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What You Will (and Won’t) Need to Enjoy Cuenca, Ecuador Weather

Cuenca, Ecuador has become one of the premier retirement and expat destinations in the world. Forbes and other publications consistently rank comfortable Cuenca as one of the most desirable locations in terms of culture, a growing expat presence, and cost.

In addition to all of those accolades, one of the major pluses of this Andean city is the climate.  Cuenca, Ecuador weather is ideal for those looking for the allure of a Latin American community without the extremes of heat and humidity. Owning property in Cuenca, Ecuador could be the answer to finding a place in paradise with the perfect temperate climate.

cuenca, ecuador weather

Howard Wood

Cuenca, Ecuador Weather – A Tale of Two Seasons

Like most of Latin America, Cuenca, Ecuador has two seasons – rainy and dry. The rainy season occurs from January to May, while the dry season generally runs from June through December.

During the rainy part of the year, mornings in Cuenca can be bright and sunny with afternoon rain showers. Much like spring in the U.S., the heaviest rainfall occurs during the months of March through May.

Regardless of which season, temperatures in Cuenca reflect the subtropical highland climate of most communities in Ecuador’s Andean highlands. With daytime temperatures in the mid 60s to high 70s and evening temperatures in the high 40s to low 50s, the air conditioner can certainly get a rest.

Below is a climate data chart for Cuenca that provides a good picture of what kind of weather expats can expect in this highlands city:

                                                                                      Climate data for Cuenca, Ecuador
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 26.7
(80.1)
26.1
(79)
27.2
(81)
24.4
(75.9)
25.0
(77)
25.0
(77)
22.8
(73)
25.6
(78.1)
25.0
(77)
27.2
(81)
27.2
(81)
27.2
(81)
27.2
(81)
Average high °C (°F) 20.6
(69.1)
21.1
(70)
20.6
(69.1)
20.6
(69.1)
19.4
(66.9)
18.9
(66)
18.3
(64.9)
18.9
(66)
20.6
(69.1)
21.1
(70)
21.7
(71.1)
21.7
(71.1)
20.3
(68.5)
Daily mean °C (°F) 15.3
(59.5)
15.8
(60.4)
15.6
(60.1)
15.3
(59.5)
14.4
(57.9)
13.6
(56.5)
13.3
(55.9)
13.3
(55.9)
14.7
(58.5)
15.3
(59.5)
14.7
(58.5)
15.6
(60.1)
14.7
(58.5)
Average low °C (°F) 10.0
(50)
10.6
(51.1)
10.6
(51.1)
10.0
(50)
9.4
(48.9)
8.3
(46.9)
8.3
(46.9)
7.8
(46)
8.9
(48)
9.4
(48.9)
7.8
(46)
9.4
(48.9)
9.2
(48.6)
Record low °C (°F) 3.3
(37.9)
2.8
(37)
3.9
(39)
1.1
(34)
0.0
(32)
−0.6
(30.9)
−1.7
(28.9)
−1.1
(30)
2.2
(36)
−0.6
(30.9)
−0.6
(30.9)
1.1
(34)
−1.7
(28.9)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 67
(2.64)
85
(3.35)
107
(4.21)
109
(4.29)
77
(3.03)
68
(2.68)
53
(2.09)
47
(1.85)
56
(2.2)
73
(2.87)
69
(2.72)
67
(2.64)
878
(34.57)
Avg. rainy days (≥ 0.1 mm) 20 21 22 19 15 11 10 10 12 16 13 10 179
Mean monthly sunshine hours 155 113 124 120 155 150 186 186 150 155 150 155 1,799
Source #1: Sistema de Clasificación Bioclimática Mundial (temperatures)[1]
Source #2: Cuenca Climate Guide [2]

Sources: Sistema de Clasificación Bioclimática Mundial (temperatures) and Cuenca Climate Guide

A Matter of Geography

With spring-like temperatures most of the year, expats should remember that sweaters and jackets may be necessary during the evenings. Cuenca, is, after all, in the mountains and, at 8500 feet above sea level (Denver, by comparison, is 5,278 feet), cooler nighttime temperatures are to be expected.

One benefit of the higher altitude is drier air. For sinus sufferers, the mountain climate can be a welcome relief from the chronic troubles more humid conditions and higher dew points often bring.

cuenca, ecuador weather

Paul De Andrade

What to Expect on an Average Cuenca, Ecuador Weather Day

Learning what clothes are needed and how to dress comfortably is an important part of acclimating to your new Latin American home. Here is what to expect on an average day in Cuenca:

The Morning

Cool, crisp mountain air, brilliant sunlight and fathomless, deep blue skies paint a perfect portrait of a Cuenca morning. The chill of the night may be lingering, so grab a sweater or jacket before venturing out for morning coffee.

Midday

A few wispy clouds may begin to appear that may, or may not, herald the approach of rain. As the temperatures have warmed up, you can leave the outerwear at home, open your windows to let in some of the gentle breeze, and enjoy another day in your mountain paradise.

The Late Afternoon

If this is during the rainy season, expect a rain shower (Have that umbrella or windbreaker ready). Fortunately, it won’t last long and will leave freshness in the air.

Nightfall

When going out for the evening – perhaps to a concert or dinner – be sure to have a jacket or heavy sweater along. By the time you return home, the temperatures could dip into the high 40s. That makes for good sleeping weather under an Ecuadorian blanket; if you have a fireplace, a nice fire can warm both the living space and the soul.

cuenca, ecuador weather

Micheal

The Cuenca, Ecuador Weather Is Moderate in Other Ways

With lower mountain temperatures than those that expats would encounter in beach or tropical rainforest areas, the cost of electricity (specifically for air conditioning) in Cuenca is dramatically lower than in regions where air conditioning is, virtually, a necessity. This translates in to a more budget friendly environment for expats who have a fixed or limited income.

Another benefit, albeit a more intangible one, is that the comfortable climate can act as a catalyst to more outdoor activity. Walking through the historical district – designated a UNESCO World Heritage site – is even more pleasurable while enjoying the cool mountain air under the stunning azure sky.

The Best Way to Discover the Meteorological Advantages of Cuenca – Go There!

For those expats who want to find a highland retreat that combines a great cultural and community environment, a comfortable mountain climate with moderate temperatures, lower rainfall, and drier air, as well as a vibrant social and art scene, Cuenca, Ecuador is for you.

If you are among those who have wondered about how you would enjoy life in the Andean Highlands, visit Cuenca and see for yourself. The spring-like weather that Cuenca enjoys year-round makes any season a great time to visit and immerse yourself in this gem of Ecuadorian life. Come on in; the weather’s fine.

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2 thoughts on “What You Will (and Won’t) Need to Enjoy Cuenca, Ecuador Weather

  1. Kimberly Davis-Anthony
    1

    Looking for a very nice and safe community for myself and my family that has all the modern conveniences. I am African american and my mother was half Latin american…I would like to find a place that does not promote racism….because my family is many shades from very light to very dark. Thanks

  2. 2

    It is unfair that White European and North American Immigrants (EXPATS) take vacation and
    retire in Cuenca, Ecuador enjoying the many benefits this beautiful place that it has to offer and in exchange they affect negatively the local’s economy and culture.
    Now more than ever, Natives have to endure sacrifices and travel to other countries because they can afford to live in their own land anymore. Way to go Expats! All thanks to you!

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