Ecuador Quito Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Quito is moderate
Quito Weather in December — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 20° / 9°
- Rainfall
- 100mm · 15 days
- Crowds
- Busy
As of 2026, Quito in December averages a high of 20°C and low of 9°C with 100mm of rain over about 15 days. Around 20°C/9°C (68°F/48°F). Layers for warm days and cool nights, with a rain jacket for showers. Festive clothes for the lively Fiestas de Quito. Strong sun protection for the equatorial UV.
December is moderate for Quito.
December is festive — around 20°C/9°C (68°F/48°F), still in the wet season (about 100mm) with bright mornings and afternoon showers. The weather takes a back seat to the celebrations.
Early December is the Fiestas de Quito, marking the city's Spanish founding — the biggest party of the year, with music, parades, open-top chiva party buses, bullfighting traditions, and packed streets. It rolls straight into Christmas and a lively New Year, when Ecuadorians burn año viejo effigies at midnight. The city is at its most celebratory.
Travel score
Quito December Weather Stats
Avg High
20°C
Avg Low
9°C
Rainy Days
15
100mm total
Sunshine
5.5h
Daily avg
Humidity
75%
comfortable
UV Index
11
Extreme
Wind
9 km/h
Gusts 21
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
16 μg/m³
PM10
31 μg/m³
Status
good
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
20°C
Nighttime
9°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
9 km/h
Max gust 21 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fiestas de Quito — the year's biggest party
- Festive Christmas & New Year atmosphere
- Bright mornings
- Mild daytime temperatures
Cons
- Highest prices and packed hotels
- Wet-season afternoon rain
- Crowded streets during festivals
- Extreme altitude UV
December Events & Festivals
- Fiestas de Quito (early Dec) — the city's biggest party
- Christmas & New Year celebrations
- Wet season — bright mornings, afternoon rain
- Near-12-hour days year-round
Quito in December — Full Picture
December is festive — around 20°C/9°C (68°F/48°F), still in the wet season (about 100mm) with bright mornings and afternoon showers. The weather takes a back seat to the celebrations.
Early December is the Fiestas de Quito, marking the city's Spanish founding — the biggest party of the year, with music, parades, open-top chiva party buses, bullfighting traditions, and packed streets. It rolls straight into Christmas and a lively New Year, when Ecuadorians burn año viejo effigies at midnight. The city is at its most celebratory.
Layer for the warm days and cool nights, and aim outdoor sightseeing at the morning around the festivities.
Note: the Fiestas de Quito and the holidays push prices up and fill hotels, so book well ahead. It's a wet month, so carry a rain jacket. The altitude UV stays intense through cloud. A vibrant, atmospheric time to visit if you want the city in full celebration.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Around 20°C/9°C (68°F/48°F). Layers for warm days and cool nights, with a rain jacket for showers. Festive clothes for the lively Fiestas de Quito. Strong sun protection for the equatorial UV.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
20°C
9°C
17.3/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
21°C
8°C
8.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
20.3°C
8.7°C
13.7/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current20°C
9°C
15.7/mo
Quito Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20° | 9° | 16d·110mm | 5h | 76% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 20° | 9° | 16d·120mm | 5h | 77% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 20° | 9° | 18d·145mm | 4.5h | 78% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 20° | 9° | 18d·155mm | 4.5h | 79% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 20° | 9° | 16d·115mm | 5h | 78% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| June (Best) | 21° | 8° | 10d·45mm | 6.5h | 73% | 11 | Busy | Shoulder |
| July (Best) | 21° | 8° | 7d·25mm | 7h | 70% | 12 | Very busy | Peak |
| August (Best) | 21° | 8° | 8d·30mm | 7h | 70% | 12 | Very busy | Peak |
| September (Best) | 21° | 8° | 11d·65mm | 6h | 72% | 11 | Busy | Shoulder |
| 20° | 9° | 15d·110mm | 5h | 76% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 20° | 9° | 15d·105mm | 5h | 76% | 11 | Busy | Peak | |
| 20° | 9° | 15d·100mm | 5.5h | 75% | 11 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Quito December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Quito?
Quito in December is moderate. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Quito in December?
Quito December averages a high of 20°C and a low of 9°C.
Does it rain much in Quito in December?
Quito December averages 100mm of rainfall over about 15 rainy days.
What should I wear in Quito in December?
Around 20°C/9°C (68°F/48°F). Layers for warm days and cool nights, with a rain jacket for showers. Festive clothes for the lively Fiestas de Quito. Strong sun protection for the equatorial UV.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Quito in December?
Quito December sunrise is 06:00 and sunset is 18:10, with 12h 10min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Quito in December?
Quito December air quality (AQI) averages 44, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 16μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Quito in December?
In December, Quito is great for Fiestas de Quito parades & chivas, New Year año viejo celebrations, Morning Historic Center walks.
Is December peak season in Quito?
Quito December crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Quito
View Other Months
Planning a December trip to Quito?
You've checked the weather — next come the budget and the route.
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.