December is a busy month in Quito, the largest fiesta of the year lasts for the first week of December and marks the city’s foundation. Celebrations include street parties, music and dancing, processions, bullfights at the Plaza de Toros, the election of the Reina de Quito (beauty queen) and general high spirits. Easter is another major fiesta in Quito when in the region of 90,000 locals celebrate, with the colourful procession of Good Friday during Holy Week.

Ecuador's capital enjoys mild days and cool nights almost year-round. The temperature ranges from 7ºC at night to 26ºC at noon. There are two seasons, wet (winter) and dry (summer). Quito's summer lasts from the end of June through to September. Quito sees its fair share of rain from October through to May, but this usually means clear mornings and an afternoon heavy downpour followed by the sun again.