Cuenca's altitude of 2,500 metres gives it a mild, spring-like climate for most of the year — days typically reach 15–20°C and nights are cool but not cold. There are two dry seasons: June to September and December to January are the most reliably sunny months and the best time to visit. The main rainy season runs from February to May, with afternoon showers that are usually brief; the city remains perfectly manageable and considerably less visited.
Cajas National Park, just 30 km to the west, has its own microclimate and can be cold, windy and misty at any time of year — bring warm layers regardless of the season.
Two festivals are worth timing a visit around. Corpus Christi in June (date varies) fills the streets with food stalls, fireworks and the traditional sweet sellers that Cuenca is particularly known for. Pase del Niño on 24 December is one of Ecuador's most elaborate Christmas processions, with costumed participants from across the region converging on the historic centre.