Driest Cities in Ecuador

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

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All Countries · Ecuador

Driest Cities — Ecuador

1 Santa Elena 25 9.1"

2 Salinas 25 9.1"

3 La Libertad 10 9.1"

4 Puerto Ayora 01 11.6"

5 Posorja 10 15.6"

6 Playas 10 15.8"

7 Puerto Baquerizo Moreno 01 21.2"

8 Bahía de Caráquez 14 22.0"

9 Puerto López 14 23.5"

10 Guabo 08 28.2"

11 Balao 10 29.3"

12 Ibarra 11 29.7"

13 Marcabelí 08 33.0"

14 Pimampiro 11 33.5"

15 Celica 12 34.5"

16 Cotacachi 11 35.0"

17 Atuntaqui 11 35.0"

18 Otavalo 11 35.0"

19 Cariamanga 12 36.8"

20 Cayambe 18 37.1"

21 Naranjal 10 39.3"

22 Pedernales 14 40.9"

23 Balsas 08 41.5"

24 Tulcán 05 43.2"

25 San Gabriel 05 46.1"

26 Esmeraldas 09 50.0"

27 Píllaro 19 50.2"

28 San Miguel 07 50.2"

29 Pujilí 07 50.2"

30 Latacunga 07 50.2"

31 Ambato 19 50.2"

32 Paján 14 54.7"

33 Sucre 14 54.7"

34 Jipijapa 14 54.7"

35 Baños 19 55.8"

36 Guano 06 55.8"

37 Pelileo 19 55.8"

38 Riobamba 06 55.8"

39 Muisne 09 62.4"

40 La Troncal 04 63.9"

41 Gualaceo 02 65.8"

42 Cuenca 02 65.8"

43 Macará 12 66.0"

44 Rocafuerte 14 73.0"

45 Santa Ana de Vuelta Larga 14 73.0"

46 Montecristi 14 73.0"

47 Manta 14 73.0"

48 Portoviejo 14 73.0"

49 Puerto Bolívar 08 78.7"

50 Arenillas 08 78.7"

51 Huaquillas 08 78.7"

52 Santa Rosa 08 78.7"

53 Pasaje 08 78.7"

54 Machala 08 78.7"

55 Sangolquí 18 86.8"

56 Machachi 18 86.8"

57 Rosa Zarate 09 92.6"

58 Valdez 09 95.4"

59 San Lorenzo de Esmeraldas 09 95.4"

60 Echeandía 03 98.4"

61 Catarama 13 98.4"

62 Ventanas 13 98.4"

63 Lomas de Sargentillo 10 100.2"

64 Santa Lucía 10 100.2"

65 Pedro Carbo 10 100.2"

66 El Triunfo 10 100.2"

67 Daule 10 100.2"

68 Eloy Alfaro 10 100.2"

69 Guayaquil 10 100.2"

70 Catacocha 12 108.1"

71 Catamayo 12 108.1"

72 Santo Domingo de los Colorados 26 108.1"

73 Palora 15 114.1"

74 Puyo 17 114.1"

75 Oyambarillo 18 115.7"

76 Pomasqui 18 115.7"

77 Quito 18 115.7"

78 Junín 14 117.1"

79 Tosagua 14 117.1"

80 Calceta 14 117.1"

81 Chone 14 117.9"

82 Palenque 13 124.5"

83 Colimes 10 124.5"

84 San Juan 13 124.5"

85 Vinces 13 124.5"

86 Balzar 10 124.5"

87 Alausí 06 127.3"

88 San Miguel de Bolívar 03 131.1"

89 Guaranda 03 131.1"

90 Portovelo 08 131.7"

91 Zaruma 08 131.7"

92 Piñas 08 131.7"

93 Nueva Loja 22 136.6"

94 Tres Postes 10 136.6"

95 Coronel Marcelino Maridueña 10 136.6"

96 Baba 13 136.6"

97 Palestina 10 136.6"

98 Alfredo Baquerizo Moreno 10 136.6"

99 Montalvo 13 136.6"

100 Samborondón 10 136.6"

The driest cities in Ecuador receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Santa Elena receives just 9.1 inches of precipitation annually.

Dry climates offer benefits including more sunny days, less seasonal affective disorder, lower humidity, and reduced mold and allergen concerns. These cities are often located in the desert Southwest or other arid regions with dramatic natural landscapes.

Water management is a critical concern for the driest cities, many of which rely on distant water sources, desalination, or strict conservation measures. As populations grow in these areas, sustainable water use and drought resilience become increasingly important priorities.

Did You Know?

1. Santa Elena gets just 9.1" of precipitation per year — less than many cities get in a single month.
2. Most of the driest cities are in the desert Southwest, where evaporation often exceeds precipitation by a factor of 10 or more.
3. Water conservation is a way of life in these cities, with many implementing xeriscaping requirements and water usage restrictions.

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