also dropped to a yearly low of about 63% in July, compared with the high-80s during the wettest months. Sitting at 2,849 m (9,347 ft) on the equator, Quito keeps remarkably steady temperatures, and July was no exception: the mean held near 13.1°C (55.6°F), with daytime highs around 21.8°C (71.2°F) and cool nights near 6.0°C (42.8°F).

By contrast, March was the wettest month of 2025 with 543 mm (21.4 in) of rain. The driest stretch overall runs from June through September, averaging only about 50 mm (2 in) of rain per month.

For visitors, July is the most reliable window in Quito for dry, sunny days. The combination of low rainfall, lower humidity, and mild, spring-like temperatures makes it ideal for exploring the historic center, taking the TelefériQo cable car, or planning hikes and day trips, with far less chance of the afternoon downpours common in Quito's wet season.

Question 2

How much does the temperature change throughout the year in Quito?

Accepted Answer

Quito experiences remarkably little temperature variation throughout the year, with monthly average temperatures shifting by just **1.3°C (about 2.3°F)** across all of 2025. Sitting almost exactly on the equator at 2,849 m (9,347 ft), the city enjoys a true "eternal spring" climate where seasons barely register on the thermometer.

In 2025, Quito's monthly mean temperatures ranged narrowly from **11.8°C (53.2°F)** in March, the coolest month, to **13.1°C (55.6°F)** in July, the warmest. The annual average held steady at **12.3°C (54.2°F)**, and monthly means stayed within half a degree of that figure for most of the year.

The far bigger temperature story in Quito is the daily swing, not the seasonal one. Average daytime highs reached **20.3°C (68.6°F)** while nighttime lows fell to **6.4°C (43.5°F)** — a typical day-to-night spread of about **14°C (25°F)**, more than ten times the year-round variation. The absolute extremes in 2025 stayed modest too, peaking at **22.1°C (71.8°F)** in September and dipping to **5.0°C (41.0°F)** in December.

For visitors, this means there is no "best" season for temperature in Quito — conditions are pleasant year-round. The practical takeaway is to pack for the day rather than the calendar: light layers for warm afternoons and a warm jacket for chilly mornings and evenings, regardless of which month you arrive.

Question 3

When is the rainy season in Quito?

Accepted Answer

Quito's rainy season runs from February through May, with a secondary wet spell in October and November, while June to September stays markedly drier. Sitting near the equator at 2,849 m (9,347 ft), Quito has no hot-and-cold seasons—instead the year splits into wetter and drier periods.

In 2025, Quito recorded about 2,623 mm (103.3 in) of total precipitation. The wettest month was March with 543 mm (21.4 in), closely followed by February at 501 mm (19.7 in). Together, the February–May core of the rainy season delivered roughly 1,589 mm (62.6 in)—well over half the year's rain.

The dry season is just as pronounced. From June to September, Quito saw only about 200 mm (7.9 in) combined, and July was the driest month of 2025 with a mere 10.5 mm (0.4 in). Humidity tracks this pattern closely, averaging around 86% during the February–May wet months but dropping to about 63% in July.

For visitors, this means June through September is the best window for hiking, exploring the historic center, or day trips to nearby volcanoes, with far fewer afternoon downpours. If you travel during the February–May rainy season in Quito, mornings are often clear, but pack a waterproof layer for the heavy afternoon and evening showers that define this time of year.

Question 4

What is the sunniest time of year in Quito?

Accepted Answer

The sunniest time of year in Quito falls in December and during the mid-year dry season from roughly June to September, when clear high-altitude skies deliver the most sunshine. December 2025 was the brightest month of all, recording **237.7 hours of sunshine**, or about 7.7 hours per day.

Quito's mid-year stretch was reliably sunny too. September 2025 logged **208.0 hours** (about 6.9 hours daily) and August reached **205.8 hours** (about 6.6 hours daily). These months coincide with the city's drier weather: July 2025 saw just 10.5mm (0.4in) of rain, a sharp contrast to the cloudy peak of February 2025 with only 123.0 hours of sunshine and 500.8mm (19.7in) of precipitation.

Across the full 2025 calendar year, Quito accumulated **2,174.8 hours of sunshine**, averaging close to 6 hours per day. Thanks to its position almost on the equator at 2,849m (9,347ft) elevation, daytime temperatures stayed mild and stable throughout, hovering near the annual mean of 12.3°C (54.1°F).

For planning a visit, the brightest, driest window in Quito runs from around June through September, with December offering an extra burst of sunshine. These periods are ideal for sightseeing in the historic centre, day trips, and outdoor activities, since you can expect more sun and far less rain than during the cloudier first quarter of the year.

Question 5

What is the weather like in Quito in December?

Accepted Answer

December in Quito is mild, damp, and surprisingly sunny, with comfortable daytime temperatures and frequent afternoon showers. In December 2025, the city averaged a mean temperature of 12.4°C (54.4°F), reflecting Quito's stable year-round climate at 2,849m (9,350ft) elevation.

Daytime highs in December 2025 averaged 18.8°C (65.8°F), peaking at 20.4°C (68.7°F), while nights cooled to an average low of 7.7°C (45.8°F). The coldest night dropped to 5.0°C (41.0°F), so a light jacket is useful after sunset.

December sits in Quito's wetter season, and the data confirms it:

- **104.6mm (4.1in)** of total rainfall across the month
- **20 days** with measurable rain (1mm or more)
- A wettest day of **13.2mm (0.5in)** on December 24, 2025

Despite the rain, Quito still recorded **237.7 hours of sunshine** in December 2025 — about 7.7 hours per day — because showers tend to be brief and concentrated in the afternoon. Average humidity sat at 78%, and winds were light at just 3.4 km/h (2.1 mph).

For travelers, this means December in Quito is a "pack for both" month: pleasant, sunny mornings ideal for sightseeing in the Old Town, followed by cooler, rain-prone afternoons. Bring layers and a compact umbrella, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day, and you'll enjoy comfortable, spring-like conditions throughout your visit.

Hacienda Santa Bárbara

Pichincha

FAQ

What is the driest month in Quito?

How much does the temperature change throughout the year in Quito?

When is the rainy season in Quito?

What is the sunniest time of year in Quito?

What is the weather like in Quito in December?