Quito Weather in January

🇪🇨 Ecuador

15°C

High

9°C

Low

Rain Days

Sunshine

82%

Humidity

South America › 🇪🇨 Ecuador › Quito

Updated: March 2026

Is January a Good Time to Visit Quito?

5/10

Fair

January is a fair time to visit Quito (5/10). With 9 daily sunshine hours and only 29 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 3rd sunniest of the year in Quito. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find January a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak August without sacrificing all the good weather. February offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 29 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.

vs December:15°C avg high

January weather in Quito is defined by a daily temperature swing from 9°C at night to 15°C during the afternoon. Humidity averages 82%, and you can count on around 9 sunshine hours each day. That combination makes January warm and lush, though dressing in breathable fabrics keeps things manageable.

15°C

Avg High

9°C

Avg Low

29 days

Rain Days

Sunshine

82%

Humidity

Temperature in Quito in January

The 6°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. At 82% humidity, the 15°C daytime high feels 2-4°C warmer in practice: quick-dry fabrics and shade-seeking between noon and 3pm are the sensible response. UV index averages 8 this month, classed as high to very high. SPF 30+ sunscreen, a brim hat, and sunglasses are not optional between 10am and 4pm. Winds are calm at an average 9 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 59°F average high, 48°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).

Temperature in January

Monthly Precipitation (mm)

What to Wear in Quito in January

Morning9°CBefore the day warms up

Afternoon15°CPeak daytime temperature

Evening12°CAfter sunset cools down

Packing for Quito in January means dressing for 15°C days and 9°C evenings. A mid-weight jacket over a sweater handles 15°C daytime temperatures; the combination stays comfortable all day without overheating. Evening temperatures settle at 9°C, a modest 6°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. Comfortable walking trainers are the versatile choice for both outdoor sightseeing and indoor venues. With 29 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes. At 82% average humidity, quick-dry synthetic or bamboo fabrics dry overnight and stay comfortable longer than cotton.

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Local tip: Quito sees heavy rain periods where a compact travel umbrella can feel inadequate. A packable waterproof jacket offers better coverage for prolonged downpours and leaves both hands free for maps and cameras.

Events in Quito in January

January has no major festivals or public holidays in Quito, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.

What to Pack for Quito in January

Based on 15°C average highs and 29 rainy days

Warm jacket (down or fleece)
Merino wool base layer (regulates temperature and resists odour)
Sweaters and lined trousers
Scarf and lightweight gloves
Compact folding umbrella
Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
Universal travel adapter
Small day pack for city exploration
Reusable water bottle

Best Activities in Quito in January

Explore the old town's cobblestone backstreetsMorning (9-11am)At 15°C, conditions are pleasant for unhurried exploration on foot
Visit hilltop viewpoints for panoramic city viewsLate afternoon (4-6pm)Low sun angle creates dramatic light for photography while temperatures remain comfortable
Bicycle rental for a half-day city circuitMid-morning startMild 15°C temperatures are ideal for extended cycling without excessive effort
Boat tour of the river, bay, or canal networkLate morning departureComfortable weather makes open-deck boats viable without wind-chill concerns
Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 29 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningJanuary brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
Warm up with traditional hot dishes: local stew, fondue, or braised specialities at a neighbourhood restaurantLunch (12-2pm) or dinner (7-9pm)Cold-weather cuisine is a genuine cultural experience and the best local restaurants serve their heartiest dishes in cooler months

Why is Quito mild in January?

Quito's January climate is governed by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which draws moisture-laden trade winds across the region, producing the characteristic wet season rainfall of warm tropical cities. Daytime heat peaks around 15°C, moderated slightly by afternoon convective showers. Overnight temperatures remain warm at 9°C because the humid air retains heat effectively. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).

Sunshine Hours

The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.

UV Index

A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate -- wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High -- hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High -- limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme -- seek shade between 10am-4pm.

Rain Days

A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.

Humidity

Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry -- skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable -- ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky -- light, breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy -- heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions: Quito in January

In January, Quito experiences average highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F). Expect around 29 rainy days and 9 hours of sunshine per day, with humidity averaging 82%. The 6°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures is worth planning around: light layers work for most visitors during the day, but an extra jacket is essential for evenings. UV index averages 8, so sun protection is advisable on clear days.

Quito typically sees 29 rainy days in January, with total precipitation of around 287mm. This is a notably wet period. A waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is essential, and it is worth building indoor alternatives into your daily itinerary for the inevitable rainy stretches. For context, the driest month in Quito typically sees 4-6 fewer rain days than January.

Pack a warm jacket, sweaters, and layering pieces for Quito in January. Temperatures can drop to 9°C at night, so thermal underlayers are advisable for evening outings. Waterproof footwear is important with 29 rainy days expected. A scarf, hat, and gloves handle the windchill on clear cold days, which often feel colder than the thermometer reads.

January is a reasonable time to visit Quito. Expect 29 rainy days, so pack a light rain layer for flexibility. Average temperatures of 15°C make outdoor exploration comfortable during the dry periods. With 9 daily sunshine hours, there are reliable windows of good weather to plan outdoor activities around, even if the month is not the driest on the calendar.

The average high temperature in Quito in January is 15°C (59°F), and the average low is 9°C (48°F). The mean daily temperature is approximately 12°C (54°F). The day-to-night range of 6°C is moderate, meaning a single light jacket covers most situations. These are 30-year climate normals based on the 1991 to 2020 reference period; individual years will vary, particularly in transitional months like spring and autumn.

The best month to visit Quito is generally August. August offers the most sunshine at 10 hours per day. Average temperatures reach 17°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the city. If your travel dates are flexible, planning your trip around August gives you the best chance of dry, bright weather.

January is shoulder or low season in Quito, meaning fewer tourists and generally lower prices than peak months. With 9 sunshine hours and 29 rainy days, the weather is less of a draw for mass tourism. This is an advantage for travellers who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience with shorter queues and easier accommodation availability.

In January, Quito suits a range of activities thanks to cool conditions around 15°C. With frequent rain, indoor activities and covered attractions are a smart choice. Top options include exploring historic neighbourhoods, visiting museums and galleries, local food markets, and day trips to surrounding areas. With 9 hours of sunshine, parks and waterfront walks are particularly enjoyable.

January ranks 3rd sunniest of the year in Quito, with an average 9 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are July, August, and June. July is the hottest month (17°C avg high); January is the coolest (15°C). From here, temperatures fall 0°C into February. Compared to last month (December: 15°C high, 29 rain days), January is similarly warm and equally dry. January is among the top three sunniest months to visit Quito.

Year-Round Climate

Month	High	Low	Rain Days	Sun	Details
January	15°C	9°C	29	9h	View
February	15°C	9°C	27	8h	View
March	16°C	9°C	30	8h	View
April	16°C	9°C	29	8h	View
May	16°C	9°C	29	9h	View
June	16°C	9°C	25	9h	View
July	17°C	8°C	22	9h	View
August	17°C	8°C	23	10h	View
September	17°C	8°C	26	10h	View
October	16°C	9°C	29	9h	View
November	16°C	9°C	28	9h	View
December	15°C	9°C	29	9h	View

Other Months in Quito

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Plan Your Trip to Quito

Best Time to Visit Quito

Data Sources for Quito

Quito on Wikipedia Open-Meteo Climate API NOAA National Centers UK Met Office WMO GeoNames

Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.