Quito Weather

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 window. It's a great time for the volcanoes: Cotopaxi, the TelefériQo, and Quilotoa are far more likely to be clear, and day trips are more reliable. In the surrounding highlands, the Inti Raymi solstice festivals (most famous around Otavalo and Cotacachi) bring Indigenous music and celebration in late June. Warm, sunny days give way to cool, clear nights, so keep layering. The drier air and big-sky views make June a standout for outdoor sightseeing. Note: this is the busier, higher-demand season, so book hotels and Galápagos connections ahead. The altitude sun is at its strongest in the clear skies — be diligent with sunscreen, especially on the cable car and at high-altitude sites.

July is the heart of the dry season — around 21°C/8°C (70°F/46°F), the driest and sunniest stretch of the year (only about 25mm of rain). Skies are clear, the volcanoes are out, and it's the busiest travel month. This is prime time for everything outdoors: Cotopaxi and Quilotoa day trips are at their most reliable, the TelefériQo offers its best panoramas, and the Galápagos and Amazon see peak demand. The Otavalo Saturday market is especially rewarding in clear weather. Days are warm and bright with a breeze; nights turn genuinely cold and clear at this altitude, so a warm layer is essential after dark. The strong, dry sun makes UV protection non-negotiable. Note: it's peak season — prices are higher and popular tours, hotels, and Galápagos flights book up, so reserve well ahead. The combination of altitude and clear skies makes the UV extreme; sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses every day.

August continues the peak dry season — around 21°C/8°C (70°F/46°F), still dry and sunny (about 30mm of rain) with excellent mountain visibility. It's one of the best and busiest months to visit. It's typically the windiest month, with brisk afternoons that keep the skies clear and the volcano views sharp — great for Cotopaxi, the TelefériQo, and the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes.' Demand stays high across the Galápagos and Amazon too. Expect the familiar high-altitude pattern: warm, breezy, sunny days and cold, clear nights. Keep a warm layer for the evenings and on high-altitude excursions, where the wind makes it feel colder. Note: as a peak month, prices are high and the best tours, hotels, and Galápagos flights book out — reserve early. The dry, clear, high-altitude sun makes UV extreme; protect skin and eyes every day, especially up the cable car and on volcano trips.