Quito, the second-highest capital in the world, sits at 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level and just 26 kilometers from the Equator. This combination creates a climate often described as "Eternal Spring," where traditional seasons like summer or winter are replaced by a consistent temperate cycle of wet and dry periods.
The Daily Cycle: "Four Seasons in One Day"
In Quito, the weather changes more significantly over 24 hours than it does over 12 months. Locals often joke that you can experience all four seasons in a single day.
- Morning (06:00 – 10:00): Typically crisp, clear, and cool. The air is fresh, often with a slight mountain chill (roughly 10°C / 50°F).
- Midday (11:00 – 14:00): Under the direct equatorial sun, the temperature rises rapidly. In the high-altitude air, the sun feels much hotter than the actual temperature (reaching 20°C–23°C / 68°F–74°F), and UV levels are among the highest in the world.
- Afternoon (14:00 – 17:00): Convection currents caused by the morning sun often trigger rapid cloud formation. This frequently leads to short, intense downpours or even mountain hailstorms.
- Evening (18:00 – Night): Once the sun sets—which happens at approximately 18:15 year-round—the thin air loses heat instantly. Temperatures drop back to the low 50s or high 40s Fahrenheit.
Seasonal Trends
Ecuador does not have four seasons. Instead, the year is divided into two distinct periods based on rainfall.
- The Dry Season (June to September): Locally called verano (summer). This period offers the clearest skies and most consistent sunshine, making it the best time for views of the surrounding volcanoes like Cotopaxi and Cayambe. However, this is also the windiest time of year, and the lack of cloud cover makes the midday sun exceptionally intense and the nights quite cold.
- The Wet Season (October to May): Often referred to as invierno (winter). Rainfall is more frequent, peaking in March and April (Abril, aguas mil is a common local saying). Heavy rains usually arrive in the afternoon, while mornings still frequently provide clear windows of sunshine.
Microclimates and Variations
Quito’s dramatic topography creates significant weather variations within city limits.
- North vs. South: The northern parts of the city are generally drier and sunnier, while the south, situated closer to the surrounding mountain peaks, receives more rainfall and cloud cover.
- The Valleys: Neighborhoods like Cumbayá and Tumbaco, located roughly 500 meters lower than the city center, stay consistently 2°C–5°C (4°F–9°F) warmer and significantly less rainy than the main plateau.
- The Slopes: The western neighborhoods climbing the slopes of Pichincha Volcano are often shrouded in fog and can be several degrees colder than the city center.
Historical Context & Local Adaptation
Historically, Quito has a stable climate record, with temperatures rarely falling below 7°C (45°F) or rising above 27°C (80°F). However, climate change has brought more extreme hail events and unpredictable rain patterns that can cause localized flooding in the city’s many ravines (quebradas).
Locals have adapted to this "capricious" weather through a style of dress known as layering. It is common to see residents carrying an umbrella and a jacket even on a cloudless morning. Social schedules also reflect the sky; outdoor markets and errands are almost always prioritized for the early morning to avoid the high-UV midday sun and the inevitable afternoon rains.