Quito in May

In May, Quito averages 19°C (66°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 19 days of the month see precipitation (110 mm total).

Shoulder

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

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

19°C
Avg high
9°C
Avg low
19
Rain days
110 mm
Rainfall

How May compares to the rest of the year in Quito

5th
warmest month of the 12
3rd
wettest month of the 12
10%
of yearly rainfall falls in May
12 h 7 min
daylight on the 15th

May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Quito (5th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. May runs roughly the same as April (19°C) and stays flat into June.

May sunrise & sunset in Quito

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:07 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:13 PM
Day length
12 h 7 min

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

Photography light in Quito — May

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:07 AM – 5:47 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:47 AM – 6:47 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:33 PM – 6:33 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:33 PM – 7:13 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Good
Galactic core is up but lower on the horizon; head well outside city limits for a clean view.

📅 When to book — Quito in May

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 May's tier (Shoulder) and Quito's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — May in Quito

Shoulder

Quito is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — May in Quito

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.1
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 May weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Quito in May?

In May, 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 May?

May is quite rainy in Quito, with about 19 rainy days on average.

Is May a good time to visit Quito?

May 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 May?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May 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.