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Ecuador · tool

Best time to visit Quito

Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.

Best time to visit Quito, Ecuador

Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.

Month	Weather	Crowds	Prices	Highlights
January	10-20°C, frequent afternoon rain showers	moderate	moderate	• Jan Juyay (Indigenous New Year celebrations) • Lush green landscapes
February	10-20°C, heavy and persistent rain	moderate	moderate	• Carnival celebrations (early March often spills over) ⚠ February is often the wettest month, impacting outdoor activities.
March	10-20°C, rain gradually decreasing	moderate	moderate	• Semana Santa (Holy Week) processions (if it falls in March)
April	10-20°C, intermittent showers, increasing sunshine	low	low	• Shoulder season with fewer tourists • Blooming flora
May	10-20°C, drier with more sunny periods	low	low	• Pleasant temperatures for exploring • Pre-peak season tranquility
June	9-19°C, dry with abundant sunshine	moderate	moderate	• Start of the dry season • Ideal for city and volcano exploration • Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) celebrations
July	9-19°C, very dry and sunny	high	high	• Peak of the dry season • Excellent visibility for views • School holidays in Ecuador and North America ⚠ Expect higher crowds and prices due to northern hemisphere summer holidays.
August	9-19°C, dry with plenty of sun	high	high	• Continued dry season benefits • Clear skies for photography • End of northern hemisphere summer holidays ⚠ Still busy, but crowds may start to slightly decrease towards the end of the month.
September	10-20°C, transitioning to wetter, still pleasant	moderate	moderate	• End of dry season, but still good weather • Fewer crowds post-summer holidays • Autumnal Equinox celebrations
October	10-20°C, increasing chance of rain	moderate	moderate	• Day of the Dead preparations • Less crowded than peak season
November	10-20°C, frequent rain showers	moderate	moderate	• Independence of Quito celebrations • Green scenery returning
December	10-20°C, afternoon rain showers common	high	high	• Christmas and New Year festivities • Festive atmosphere in the city ⚠ Can be busy with holiday travelers and locals returning home.

Annual events worth timing your trip around

January

Jan Juyay

Indigenous New Year celebrations with traditional music and dance.

February

Carnival

A vibrant festival with water fights, parades, and music, often extending into early March.

March

Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Solemn religious processions and cultural events leading up to Easter.

June

Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun)

Celebration of the Inca New Year with traditional ceremonies and performances.

November

Independence of Quito

Commemorations of Quito's independence with parades, concerts, and cultural events.

December

Christmas and New Year

Festive decorations, special markets, and celebrations throughout the city.

Insider timing tips

•Quito's equatorial location means temperature variations are minimal year-round; the main differentiator is rainfall.
•The 'dry season' (June-September) is characterized by sunny mornings and occasional afternoon clouds, not complete absence of rain.
•February and March are Quito's wettest months, with heavy, prolonged downpours that can significantly disrupt sightseeing.
•While July and August offer the driest weather, they coincide with peak tourist season, leading to higher prices and crowds.
•Local holidays, like the Independence of Quito in November, can mean some businesses close, but also bring unique city-wide festivities.