Things to do in Quito in January

When is your trip?

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Looking for a different month?

Overview

January is a good time to visit Quito. The weather is usually mildly cool, humid but cool, with temperatures ranging from 50—67°F (10—19°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Quito during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Ecuadorian dishes, take a chocolate tour in Quito, take a hike in the Pichincha Volcano National Park, and more!

Quito has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Quito. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Quito in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Visiting Quito? See our Quito Trip Planner.
I'll never travel to Quito without this trip planner again
Learn more
Don't take our word for it
Slide 1 of 6

Best events and things to do in Quito in January

Top experiences in January
Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Ecuadorian dishes
Ecuadorian cuisine is diverse and delicious, and in January, you can take a cooking class in Quito to learn how to make traditional dishes such as ceviche, llapingachos, and empanadas. You can visit a local market to buy fresh ingredients, and then participate in hands-on cooking lessons with a local chef. It's a fun and interactive way to learn about Ecuadorian food and culture, and you'll get to enjoy the delicious dishes you've prepared at the end of the class.
Take a chocolate tour in Quito
Ecuador is known for its high-quality cacao beans, and in January, you can take a chocolate tour in Quito to learn about the process of making chocolate from bean to bar. You can visit a cacao plantation, see how cacao is harvested and processed, and participate in chocolate-making workshops. It's a delicious and educational experience that allows you to taste some of the best chocolate in the world.
Take a hike in the Pichincha Volcano National Park
January is a great time to explore the Pichincha Volcano National Park, which offers stunning views of the Andes and the city of Quito. The park has a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels, and you can see unique flora and fauna that are only found in this region. It's a great way to experience the natural beauty of Ecuador and get some exercise at the same time.
Take a day trip to the Otavalo Market
The Otavalo Market is one of the largest and most famous indigenous markets in South America, and in January, you can take a day trip from Quito to visit the market. You can browse a wide variety of handmade crafts, textiles, and jewelry, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the market. It's a great opportunity to support local artisans and purchase unique souvenirs.
Explore the historic center of Quito
The historic center of Quito is a beautiful and well-preserved area that is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In January, you can explore the narrow cobblestone streets, visit historic churches and colonial buildings, and admire the stunning architecture of the city. It's a great way to learn about the history of Quito and appreciate its cultural significance.
Visit the Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum) in Quito
The Museo de la Ciudad is a fascinating museum that showcases the history and culture of Quito. In January, you can visit the museum to learn about the city's colonial past, indigenous heritage, and modern development. The museum features a variety of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays that provide insight into the rich and diverse history of Quito.
Visit the Equator line at the Mitad del Mundo monument
Ecuador is named after the equator, and in January, you can visit the Mitad del Mundo monument, which marks the spot where the equator passes through the country. You can take a tour of the monument and learn about the history and significance of the equator, as well as participate in interactive exhibits that demonstrate the unique properties of the equator.
I'll never travel to Quito without this trip planner again
Learn more
Holidays in Quito in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
Other notable holidays
  • Foundation of Quito (December 6)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31)
  • Carnival (March 34)
  • Maundy Thursday (April 17)
  • Good Friday (April 18)
  • Holy Saturday (April 19)
  • Easter Sunday (April 20)
  • Labor Day / May Day (May 12)
  • The Battle of Pichincha (May 2324)
  • Simón Bolívar's Birthday Memorial (July 24)
  • Independence Day (August 1011)
  • Independence of Guayaquil (October 910)
  • All Souls' Day (November 2)
I'll never travel to Quito without this trip planner again
Learn more

Weather in Quito in January

Temperatures on an average day in Quito in January

The average temperature in Quito in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 67°F (19°C) to a low of 50°F (10°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool, humid but cool.

For comparison, the hottest month in Quito, September, has days with highs of 68°F (20°C) and lows of 48°F (9°C). The coldest month, August has days with highs of 68°F (20°C) and lows of 47°F (8°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Quito in January based on historical data.

