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Weather in Quito
Center of the world at Andean heights
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About Quito
Quito sits at 2,850 meters in a mountain valley—the Ecuadorian capital with a UNESCO-recognized old town of colonial architecture. The city's elevation means cooler temperatures and stunning mountain views. Quito offers museums, restaurants, and cultural attractions, plus proximity to cloud forests and the Galápagos gateway.
Best months to visit
Year-round
Things to do in Quito
Colonial Old Town exploring and photography
Pichincha volcano hiking and cable car rides
Museum visiting: art, anthropology, natural history
Nearby cloud forest visiting
Galápagos departure gateway tours
Local Ecuadorian cuisine and market shopping
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
16C
Cool, with frequent heavy rain.
February
17C
Cool, with frequent heavy rain.
March
16C
Cool, with frequent heavy rain.
April
17C
Cool, with frequent heavy rain.
May
17C
Cool, with frequent heavy rain.
June
17C
Cool, with regular rainfall.
July
17C
Cool, with some rainy days.
August
18C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
September
19C
Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.
October
17C
Cool, with frequent heavy rain.
November
17C
Cool, with frequent heavy rain.
December
17C
Cool, with frequent heavy rain.
Quito's old town is one of the largest and best-preserved historic centres in the Americas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of colonial churches and plazas spread across a high Andean valley at nearly 2,850 metres elevation. The city straddles the equator just to its north, and the surrounding volcanic peaks — including the active Cotopaxi — are visible from rooftop viewpoints across town on a clear day.
Best areas to stay in Quito
Centro Histórico (Old Town)
The UNESCO-listed colonial core with plazas, churches and the presidential palace.
La Mariscal / Mariscal Sucre
The main backpacker and nightlife district, with hostels, bars and tour agencies.
La Floresta / Guápulo
Bohemian, artsy neighbourhoods with cafes, galleries and views down into the Guápulo ravine.
TelefériQo (Pichincha)
The cable car station leading up Pichincha volcano for high-altitude views over the city.
Getting to Quito
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Flights
Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) is about 40 minutes to 1 hour from the city centre.
⏱
From London
~40 minutes to 1 hour by taxi or shuttle from the airport.
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Getting around
The Trolebús and Metrobús lines cover major routes; taxis and ride-hailing apps are commonly used by visitors.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Quito?
June to September tends to be drier; given the altitude, Quito has mild temperatures year-round but can change quickly within a day.
Will altitude affect visitors?
Quito sits at nearly 2,850m, so mild altitude effects like breathlessness or tiredness are common for the first day or two — take it easy on arrival.
Is the Equator monument worth visiting?
The Mitad del Mundo monument and nearby Intiñan museum, just outside the city, are popular for the novelty of standing on the equator, though the exact line's location is debated.
Is Quito's old town safe to explore?
The historic centre is heavily visited and patrolled during the day, but as with many large cities, caution is advised at night and in less touristed areas.
What volcanoes can you see or visit from Quito?
Pichincha overlooks the city directly (reachable by cable car), while Cotopaxi National Park is a popular day trip for hiking and views of the active volcano.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
The old town's churches, especially the gold interior of La Compañía, were more dazzling than I expected from photos.
Sofia A. · August 2023
★★★★☆
Took the cable car up Pichincha for views over the whole city and the surrounding volcanoes — clear days are worth waiting for.
Ben T. · July 2024
★★★★☆
Felt the altitude for the first day but it passed quickly, and the city itself was easy and rewarding to walk around once acclimatised.
Renata M. · December 2023
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