Quito Weather in February
🇪🇨 Ecuador
South America › 🇪🇨 Ecuador › Quito
Updated: March 2026
Is February a Good Time to Visit Quito?
February is a fair time to visit Quito (4/10). With 8 daily sunshine hours and only 27 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 10th sunniest of the year in Quito. February suits travellers visiting for indoor culture, food, and architecture rather than outdoor activities. Pack accordingly for 27 potential rain days. March offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 27 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: most accommodation categories have availability, and last-minute deals are common. The quieter streets and shorter queues can make this a genuinely enjoyable time to visit for the right type of traveller. Budget-conscious visitors will find the best value of the year in this period.
February 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 8 sunshine hours each day. That combination makes February warm and lush, though dressing in breathable fabrics keeps things manageable.
15°C
Avg High
9°C
Avg Low
27 days
Rain Days
8h
Sunshine
82%
Humidity
Temperature in Quito in February
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 February
Monthly Precipitation (mm)
What to Wear in Quito in February
Packing for Quito in February 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 27 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.
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 February
February 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 February
Based on 15°C average highs and 27 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 February
- 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 27 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 morningFebruary 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 February?
Quito's February 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 February
February ranks 10th sunniest of the year in Quito, with an average 8 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 rise 1°C into March. Compared to last month (January: 15°C high, 29 rain days), February is similarly warm and drier. February is one of the least sunny months, but that often means lower prices and fewer fellow tourists.
Year-Round Climate
Plan Your Trip to Quito
Data Sources for Quito
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.