🗓️ Best Time to Visit
When Should You Visit Quito?
Top months: Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep. Compare 12-month weather, festivals, and pricing on one page to find your match.
Best Time to Visit Quito — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Best months
- Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
As of 2026, the best time to visit Quito is Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep. These months balance pleasant weather, festival programming, and manageable crowds — the go-to first-visit pick.
What is Quito like by season?
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Avg 20°C / 9°C
- • Often the wettest month of the year
- • Semana Santa (Holy Week) may fall in late March
- • Bright mornings, heavy afternoon showers
★ Top Pick
☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug)
Avg 21°C / 8°C
- • Dry season begins — clearer skies, best mountain views
- • Inti Raymi (Andean solstice festivals) in nearby highlands
- • Peak travel season starts — busier and book ahead
★ Top Pick
🍁 Fall (Sep-Nov)
Avg 20°C / 9°C
- • Dry season winding down — still mostly sunny
- • Shoulder-season value as crowds thin
- • Good mountain views remain
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
Avg 20°C / 9°C
- • Wet season — bright mornings, afternoon showers
- • Holiday hangover: quieter after New Year
- • Near-12-hour days year-round (sunrise ~6:15, sunset ~18:25)
Which month is the best to visit Quito?
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | What to Pack | Crowds·Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20/9 | 16d | Spring-like all year — around 20°C/9°C (68°F/48°F). Layers for the day-night swing: a t-shirt or shirt by day, a sweater and light jacket for cool mornings and evenings. A rain jacket or umbrella for frequent afternoon showers, and SPF for the intense equatorial sun. | Mid |
| February | 20/9 | 16d | Around 20°C/9°C (68°F/48°F). Layers for the day-night swing, plus a reliable rain jacket or umbrella for one of the wetter months. Strong sunscreen and a hat for the equatorial UV. | Mid |
| March | 20/9 | 18d | Around 20°C/9°C (68°F/48°F). Layers and a dependable rain jacket — March is typically the wettest month. Strong sunscreen and a hat for the equatorial sun, which burns through cloud. | Mid |
| April | 20/9 | 18d | Around 20°C/9°C (68°F/48°F). Layers and a solid rain jacket — April is among the wettest months. The equatorial UV stays extreme, so sunscreen and a hat are needed even on grey days. | Mid |
| May | 20/9 | 16d | Around 20°C/9°C (68°F/48°F). Layers for the day-night swing and a rain jacket as the wet season eases. Strong sunscreen and a hat remain essential for the equatorial sun. | Mid |
| ★ June | 21/8 | 10d | Dry season — around 21°C/8°C (70°F/46°F). Layers for warm, sunny days and notably cool, clear nights. Less rain to worry about, but sunscreen and a hat are vital under the strong equatorial sun. | Mid |
| ★ July | 21/8 | 7d | Peak dry season — around 21°C/8°C (70°F/46°F). Sunny, breezy days and cold, clear nights. Layers, plus serious sun protection: extreme UV under clear high-altitude skies. | High |
| ★ August | 21/8 | 8d | Peak dry season — around 21°C/8°C (70°F/46°F). Sunny, windy days and cold, clear nights. Layers plus strong sun protection for the extreme altitude UV. | High |
| ★ September | 21/8 | 11d | Dry season easing — around 21°C/8°C (70°F/46°F). Layers for warm days and cool nights, with a rain jacket as the odd shower returns. Strong sun protection for the equatorial UV. | Mid |
| October | 20/9 | 15d | Wetter season returning — around 20°C/9°C (68°F/48°F). Layers for the day-night swing plus a rain jacket or umbrella for returning afternoon showers. Strong sunscreen and a hat for the altitude sun. | Mid |
| November | 20/9 | 15d | Around 20°C/9°C (68°F/48°F). Layers and a rain jacket for the wet season, plus warm-weather festival clothes if you're here for the Fiestas de Quito in early December. Sunscreen and a hat for the altitude sun. | High |
| December | 20/9 | 15d | Around 20°C/9°C (68°F/48°F). Layers for warm days and cool nights, with a rain jacket for showers. Festive clothes for the lively Fiestas de Quito. Strong sun protection for the equatorial UV. | High |
★ = recommended season. Full month guides on the monthly weather pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Quito?
The best time to visit Quito is Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep. These months offer the most pleasant weather and full outdoor activity calendars. June kicks off Quito's dry season — around 21°C/8°C (70°F/46°F), with much less rain (about 45mm), more sunshine, and the clearest mountain views of the year. This is the start of the prime travel win
What's the price difference between peak and off-season in Quito?
Prices vary significantly by season. Weekday departures during shoulder season offer the best value.
Is it okay to visit Quito in winter?
Quito winter averages 20°C / 9°C. It's cold, but you trade weather for off-season pricing and seasonal events (Christmas markets, indoor museums, winter festivals). Bring a heavy parka, scarf, and gloves.
Should I visit Quito during summer holiday season?
Quito mid-summer (July-August) averages 21°C highs. This is the most expensive season — airfare and hotels peak — but outdoor festivals run at full capacity. Book 3-6 months ahead and prepare for heat.
What's the cheapest month to visit Quito?
January-February is the off-season value window. Pack for cold weather, but museums, restaurants, and Broadway run at normal capacity at low-season pricing.
Why you can trust best time guide
Jimmy Kong
TripPick founder · Travel content creator
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.
8+ years analyzing travel data
30+ countries visited
Live exchange rate verified
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