Best time to visit · Quito · Ecuador
The best time to visit Quito
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Quito is the dry season from June to September, when skies are clearest for the TelefériQo and volcano day trips. The rest of the year is still mild, with sunny mornings and afternoon rain, and December adds the Fiestas de Quito. July and August are the busiest months, so book tours early.
Key facts
- Best months
- June–September
- Shoulder season
- May and December–January
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 20°C (68°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 19°C (66°F))
- Rainiest month
- April (~19 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- March, May and October–November
Seasons
Quito's altitude gives it spring-like weather all year, with highs around 19–20°C and cool nights near 9–10°C. The main dry season runs from June to September; the rest of the year brings sunny mornings followed by afternoon showers, heaviest from March to May.
June–September
Dry season
Sunny, windy and cool at night, with the best mountain views and hiking conditions; peak demand for tours and hotels.
October–November
Short rains
Bright mornings and afternoon showers, fewer visitors and the Day of the Dead traditions.
December–January
Festive season
Mixed weather with the Fiestas de Quito, Christmas and New Year celebrations; often a short drier spell around the holidays.
February–May
Main rains
The wettest stretch, with heavy afternoon downpours peaking in March and April, plus Carnival and Holy Week.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C | 10°C | 13 | 12.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| February | 19°C | 10°C | 15 | 12.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| March | 19°C | 10°C | 18 | 12.1 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 19°C | 10°C | 19 | 12.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 19°C | 10°C | 14 | 12.1 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 19°C | 9°C | 7 | 12.1 h | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 20°C | 9°C | 4 | 12.1 h | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 20°C | 9°C | 4 | 12.1 h | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| September | 20°C | 9°C | 9 | 12.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 19°C | 10°C | 15 | 12.1 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 19°C | 10°C | 13 | 12.1 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 19°C | 10°C | 13 | 12.1 h | 4/5 | 3/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| February | Carnival — water, foam and festivities nationwide (February or March, before Lent) |
| March | Fanesca season in restaurants (during Lent) |
| April | Good Friday procession of Jesús del Gran Poder from San Francisco (March or April) |
| June | Inti Raymi — Andean solstice celebrations, strongest around Otavalo and Cotacachi (around 21–29 June) |
| November | Día de los Difuntos — Day of the Dead, with colada morada (2 November) |
| December | Fiestas de Quito — founding anniversary with concerts and parades (usually late November to 6 December); Años viejos — effigies burned at midnight on New Year's Eve (31 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in March, May and October–November, and the sights are quietest in March, May and October–November.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry season | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Short rains | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Festive season | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Main rains | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Quito?
The best time to visit Quito is the dry season from June to September, when skies are clearest for the TelefériQo and volcano day trips. The rest of the year is still mild, with sunny mornings and afternoon rain, and December adds the Fiestas de Quito. July and August are the busiest months, so book tours early.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Quito?
Usually in March, May and October–November. One of the wettest months, with heavy afternoon downpours; plan outdoor sights for the morning.
+What is the rainiest month in Quito?
April, with about 19 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Quito get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 20°C (68°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F).