What May feels like in Quito
May sits between Quito's dry and wet seasons. Days are on the cool side, the kind of weather that suits brisk sightseeing. 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 May
May is persistently wet here: some rain falls on most days. When rain comes it is heavy, about 9.7 mm (0.4 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. That is close to Quito's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 10.6 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in May
In mid-May, sunrise is at about 6:07 am and sunset at about 6:13 pm (local time) — 12 h 7 min of daylight. Day length is essentially the same as in mid-April. Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. The sun is out for roughly 77% of those daylight hours, so there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Quito's temperature order, May sits as the 6th warmest month. It is about as warm as April, with 118 mm less rain. Temperatures barely move from one month to the next here. June averages a high of 16.5°C (61.7°F).
Who May 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 May
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
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 May?
Expect around 16.3°C (61.3°F) in the afternoon and 8.7°C (47.7°F) at night, which most visitors would call cool.
Does it rain a lot in Quito in May?
It does: about 27 rainy days bring roughly 263 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Quito in May?
Based on the averages: rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is May or June better for visiting Quito?
On our 12-month climate ranking, June comes out ahead (#4 of 12 vs #7). June has fewer rainy days.