Weather in Ecuador

Equatorial Ecuador has a diverse selection of climatic regions, each offering optimal weather conditions at different times of the year.

The capital of Ecuador, Quito, lies in a central valley in the Andes Mountains, less than 20 miles above the Equator, but the high altitude of the city (2,900m or 9,350ft)ensures mild temperatures with weather similar to a European spring. This is just one example of how the topography of Ecuador has a localised effect on the climate.

For assessing holiday weather conditions in Ecuador, the country can be divided into four regions: the Pacific coast, the Andes highlands, the Oriente Amazonian rainforest, and the Galapagos islands.

The main factor which affects visitors to Ecuador is the precipitation. There is a distinct rainy season and dry season in each of the four regions.

On the coast the wet season runs from January to May, but surprisingly this is also the best time for beach-going, because the rain falls mainly in the afternoons, leaving the hot, humid, sunny mornings clear and bright. When the dry season follows the weather is generally cloudy, though cooler.
Moving into the Andean highlands one finds lower temperatures (the degree dependent on altitude) and the dry season occurring between June and September. By far the wettest month is April, when it rains almost continuously.

Ecuador’s rainforest region to the east of the country is known as the Oriente. Here conditions are wet and steamy all year round, with rain showers an almost daily feature of the weather, generally late in the day. The rain is most intense though between April and June, while the driest months statistically are August, and December through March.

Tourists heading for the Galapagos Islands will find conditions congenial all year round, temperatures moderated by the cool sea currents in the vicinity. Variations in weather conditions are minor from month to month, and overall it is warm and sunny by day, with cooler nights and low humidity levels. The hottest months in Galapagos are between December and June, and there is an increased chance of afternoon rain showers during this time. There can be misty mornings during the dry “garua” season (July to November), and an increased chance of cloudy skies.

 

When is the best time to go to Ecuador?

Recognised tourist seasons in Ecuador tend to follow the north American and European holiday seasons rather than optimal weather patterns. Between June and August and in December/January the main attractions are extremely busy with tour groups and lodging and transportation costs at a premium. Travellers not confined to these peak periods have the advantage of getting good deals outside of peak season, and because most of the country is warm to hot all year round, with rainfall when it comes confined to late in the day, Ecuador can be regarded as an all-year-round destination.

The popular Galapagos islands remain attractive for wildlife viewing all year, but those subject to sea-sickness should be warned the seas can be rough between June and December.


What to pack for a holiday in Ecuador 

Most people spend a lot of their time either in the mountains, jungles or at the beach. Bring plenty of sunscreen, a sunhat and sunglasses, and take scarves, gloves and warm hats for elevated areas. Jungle treks will require long trousers (zip-offs are extremely useful), long sleeved shirts, some T-shirts, shorts (at least knee length), swimwear, plenty of socks, strong hiking boots or amphibian shoes and sturdy sandals, as well as a lightweight raincoat or poncho– basic medical supplies and insect repellent are important. 

Take similar clothing when travelling to the mountain, but don't forget to add thermals or a second skin, a windbreaker and light raincoat, and make sure to carry layers of quick drying clothing. 

Bring light but strong clothing for the coast and Galapagos. Pack the usual beach fare, hiking boots (some places require rubber boots for the knee-deep mud), trainers and sandals, a windbreaker, a light raincoat, some layers for a day out at sea, light quick drying layers, loose fitting trousers, a long sleeved shirt or two, as well as insect repellent and binoculars for wildlife spotting.  

 

Weather in Ecuador in January

Average temperature in Ecuador in January: 20°C, 68°F
Sea temperature in Ecuador (Manta) in January: 25°C, 77°F
Average rainfall in Ecuador in January: 127mm, 5in
Note: January sees the start of the rainy season on the coast of Ecuador, but the rain does not impact on the enjoyment of the beaches, and conditions are very pleasant on the Galapagos Islands, where the sea turtles are nesting. It is wet and warm in the Andean highlands.
 

Weather in Ecuador in February

Average temperature in Ecuador in February: 20.1°C, 68.2°F
Sea temperature in Ecuador (Manta) in February: 26°C, 79°F
Average rainfall in Ecuador in February: 160mm, 6.3in
Note: It can be foggy and drizzly in Quito in February, but daytime temperatures in the city average around a pleasant 19°C (66°F). Although it is the rainy season (with high humidity) on the coast and Galapagos islands, the rain falls mainly in the afternoons. The jungle of the Oriente is consistently damp and steamy.
 

Weather in Ecuador in March

Average temperature in Ecuador in March: 20.2°C, 68.4°F
Sea temperature in Ecuador (Manta) in March: 26°C, 79°F
Average rainfall in Ecuador in March: 173mm, 6.8in
Note: The rainy season reaches a peak in Ecuador in March, making this a good time of year for adventure tourists to indulge in some white water rafting. Travel and communications can be disrupted by muddy conditions.
 

