Climate Overview
The climate in Otavalo is temperate. The average annual temperature is 12°C and approximately 2019mm of precipitation falls per year. Otavalo receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Otavalo sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Otavalo sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 7°C to 18°C. September is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 18°C with a mean of 12°C. August is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 7°C and an average of 12°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 9°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs.
Precipitation
Otavalo is a very wet location, receiving approximately 2019mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 168mm per month. The wettest month is April, averaging 249mm of rainfall. March and December also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is August, with just 48mm. That's 201mm less than April, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
Otavalo is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 1km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is August, averaging 2km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in November, with average winds dropping to 1km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 1km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
3 days until Summer
It is currently spring in Otavalo, which began on March 20, 2026. Otavalo sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced — temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in September at around 18°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in August near 7°C. Summer is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 3 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 9 to 18°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 695mm across the season with a monthly average of 232mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 1km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 7 to 18°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 256mm for the season, averaging 85mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. Comfortable clothing with a light layer for cooler evenings is all you need.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 8 to 18°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 458mm across the season with a monthly average of 153mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 1km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 9 to 18°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 611mm across the season with a monthly average of 204mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 1km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Otavalo based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