Visiting Quito? See our Quito Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in January
67°F
highs
50°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool, humid but cool
Feels like
98%
Chance of rain
1.145 in
Amount
9.0 mph
Wind speed
100%
Humidity
12.1 hrs
Daylight length
6:18 AM
Sunrise
6:26 PM
Sunset
20%
Cloud cover
Sweater, rain coat and rain boots
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 67°F (19°C) and a low of 50°F (10°C), it generally feels mildly cool, humid but cool. There might also be a very high chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater and top it off with a rain coat and rain boots
I'll never travel to Quito without this trip planner again
Learn more

Best attractions for Quito in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Quito has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Quito that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Quito for January.
Church of the Society of Jesus
1. Church of the Society of Jesus
4.8
(2849)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Iconic baroque church, built from 1605–1765, known for its elaborately carved, gilded interior.
Old town Quito Suites
2. Old town Quito Suites
4.9
(100)
Hotel
Sights & Landmarks
Warmly decorated apartments in a charming guesthouse featuring a patio & limited parking.
TelefériQo Cable Car
3. TelefériQo Cable Car
4.6
(7761)
Mountain cable car
Transportation
Attraction with a cablecar lift to the top of a mountain for high-altitude hikes & panoramic views.
Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Cristobal Ortega Maila
4. Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Cristobal Ortega Maila
4.6
(1798)
Museum
History Museums
Exhibits on Andean indigenous culture in an imposing stone building designed by artist Ortega Maila.
Basílica del Voto Nacional
5. Basílica del Voto Nacional
4.8
(15770)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Monumental 19th-century church featuring ornate neo-Gothic styling & city views from its towers.
Middle of the World City
6. Middle of the World City
4.7
(29490)
Monument
Sights & Landmarks
Stone monument along the equator & a plaza where visitors can stand with a foot in each hemisphere.
C. de la Rda.
7. C. de la Rda.
Sights & Landmarks
Educational sites
Intiñan Equator Museum
8. Intiñan Equator Museum
4.7
(3655)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Museum showcasing exhibits from places on the equator, plus equator-related science experiments.
Capilla del Hombre
9. Capilla del Hombre
4.7
(2444)
Art museum
Museums
Museum honoring Latin Americans with extensive artworks by Oswaldo Guayasamín & artifacts.
San Francisco Catholic Church
10. San Francisco Catholic Church
4.8
(3582)
Catholic church
Sights & Landmarks
Monumental baroque church with an interior featuring elaborate paintings & sculpture.
El Panecillo
11. El Panecillo
4.6
(1137)
Mountain peak
Sights & Landmarks
Rounded hill, a local landmark, with a 41m aluminum statue of the Virgin of Quito at its summit.
Independence Square
12. Independence Square
4.6
(17647)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Grand plaza & park in the heart of old Quito, lined with monumental government & church buildings.
Fundación Guayasamín
13. Fundación Guayasamín
4.8
(1670)
Cultural landmark
Museums
Museum dedicated to sculptor & painter Oswaldo Guayasamín in the artist's former hillside home.
Carondelet Palace
14. Carondelet Palace
4.6
(727)
Federal government office
Sights & Landmarks
1801 palace housing government offices & presidential quarters, with areas open to the public.
Plaza Foch
15. Plaza Foch
4.3
(18097)
Restaurant
Sights & Landmarks
Parque La Carolina
16. Parque La Carolina
4.5
(48457)
City park
Nature & Parks
Biking, soccer & basketball are popular in this vast park featuring a pond with paddle boats.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Quito?

Get inspired for your trip to Quito with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

Planning a trip to Quito?
Save all the best places to visit with WanderlogDownload the travel planning app everyone's been raving about
  • Itinerary + map in one view
  • Live collaboration
  • Auto-import hotels and reservations
  • Optimize your route
  • Offline access on mobile
  • Optimize your route
  • See time and distance between all your places
Learn more
Get the iOS app from the App Store
Get the Android app from Google Play