What December feels like in Quito
December falls in Quito's wet season — the rainfall numbers rise clearly above the dry months. Afternoons are cool, pleasant for walking as long as you keep a layer on. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cool, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Quito in December
Rain is part of normal life this month, falling on most days. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 11.7 mm (0.5 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. Across the year Quito averages about 10.6 mm per rainy day, so December is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Quito gets 12 h 8 min of daylight, from sunrise near 6:05 am to sunset near 6:13 pm. Day length is essentially the same as in mid-November. Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. About 77% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Quito's temperature order, December sits as the 4th coolest month. It is about as warm as November, with 8 mm less rain. Temperatures barely move from one month to the next here. January averages a high of 16°C (60.8°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — rain interrupts outdoor plans.
- Hiking: less ideal — trails are cool.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Quito in December
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Light Jacket
Cool days — a light jacket or sweater for walking around.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is Quito in December?
It feels cool: typical highs are 16.1°C (61°F), with lows near 8.8°C (47.8°F).
Does it rain a lot in Quito in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls most days and totals about 328 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Quito in December?
Pack rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Quito?
January, narrowly: it ranks #8 of 12 among Quito's months, against #9 for the other. January has fewer rainy days.