Weather in Ecuador in April

Average temperature in Ecuador in April: 20.2°C, 68.5°F
Sea temperature in Ecuador (Manta) in April: 25°C, 77°F
Average rainfall in Ecuador in April: 147.3mm, 5.8in
Note: Heavy rains sweep across most of Ecuador during April, making the highlands treacherous for trekking. Rain is more sporadic on the coast and relatively light on the Galapagos Islands, where tortoises are laying eggs and iguanas are nesting.
 

Weather in Ecuador in May

Average temperature in Ecuador in May: 19.8°C, 67.7°F
Sea temperature in Ecuador (Manta) in May: 25°C, 77°F
Average rainfall in Ecuador in May: 147.3mm, 3.5in
Note: The rainy season in Ecuador tails off during May, and by the end of the month conditions become favourable for hiking in the highlands, with the bonus of spectacular displays of wild flowers. On the coast and Galapagos temperatures and humidity levels drop slightly as the dry season sets in. In the rainforest of the Oriente it continues to be wet, hot, and humid.
 

Weather in Ecuador in June

Average temperature in Ecuador in June: 19°C, 66.3°F
Sea temperature in Ecuador (Manta) in June: 24°C, 75°F
Average rainfall in Ecuador in June: 60.9mm, 2.4in
Note: June marks the onset of the “garua” season along the coast of Ecuador and Galapagos Island. Although this is the dry season, it comes accompanied by overcast skies and morning fog. June still offers the chance of many sunny hours, and cool to warm weather. It is the start of the cool, dry winter in the highlands.
 

Weather in Ecuador in July

Average temperature in Ecuador in July: 18.4°C, 65.2.3°F
Sea temperature in Ecuador (Manta) in July: 23°C, 73°F
Average rainfall in Ecuador in July: 38mm, 1.5in
Note: Dry, cool and cloudy conditions on the coast of Ecuador and Galapagos islands make July a good month for snorkeling and dolphin and whale spotting. The highlands are cool and dry, chilly at night, and the jungle dry enough for exploration.
 

Weather in Ecuador in August

Average temperature in Ecuador in August: 18.4°C, 65.2°F
Sea temperature in Ecuador (Manta) in August: 23°C, 73°F
Average rainfall in Ecuador in August: 38mm, 1.5in
Note: August is peak holiday season in Ecuador, with tourists flocking in from north America and Europe to enjoy their mid-year break, which fortunately co-incides with Ecuador’s driest month. Temperatures on the coast are pleasant, cooler in the highlands, and the jungle is in full bloom. On Galapagos, marine birds are nesting and breeding and fur sealions begin to produce their young.
 

Weather in Ecuador in September

Average temperature in Ecuador in September: 18.8°C, 65.9°F
Sea temperature in Ecuador (Manta) in September: 23°C, 73°F
Average rainfall in Ecuador in September: 38mm, 1.8in
Note: With the tour groups from the north having headed home, the shoulder season is an idyllic time to visit Ecuador and Galapagos for some good holiday deals. Weatherwise it is pleasant too, although it can be cloudy and windy on the coast and Galapagos Island. Farm stays in Ecuador are popular at this time of year.
 

Weather in Ecuador in October

Average temperature in Ecuador in October: 19°C, 66.3°F
Sea temperature in Ecuador (Manta) in October: 23°C, 73°F
Average rainfall in Ecuador in October: 58.4mm, 2.3in
Note: October brings optimal conditions in the Oriente for trekking, while it becomes significantly more rainy in the highlands. The coast is generally overcast at this time of year, but remains warm to hot.
 

Weather in Ecuador in November

Average temperature in Ecuador in November: 19.2°C, 66.7°F
Sea temperature in Ecuador (Manta) in November: 23°C, 73°F
Average rainfall in Ecuador in November: 53.3mm, 2.1in
Note: November is one of the driest months in the rainforest of the Oriente, with minimal insect activity and dry hiking paths. It is warm but overcast on the coast and Galapagos Islands, and there is a great deal of wildlife breeding activity. In the Andes summer commences in mid to late November, which brings warmer days along with an increasing incidence of rain showers.
 

Weather in Ecuador in December

Average temperature in Ecuador in December: 19.8°C, 67.7°F
Sea temperature in Ecuador (Manta) in December: 24°C, 75°F
Average rainfall in Ecuador in December: 63.5mm, 2.5in
Note: Along the coast of Ecuador and on the Galapagos Islands temperatures are high and skies largely sunny in December, which is a popular tourist month. Light showers are possible in the afternoons. Rain is frequent in the highlands of Ecuador during December, but it is fairly dry in the Oriente during the early part of the month, ahead of the onset of the rainy season.