May · Ecuador
Best time to visit Cotopaxi in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Cotopaxi in May
Average temperature 10°C, 233 mm of rain, about 11 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 91% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
5.4/10
Ranked #12 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 10°C
- Rainfall
- 233 mm
- Humidity
- 91%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 11
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
May in Cotopaxi scores 5.4/10 for nature and wildlife travel - ranked #12 of 12. Expect around 10°C, 233 mm of rain, and roughly 11 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Cotopaxi volcano rises from Andean páramo with refuge hikes and wild-horse views above Quito. Best window: the core winter snow season, with shoulder weeks for quieter slopes.
May in Cotopaxi: mixed conditions, plan around the weather
Expect 10°C (50°F) in May. A good month for city streets, viewpoints and long meals; leave swimming for another season.
Expect monsoon-level rainfall at 233 mm: only about 11 days with 6+ hours of sunshine across the month, and stretches of heavy rain are normal.
That is 5.4/10 on the same scale — 12th of 12 months, versus 7.3/10 for the best month here.
Pack a mid-weight jacket, long sleeves and shoes you can walk 15 km in, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella, footwear you can get muddy.
Budget for low-season pricing, and crowds are light for this destination.
If your dates are flexible, September is materially better in Cotopaxi — 1.9 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Cotopaxi in May?
- In May, Cotopaxi averages 10°C, 233 mm of rain, and about 11 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 5.4/10.
- Is May a good time to visit Cotopaxi?
- May earns a 5.4/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Cotopaxi in May?
- Expect about 233 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 91% and there are about 11 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Cotopaxi
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Cotopaxi
Cotopaxi, Ecuador. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.