Best Time to Visit Quito
The best month to visit Quito is August. You get the peak of the dry season with clear blue skies and the highest visibility for the surrounding Andean peaks. While it coincides with an influx of local and international tourists, the weather stability is unmatched. You avoid the sudden afternoon downpours common in the cloud forest climate. If you want a balance of lower costs and manageable weather, June and September are the ideal shoulder-season windows. Avoid April unless you enjoy heavy rain and holiday price spikes.
Month by Month
January
January in Quito is a gamble. It is technically the rainy season, but you often get "Veranillo" (little summer) breaks with several dry days. Highs hover around 18°C (64°F) while lows drop to 9°C (48°F). Crowds thin out significantly after New Year's Day. Flight prices drop from their December peaks. You should spend this month visiting the indoor museums like the Alabado Archaeological Museum to dodge occasional afternoon showers.
February
Expect higher humidity and frequent afternoon mist. Temperatures remain consistent, ranging from 9°C to 19°C (48°F to 66°F). This is a shoulder month for tourism, meaning shorter lines at the Telefériquoo. February is dominated by Carnaval. While the biggest celebrations are in Guaranda, Quito sees water fights and local parades. Prices remain moderate, making it a good time for budget travelers who don't mind carrying an umbrella.
March
March is one of the wettest months in the Ecuadorian highlands. Temperatures average between 9°C and 18°C (48°F to 64°F). Expect heavy rainfall at least four days a week. Tourism remains quiet, so hotel deals are easy to find. If Easter falls in March, the city transforms for Holy Week. The "Procesión de los Cucuruchos" is a massive, somber event in the Old Town that provides a unique cultural look at the city.
April
April sees the peak of the rainy season. You will experience highs of 18°C (64°F) and consistent evening chills. This is often the most expensive time to visit in the spring due to Holy Week (Semana Santa) travelers. If you visit now, try Fanesca, a traditional Andean soup served only during this season. Indoor activities are your best bet; focus on the ornate churches like La Compañía de Jesús.
June
June marks the transition into the dry season. The rain tapers off, and temperatures sit between 9°C and 19°C (48°F to 66°F). Prices begin to rise as international summer vacations start. This is the best time for the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) celebrations. While the largest events are in Otavalo, Quito hosts various indigenous dance performances and rituals celebrating the summer solstice.
July
July is windy and dry. Highs reach 19°C (66°F), and the sun is intense due to the equatorial position. This is high season. Expect more crowds in the Historic Center and at the Middle of the World (Mitad del Mundo) monument. Visibility for the volcanoes is excellent. It is the perfect time for a day trip to Cotopaxi National Park, as clear skies make the glacier-capped peaks visible from the city.
August
August is the driest month of the year. Temperatures range from 8°C to 20°C (46°F to 68°F). This is the busiest month for tourism, so book your hotels at least two months in advance. The "Agosto Mes de las Artes" (August Month of the Arts) brings free concerts, street performances, and art exhibitions to plazas across the city. The clear weather makes it the best time for hiking the Pichincha Volcano.
September
September offers a sweet spot. The heavy August crowds depart, but the dry weather usually holds for the first three weeks. Temperatures remain at a steady 9°C to 19°C (48°F to 66°F). Flight prices start to dip. It is a productive month for photography in the Old Town, as the light is crisp and the streets are less congested. Visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional for panoramic views without the queue.
October
The rainy season begins to return in October. You will see clear mornings followed by dark, heavy clouds and rain by 3:00 PM. Highs are 19°C (66°F). Crowds are low, and you can find significant discounts on boutique hotels in the Mariscal and San Marcos neighborhoods. It is a great month to visit the Guayasamín Museum (Capilla del Hombre) to stay dry during the afternoon downpours.
November
November is cool and damp, with temperatures ranging from 9°C to 18°C (48°F to 64°F). Early November features the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Difuntos). You must try "Colada Morada" (a purple fruit drink) and "Guaguas de Pan" (bread dolls). Tourism spikes briefly around the holiday but remains quiet otherwise. Take advantage of lower mid-month prices for excursions to Mindo or the Otavalo market.
December
December is a high-energy month despite the 9°C to 18°C (48°F to 64°F) weather and frequent rain. The first week of the month is "Fiestas de Quito," celebrating the city's foundation. Expect parades, "Chivas" (party buses), and public concerts. Prices for accommodation soar during the first week and again during Christmas. Book well in advance if you plan to be in the city for the festivities.
Cheapest Time to Visit Quito
To save the most money, book your trip for March, April, or October. These months coincide with the heaviest rainfall, driving down demand for hotels and tours.
During these periods, you can find luxury haciendas and boutique hotels in the Historic Center at 30-40% off their peak August rates. Airline carriers often run promotions in October to fill seats before the holiday rush. If you visit in March or April, avoid the week of Easter, as domestic travel surges and prices for transport and lodging spike significantly. Stick to mid-week bookings to secure the lowest rates at popular spots like the Plaza Grande.
When to Avoid Quito
You should avoid Quito in April if you dislike rain. This is the heart of the wet season, and the humidity can make the 18°C (64°F) highs feel much colder. Flash floods in certain parts of the city can also disrupt local transport.
If you hate crowds and noise, avoid the first week of December. The Fiestas de Quito turn the city into a 24-hour street party. While culturally significant, the constant music, traffic diversions, and "Chiva" buses make the city center loud and difficult to navigate. Similarly, the end of December is crowded with families on holiday, leading to long wait times at the Telefériquo and restaurants.
Best Time for Good Weather
The best weather occurs from June to August. This is the dry season in the Andes. You can expect:
- High Visibility: The "Avenue of the Volcanoes" is often obscured by clouds during the rest of the year. In these months, you have the best chance of seeing Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, and Cayambe.
- Low Rainfall: While a stray shower is always possible in the mountains, these months see the fewest days of precipitation.
- Intense Sunlight: The UV index is extremely high. Clear skies mean you will need high-SPF sunscreen, even if the air feels cool.
The "Little Summer" in January is a secondary option for good weather, though it is less predictable and shorter-lived than the mid-year dry spell.
Best Time for Fewer Crowds
For a quiet experience, visit in May or September.
In May, the heavy rains of April begin to subside, but the summer tourist rush hasn't started. You can walk through the San Francisco Plaza or the Metropolitan Park without the swarm of tour groups.
September is equally effective. Once the North American and European school holidays end, the city calms down. You will have plenty of space in the city’s major galleries and easier access to reservations at top-rated restaurants like Zazu or Nuema. This is the best time for solo travelers who want a more contemplative experience of the city’s colonial architecture.