Ecuador Climate

Climate of Ecuador

Ecuador is located in an equatorial climate zone, characterized by high, relatively constant temperatures that fluctuate slightly throughout the year. The weather is significantly influenced by relief, altitude and the cold Peruvian Currents that operate. These factors cause the climate and the ascending dry and rainy periods in each region to vary somewhat.

The coastal region (Costa) remains under the influence of ocean currents. In addition, the weather is influenced by the cold Peruvian Current, which washes over its southern part, bringing cool air. Air temperatures range from 23°C - 30°C on average. Rainfall in the area is low, in the range of 400 mm - 500 mm. The exception is the northern reaches of the coast, where it is much wetter, with about 2,000 mm of rain falling annually. The hot and humid rainy season usually lasts from January to May. During the dry season from June to December, although rainfall is rare, the skies are often cloudy and the temperature lower.

The eastern region (Oriente), a belt of foothills passing into the Amazon Lowlands, is a very warm and humid area. Temperatures range from 24°C to 28°C, with slight daily fluctuations. Rains fall here most of the year (over 2,000 mm), heavy rainfall can be expected mainly in the afternoons or evenings, with the greatest intensity between April and August.

The mountain region (Sierra) is characterized by large diurnal temperature fluctuations and climatic stratification, where air temperatures decrease with increasing altitude. The lowest floor (up to 1,000 meters above sea level) is the warmest, with temperatures oscillating between 23°C and 28°C, and annual precipitation of 2,000 mm. The "tierra templada" floor (up to 2,500 meters above sea level), the temperature here tends to be slightly lower, at around 15°C - 20°C. The "tierra fria" floor (between 2500 m and 3500 m above sea level), is an even cooler area, with temperatures reaching 12°C - 18°C. The "tierra helada" floor (above 3500 m), here the temperature does not exceed 10°C. In contrast, snow falls only high in the mountains, above 4,000 meters above sea level. The rainy season in the mountains lasts from October to May. There is little sunshine, thunderstorms and dense fog.

GALAPAGOS

Despite its location on the equator, the climate here is mild and dry sub-equatorial, determined by cold sea currents running through. The air temperature rarely exceeds 27°C during the day, and the water temperature around the islands ranges from 16°C to 28°C throughout the year.

There are two seasons: the dry season from June to December and the rainy season from January to May. During the dry season, the islands are swept by the cool waters of the Peruvian Current. It is reasonably warm, around 23°C, but skies are often overcast and there are fogs. Precipitation during this time is sporadic. However, during the rainy season, warmer waters from the Panama Basin reach the islands. Air and water temperatures rise by several degrees, and conditions on the islands become more tropical. It gets hot and steamy, and almost every day you can expect to see some fleeting rains.