Quito is the capital city of Ecuador and one of the highest capital cities in the world. Located in the Andes Mountains in northwestern South America, Quito serves as the political, cultural, and historical center of the country. The city follows Ecuador Time (ECT), which is UTC−5.

Quito does not observe daylight saving time, so the local time remains the same throughout the entire year. Because Quito is an important administrative and tourism center in South America, many travelers and businesses check the current time in Quito when coordinating meetings, travel plans, and international communication.

Current Time

• Quito follows Ecuador Time (ECT).

• Standard Time: ECT – UTC−5
• Daylight Saving Time: Not observed

Quick Facts

Country: Ecuador
Capital: Quito
Time Zone: Ecuador Time (ECT)
IANA Timezone: America/Guayaquil
UTC Offset: UTC −5
Daylight Saving Time: Not observed
Population: Around 2.8 million people
Major Airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)

Time Difference From

• New York (USA): Same time during standard time, 1 hour behind during U.S. daylight saving time
• London (UK): Quito is 5 hours behind
• Dubai (UAE): Quito is 9 hours behind
• Tokyo (Japan): Quito is 14 hours behind

Daylight Saving Time

Quito does not observe daylight saving time. The city remains on UTC−5 throughout the entire year.

Best Time to Call

If you are calling Quito from other regions:

• USA East Coast: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Europe (London): 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Asia (Tokyo): 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM

These hours usually overlap with business hours in Quito.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time zone is Quito in?
Quito uses Ecuador Time (ECT), UTC−5.

Does Quito observe daylight saving time?
No. Ecuador does not change clocks during the year.

Is Quito in the same time zone as New York?
Sometimes. They share the same time during part of the year, but New York shifts during daylight saving time.

Where Is Located

Quito is located in northern Ecuador in South America, high in the Andes Mountains near the equator. The city lies about 2,850 meters above sea level.

What Is Famous For

Quito is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture, historic churches, and scenic mountain views. The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved colonial districts in Latin America.

Additional Note

Quito is one of the highest capital cities in the world, which gives it a mild climate throughout the year despite its location near the equator. The city is also an important gateway for travelers visiting the Galápagos Islands and Ecuador’s natural attractions.