Quito sits on the equator, so people pack for heat. Wrong. It's at about 2,850 m, highs barely change from 17°C (63°F) to 21°C (70°F) all year, and the rain comes most afternoons for much of it, so you need sun protection and a rain shell in the same bag.
Quito weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 18°C64°F | 18°C64°F | 17°C63°F | 18°C64°F | 18°C64°F | 18°C64°F | 19°C66°F | 20°C68°F | 21°C70°F | 19°C66°F | 18°C64°F | 18°C64°F |
| Low | 9°C48°F | 9°C48°F | 9°C48°F | 9°C48°F | 9°C48°F | 8°C46°F | 8°C46°F | 8°C46°F | 8°C46°F | 9°C48°F | 9°C48°F | 9°C48°F |
| Rain days | 24 | 26 | 28 | 28 | 23 | 14 | 4 | 10 | 10 | 24 | 27 | 25 |
Season by season
Wet season
January–AprilHighs are 17°C (63°F) or 18°C (64°F) and lows 9°C (48°F), with rain on 24 to 28 days a month. March and April are the wettest at 28. Mornings are often clear, so plan the Old Town and the TelefériQo early and expect rain later. Pack a waterproof shell and quick-dry layers.
Shoulder season
May–JuneMay still has 23 rain days, then June drops to 14. Highs stay at 18°C (64°F) and lows fall to 8°C (46°F). Bring layers and a rain jacket, and expect more sunny days as June goes on.
Dry season
July–SeptemberThe driest stretch. July has only 4 rain days, and August and September have 10 each, with September the warmest month at 21°C (70°F). Lows are 8°C (46°F), so evenings are cool. The sun is strong at this altitude, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
Rainy season
October–DecemberRain comes back hard, with 24 days in October, 27 in November and 25 in December. Highs stay at 18°C (64°F) to 19°C (66°F) and lows at 9°C (48°F). A shell and a warm layer for evenings cover most of it.
What to bring to Quito
0 of 21 packedQuito gets rain on 23 to 28 days a month for most of the year, and a shell that packs into its own pocket comes out when the afternoon storm hits.
For him, same logic: it rides in your day bag through a sunny morning in the Old Town and comes out when the clouds roll in.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
A weather-sealed 20L bag keeps your phone, camera and spare layer dry through an afternoon downpour on the way back from La Ronda.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Busy Old Town streets are known for pickpockets, and this crossbody keeps your cards and passport in front of you with a wire-reinforced strap.
- A warm wrapClothing
Evenings drop to 8°C (46°F) or 9°C (48°F), and a warm wrap is easy to carry all day and pull on when the sun goes down.
- Hydro Flask 18 oz Standard Mouth Bottle with Flex CapWater Bottles & Hydration
An 18 oz insulated bottle fits a day bag pocket, and you'll want to keep drinking on city days walking uphill at 2,850 m.
For UK, EU and Australian visitors, this adapter fits Ecuador's US-style sockets, though it doesn't convert voltage, so check your devices run at 120V.
Clothing
- Layering tops · 4Highs 17–21°C, lows 8–9°C all year
- Warm fleece · 1Cool evenings at 2,850 m
- Long pants · 2
- Light gloves and beanie · 1 setFor trips higher than the city
Footwear
- Waterproof walking shoes · 1 pairRain most afternoons much of the year
- Comfortable sneakers · 1 pairSteep old town streets
Gear
- Wide-brim sun hatSun is strong at altitude
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Compact umbrella
Health and toiletries
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Lip balm with SPF
- Altitude sickness remedyAsk a doctor before you go
Documents and money
- Passport
- Small US dollar billsEcuador uses the US dollar
What shoes should you pack for Quito?
Bring comfortable shoes with grip that can take a soaking. Quito's Old Town and La Ronda are steep, the stones get slippery in the afternoon rain, and you'll walk uphill more than you expect at 2,850 m. Light hiking shoes also cover a trip up Pichincha from the TelefériQo.
What do people wear in Quito?
Quiteños dress a bit more formally than the climate suggests: jeans or trousers, a sweater or jacket, and closed shoes. Shorts stand out in the city. Cover shoulders and knees for the churches in the Old Town.
What plugs does Quito use?
Ecuador uses types A and B at 120V, the same as the US. American travelers don't need an adapter. Visitors from the UK, Europe and Australia do, and should check that their devices run at 120V.
Tours and things to do in Quito
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Quito.
What should you leave at home for Quito?
Leave the beach wardrobe unless you're heading to the coast or the Galápagos after. Leave flashy jewelry and anything you can't afford to lose too, since pickpocketing is common in busy parts of the Old Town.
Packing for Quito: questions people ask
What should I wear in Quito?
Layers. Days are 17°C (63°F) to 21°C (70°F) with strong sun and nights drop to 8°C (46°F) or 9°C (48°F), so bring a light jacket, a sweater and a rain shell.
When is the rainy season in Quito?
Roughly October to May, with rain on 23 to 28 days a month. March and April are the wettest.
What is the best time to visit Quito?
June to September is the driest. July has only 4 rain days.
Is Quito hot because it's on the equator?
No. The altitude keeps it mild, with highs around 18°C (64°F) most of the year, but the sun is strong, so wear sunscreen.
Do I need a plug adapter in Ecuador?
Not from the US, since Ecuador uses types A and B at 120V. UK, European and Australian visitors need one.
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