Ecuador Travel Weather
When Is the Best Time To Visit Ecuador?
The answer to the question of what is the best month to visit Ecuador depends on what you are interested in doing during your stay. Here you can see an overview of each month and its typical weather conditions.
Tourist Season in Ecuador
Ecuador can be visited all year round, but it is important to keep in mind the characteristics of the particular region you want to visit, as well as the rainy and dry seasons, which vary from area to area.
The coastal region (Costa), can be visited all year round, both in the rainy season from January to May and in the dry season from June to December. There are definitely more tourists during the rainy season. Despite the occurrence of increased precipitation, it is much sunnier and warmer than in the dry season.
The mountain region (Sierra) is best visited from June to September, the ideal weather for trekking and climbing in the higher elevations. On the other hand, when traveling in the mountainous areas during the rainy season from October to May, one must take into account the many difficulties (impassable roads, local floods, rains, cloudy skies and fog).
The eastern regions (Oriente), along with the Amazon Plain, are very wet and rainy, and are best visited between September and March, when it rains the least.
The islands of the Galapagos archipelago can be visited during both the dry season from June to December and the rainy season from January to May.
Tourist season month by month. Legend
Tourist season - time period with sightseeing-friendly weather (or sunbathing in the case of small island countries) for the average tourist. For countries with a large geographical spread, the most visited places were taken into account and the data were averaged. For selected countries, seasonal holidays were also taken into account, as long as they significantly affect the tourist traffic in this period.
The best time to travel, you can count on very good weather.
A good time to travel, however, sometimes there can be some weather conditions that make the visit a bit difficult.
Travel possible, but it is not the best time. The weather at this time can be very unpredictable, with a tendency to be bad.
Travel is not recommended, the weather at this time can make sightseeing/resting very difficult or even impossible.
Popularity among visitors based on actual visits to popular tourist attractions (based on the average for 18 cities).
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Average temperatures throughout a year for Quito (°F)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
- Highest probability of encountering whale sharks in the Galapagos Islands archipelago: from April to November.
- Watching manta rays in the Galapagos Islands archipelago: from December to March.
- Best time to visit the Cerro Golondrinas Reserve: from June to September.
Season and weather by month
January - May
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
The summer months are also the rainy season in most areas of Ecuador. Air and water temperatures rise, and it is hot and humid. Intense, brief downpours occurring on sunny days are a daily occurrence.
This is a good time for those vacationing on the coasts and islands of the Galapagos archipelago. Fleeting rainfall occurring on hot days does not deter beach and sea bathing enthusiasts.
The favorable weather in the eastern region (Oriente) lasts until March, as this is when rainfall is lowest.
However, hiking in mountainous areas is not recommended, as increased precipitation can cause numerous difficulties (traffic, local flooding, poor visibility).
February is the period of Carnival, it is worth taking part in local festivals, parties full of traditional music and dancing. Meanwhile, before Easter, "Semana Santa" is celebrated, with street processions held throughout the country.
Holidays and observances in Ecuador
- 01 Jan 2025 - New Year's Day
- 03 Mar 2025 - Carnival
- 04 Mar 2025 - Carnival
- 18 Apr 2025 - Good Friday
- 02 May 2025 - Labour Day Holiday
- 23 May 2025 - Battle of Pichincha Holiday
June - September
Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep |
The driest months of the year. Warm and sunny days are ideal for trekking and climbing to higher elevations.
On the coasts (Costa) and the Galapagos Islands archipelago, it is rain-free but somewhat cool, with temperatures hovering around 20°C. However, cloud cover is increasing, which can be annoying for those who want to relax on the beaches. Many more beachgoers on the coasts vacation during the rainy season.
The eastern region (Oriente) experiences increased rainfall during this time.
Traveling in June, you can take part in the celebration of the "Fiesta de Inti Raymi." An Inca festival of the rebirth of the sun, enjoying shamanic rituals, especially in Mitad del Mundo, Peguche, Cochasqui, Otavalo and Ingapirca.
Holidays and observances in Ecuador
- 10 Aug 2025 - National Day
- 11 Aug 2025 - National Day Holiday
October - December
Oct | Nov | Dec |
Months heralding the return of high air and water temperatures. At the same time, the amount of precipitation increases, usually in the form of intense downpours occurring alternately with sunny, cloudless skies.
The rainy season continues in mountainous regions. Increased precipitation and fog cause numerous difficulties during trekking. Due to poor visibility, climbing in the higher parts of the mountains is not recommended.
It is possible to travel in the eastern regions (Oriente) without much trouble; precipitation in this area is not as troublesome.
The coast (Costa) and the Galapagos Islands archipelago are also available for tourists.
The Christmas and New Year period attracts tourists. Christmas Eve is celebrated with numerous processions in every city. On the other hand, on December 31, pyres with dummies of the old year are burned throughout the country, and dances and fireworks displays begin after midnight.
Holidays and observances in Ecuador
- 25 Dec 2024 - Christmas Day
- 10 Oct 2025 - Independence of Guayaquil
- 02 Nov 2025 - All Souls' Day
- 03 Nov 2025 - Independence of Cuenca
- 04 Nov 2025 - All Souls' Day Holiday
Quito
Tuesday 24 Dec
Humidity
86%Cloud cover
86%Wind speed
4.7 mphChance of rain
100%Quito
Wednesday 25 DecHumidity
86%Cloud cover
82%Wind speed
6 mphChance of rain
100%Quito
Thursday 26 DecHumidity
89%Cloud cover
90%Wind speed
5.6 mphChance of rain
100%Quito
Friday 27 DecHumidity
89%Cloud cover
100%Wind speed
4 mphChance of rain
100%Quito
Saturday 28 DecHumidity
85%Cloud cover
84%Wind speed
5.3 mphChance of rain
100%Climate and Average Weather in Ecuador
General weather conditions each month by city.
Weather Map
The icons next to the month name indicate the convenience of the date for visiting the selected area/territory/ country. They are only a suggestion and should not be used as the final criterion for selecting your travel date. The season is defined as the time period with the weather favorable for sightseeing (or sunbathing - small island countries) for the average tourist. For countries with a large geographical range, the most touristic places were included.
Colombia