Driest Cities in Ecuador

Top 100 cities ranked by driest cities

Best Ecuador Cities

Composite rankings combining multiple weighted metrics, 4 topics from climate and air quality data.

Best Climate Cities
Warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine and clean air.
Cleanest Air Cities
Lowest pollution levels for healthy outdoor living.
Sunniest Cities
Most days of sunshine per year, with warm and dry climate.
Most Urban Cities
Densely populated city centers with the largest urban footprints.
Population & Density
Largest Cities Smallest Cities Most Dense Least Dense
Climate & Air
Warmest Cities Coldest Cities Rainiest Cities Driest Cities Snowiest Cities
Geography & Infrastructure
Highest Elevation Most Restaurants
All Countries  ·  Ecuador

Driest Cities - Ecuador

1 Salinas 25 9.1"
2 Santa Elena 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 El Ángel 05 43.0"
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 San Vicente 14 53.8"
33 Leonidas Plaza Gutiérrez 14 53.8"
34 Sucre 14 54.7"
35 Paján 14 54.7"
36 Jipijapa 14 54.7"
37 Guano 06 55.8"
38 San Andrés 06 55.8"
39 Ilapo 06 55.8"
40 Cubijíes 06 55.8"
41 Baños 19 55.8"
42 Pelileo 19 55.8"
43 Pelileo Grande 19 55.8"
44 Riobamba 06 55.8"
45 San Luis 06 55.8"
46 Lincán 06 55.8"
47 Chile 12 56.6"
48 Tabacundo 18 59.8"
49 Tupigachi 18 59.8"
50 Muisne 09 62.4"
51 La Troncal 04 63.9"
52 Gualaquiza 15 64.7"
53 Gualaceo 02 65.8"
54 La Unión 02 65.8"
55 Chordeleg 02 65.8"
56 Cuenca 02 65.8"
57 Macará 12 66.0"
58 San Isidro 05 69.0"
59 García Moreno 05 69.0"
60 San Juan de Ilumán 11 69.0"
61 Chuga 11 69.0"
62 Piartal 05 69.0"
63 San Antonio 11 69.0"
64 La Esperanza 11 69.0"
65 San Francisco de Natabuela 11 69.0"
66 San José de Chaltura 11 69.0"
67 Doctor Miguel Egas Cabezas 11 69.0"
68 La Dolorasa del Priorato 11 69.0"
69 Santa Rosa de Flandes 10 71.5"
70 Manuel J. Calle 04 71.5"
71 Tenguel 10 72.5"
72 Rocafuerte 14 73.0"
73 Santa Ana de Vuelta Larga 14 73.0"
74 Charapotó 14 73.0"
75 Montecristi 14 73.0"
76 Portoviejo 14 73.0"
77 Ríochico 14 73.0"
78 Colón 14 73.0"
79 Manta 14 73.0"
80 Tonsupa 09 75.7"
81 Puerto Bolívar 08 78.7"
82 Arenillas 08 78.7"
83 Huaquillas 08 78.7"
84 Santa Rosa 08 78.7"
85 Puerto Jelí 08 78.7"
86 Pasaje 08 78.7"
87 Loma de Franco 08 78.7"
88 Machala 08 78.7"
89 Machachi 18 86.8"
90 Sangolquí 18 86.8"
91 San Rafael 18 86.8"
92 Conocoto 18 86.8"
93 Rosa Zarate 09 92.6"
94 Mariano Moreno 02 94.9"
95 Valdez 09 95.4"
96 San Lorenzo de Esmeraldas 09 95.4"
97 Echeandía 03 98.4"
98 Catarama 13 98.4"
99 Ricaurte 13 98.4"
100 Caluma 03 98.4"

The driest cities in Ecuador receive the least annual precipitation, often characterized by arid landscapes and abundant sunshine. Salinas 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. Salinas 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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Ecuador - By Region

Azuay Cañar Carchi Chimborazo Province El Oro Esmeraldas Guayas Imbabura Loja Los Ríos Manabí Morona-Santiago Province Pichincha Tungurahua Province

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