Quito in December

In December, Quito averages 19°C (66°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (90 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

December offers comfortable temperatures in Quito, with some rain to plan around.

19°C
Avg high
9°C
Avg low
16
Rain days
90 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Quito

12th
warmest month of the 12
8th
wettest month of the 12
8%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
12 h 8 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Quito (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. December runs roughly the same as November (19°C) and stays flat into January.

December sunrise & sunset in Quito

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:05 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:12 PM
Day length
12 h 8 min

Times shown for Quito local time (America/Guayaquil), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Quito — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Quito's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:05 AM – 5:45 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:45 AM – 6:45 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:32 PM – 6:32 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:32 PM – 7:12 PM

📅 When to book — Quito in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (High season) and Quito's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Quito

High season

This is a busy month in Quito — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Quito

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.7
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Quito in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 19°C / 66°F 9°C / 48°F 95 mm 16 0
February 19°C / 66°F 9°C / 48°F 110 mm 18 0
March 19°C / 66°F 9°C / 48°F 130 mm 20 0
April 19°C / 66°F 9°C / 48°F 165 mm 22 0
May 19°C / 66°F 9°C / 48°F 110 mm 19 0
June 19°C / 66°F 8°C / 46°F 50 mm 11 0
July 19°C / 66°F 7°C / 45°F 25 mm 8 0
August 19°C / 66°F 7°C / 45°F 35 mm 9 0
September 19°C / 66°F 8°C / 46°F 65 mm 14 0
October 19°C / 66°F 9°C / 48°F 110 mm 19 0
November 19°C / 66°F 9°C / 48°F 100 mm 17 0
December 19°C / 66°F 9°C / 48°F 90 mm 16 0

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Quito in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Quito in December?

In December, Quito averages a high of 19°C (66°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Quito in December?

December is quite rainy in Quito, with about 16 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Quito?

December is mild and pleasant but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Quito in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Quito for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Quito on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.