Quilotoa Weather
Everything about weather, climate and seasons in the Quilotoa.
The weather in Quilotoa, as other parts of the Ecuadorian Andes, can be very surprising, especially when it occurs on the same day. Despite this climatic diversity, there are some common characteristics in the Andean region of Quilotoa, which are accentuated by the altitude and the influence of different microclimates of the Earth's equator line.
Due to the mountainous topography and geographic location, Quilotoa is prone to a variety of microclimates. The weather on the lower part of Quilotoa - on the lagoon area - is usually warmer and drier, compared to higher locations around the crater where wind and fog are more intense.
Quilotoa Seasons
Quilotoa Summer
During the summer season in Quilotoa the days are clear and sunny, with some fog in the afternoon and wind in the evening. The summer season in Quilotoa is between the months of May and September. Regardless of the season, the overall temperature can drop at night and early morning.
Quilotoa Winter
During the winter season in Quilotoa, rain and hail are more likely to occur, with fog in the afternoon and evening hours. The winter season in Quilotoa is between the months of December to April. In addition, the general temperature can drop and in some areas to below zero degrees.
Quilotoa Temperature
Temperatures in Quilotoa tend to be cool throughout the year, without reaching extreme levels. However, they can alter significantly depending on the time of day and year.
- During day the temperature at the Quilotoa can be between 10 °C and 20 °C
- During night the temperature at the Quilotoa can drop to 0 °C to -5 °C
The Sun in the Quilotoa Lagoon
The Sun in Quilotoa is characterized by its high intensity, especially in the noon hours. This effect occurs due to its altitude and proximity to the equator line. The lack of atmospheric obstructions at high altitudes allows the sun's rays to reach the Earth's surface with intensity.
The Quilotoa Lagoon follows seasonal patterns similar to other regions of Ecuador. During the summer months, solar intensity is higher and the sky tends to be clear more often, while during the winter season, the presence of clouds and fog cover the sky and limits the solar radiation.
Hey! Remember to bring sunglasses...
Snow at the Quilotoa
Due to the altitude of Quilotoa Volcano, snow may occasionally fall, especially during the colder months. These snowfalls are not very frequent and usually occur in the Andes mountains.
The last “snowfall” in Quilotoa was recorded on January 2, 2023, and was reported by neighbors and tourists ( “I have seen Quilotoa with snow and you haven't” by PlatoMundo). Similarly, in the years 2015 and 2017, spontaneous falls of ice, hail and snow were reported around the Quilotoa Lagoon.
El guía turístico @saulo_ec compartió imágenes desde el #Quilotoa y lo que podría ser la primera nevada en el lugar 😊
— 🄸🅅🄾🄽🄽🄴 🄻🄰🄶🄾🦉 (@ivonnelago) January 2, 2023
Saulo comentó que la temperatura del sector disminuyó mucho y que incluso ha llegado hasta los -10°C en estos días 🥶#bellezadelanaturaleza @metroecuador pic.twitter.com/wk9nC1aW70
Quilotoa Weather Forecast
Real-time weather status of the province of Cotopaxi (where the Quilotoa is located).
It is important to be prepared for the different weather conditions in Quilotoa Lagoon, with comfortable clothing that offers protection against the sun's rays, wind and rain. Remember to bring sunscreen and hydration to stay healthy during your visit to this awesome giant of the Andes region.