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.
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.
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.
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.