In Quito the temperature barely changes between months: what changes is the time of day and the rain. Official data show highs of about 20 to 22 °C and lows of 8 to 9 °C all year, at 2,850 meters of altitude. The practical answer: dress in layers, carry something for the afternoon and night, and always keep an umbrella handy. This article is written by Alpaca, which sells ponchos and shawls; we also tell you when you do not need them.
Quito's weather in numbers
Quito is about 2,850 meters above sea level. With the 1991 to 2020 averages from the airport station, published by the World Meteorological Organization and reproduced on Wikipedia, this is what it looks like:
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20.3 °C | 8.6 °C | 81 mm |
| March | 20.4 °C | 8.8 °C | 142 mm |
| April (the rainiest) | 20.3 °C | 9.0 °C | 168 mm |
| July (the driest) | 21.3 °C | 8.2 °C | 22 mm |
| August | 21.6 °C | 8.1 °C | 32 mm |
| October | 20.8 °C | 8.6 °C | 112 mm |
| December | 20.2 °C | 8.6 °C | 94 mm |
Three things are clear:
- There are about 12 degrees of difference between afternoon and early morning (for example, a 20.3 °C high and an 8.6 °C low in January). That matters more than the month.
- There are only two seasons. The dry one runs from June to August and the rainy one from September to May, according to the same source.
- Extreme cold is rare. The record low is −0.5 °C (July). No month's average low drops below 8 °C.
To compare with a real day: the Inamhi forecast, reported by Vistazo for August 13, 2026, predicted a high of 22 °C and a low of 9 °C. It fits the table.
Weather by hour: what really decides what you wear
Since the averages are stable, think in three moments:
- Early morning and first thing (near the 8–9 °C low): this is when it feels coldest. Sweater, shawl or poncho.
- Midday and early afternoon (near the 20–22 °C high): the sun at this altitude is warm and you can stay in your T-shirt. Keep the sweater in your backpack.
- Late afternoon and evening: the chill returns quickly, especially if there are clouds or wind. That is why it is worth carrying a layer.
These are our recommendations based on the averages; the weather on a particular day can vary. Check the Inamhi forecast before heading out.
How to dress in layers
- Base: T-shirt or light shirt.
- Middle layer: sweater, thin jacket or vest.
- Warm outer layer: poncho, large shawl or jacket.
- Rain layer: raincoat or umbrella. There are no shortcuts here.
A warm garment you can put on and take off in a second is better than a very thick one you cannot take off at midday.
Where the poncho and shawl come in
They are the easy outer layer: you put them on when you leave the house and take them off when you arrive. With one important warning: neither the Alpaca poncho nor the shawl is waterproof. They keep you warm, but in heavy rain you need an umbrella or raincoat.
| Situation | What works |
|---|---|
| Going out early or walking at night | A poncho: it covers arms and back. With a hood, the head too (for example, the Andean Shadow, which has a hood). |
| Cold office or an afternoon event | A shawl over your shoulders. It takes up little space and fits in your bag. |
| Cold house at night | A blanket (2.30 × 1.55 m) for the sofa or a full-size bed. |
| Dry, sunny day at midday | Probably none of these: leave it in your backpack. |
Our garments are 70% alpaca and 30% acrylic. Three ponchos (Night Rain, Calm Rain and Imbabura Flower) are 80% cotton and 20% polyester. If you want to know how to choose one, read how to choose a poncho. And to learn how to wear a shawl: alpaca shawl, how to wear it.
A customer wrote to us: "I was able to try the poncho on, how excellent, thank you!"
If you are visiting
- Bring clothes for several layers and comfortable shoes.
- If you are here for a short time, a shawl or a poncho takes up little space in a suitcase and works as a souvenir. You can order it shipped to an address in Quito: Alpaca Flash (US$8.50) arrives the same day if you order by 9 p.m.; regular shipping in Quito and valleys costs US$4.99. There is no dispatch on Sundays and holidays.
If you live in Quito
- Keep a warm garment in the car, the office or your backpack: the change of hour catches you by surprise.
- Do not put away your warm clothes in June and July: the dry season is not warmer at night (the average lows in July and August are the lowest, 8.1–8.2 °C).
- For nights at home, a blanket or a large shawl saves on heating.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cold in Quito all year?
It is cool all year, not extremely cold. Average highs are 20 to 22 °C and lows 8 to 9 °C in every month, according to the 1991 to 2020 averages.
What is the coldest month in Quito?
On average, August has the lowest low (8.1 °C) and July is the driest month. But the difference between months is less than one degree, so what changes is the time of day and the rain.
What should I wear for the rain in Quito?
A raincoat or umbrella. April is the rainiest month (168 mm on average). The poncho and shawl keep you warm but are not waterproof.
Is a poncho good for the office?
For the morning or the commute, yes. For sitting all day, many people prefer a shawl, which is smaller and moves less.
How long does a poncho take to arrive in Quito?
What you order one day ships the next day and arrives a day later. In Quito there is also Alpaca Flash, same day. Details in shipping.