Fast Facts
- Jan, Feb, Mar: avoids worst of the rain in Amazon; raucous Carnaval celebrations
- Apr, May, Jun: Galápagos is warm (yet wet), ideal for diving with marine life
- Jul, Aug, Sep: peak season; great time to spot whales (Puerto López is best)
- Oct, Nov, Dec: lively celebrations, notably Mama Negra festival
Seasonal Planning for Ecuador Travel
On the northwestern side of South America, straddling the equator, Ecuador has four main geographical regions, each with its own distinct climate: the sierra, the coast, the Amazon, and the Galápagos Islands. As well as the weather, the dates of the country's fiestas are worth considering when planning a trip. Major national celebrations include Carnaval (carnival), a movable feast held the week before Lent, and Semana Santa (Holy Week) in March/April. The migratory patterns of Ecuador's many wildlife species are another thing to consider.
Across the country, tourist numbers are at their highest from July to September, with December also receiving significant numbers of visitors. Flights and accommodation tend to be more expensive in these periods, as well as during national holidays and celebrations. A final thing to remember is that El Niño and La Niña weather patterns, which occur every few years, have a huge impact on the weather across Ecuador, with the former resulting in dramatically heavier rainfall.
See here for tour and itinerary ideas to help you plan your trip to Ecuador, and read Best Time of Year to Visit the Galápagos if you have plans to include the islands in your trip.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
The Sierra
The Andean highlands form the central part of the country, with the Amazon rainforests to the east and the Pacific coast to the west. Here you find the capital Quito, which sits at an altitude of 9,186 feet (2,800 m), and a range of key tourist destinations, notably the colonial city of Cuenca, the market town of Otavalo, and the Ingapirca Inca ruins.
Temperatures in the Sierra are fairly stable year-round. In Quito, which is broadly representative of the region, they hover around a maximum of 72°F (22°C) and a minimum of 46°F (8°C). But there's significant variation in rainfall, with June-September the driest period (averaging 1.6 in/4.1cm per month) and March-May the wettest (averaging 6 in/15 cm per month). Even during the wet periods, however, the mornings are often clear, with the rain generally moving in during the afternoon.
Weather-wise, the best months to visit the region are July and August, though this is also the most popular time with travelers. November is another good time to travel, with the spectacular Mama Negra festival taking place in the town of Latacunga on the first Friday or Saturday of November, and All Souls' Day (also known as the Day of the Dead) marked across the highlands on November 2.
Events in the Sierra
Mushuk Nina, Andes (March 21). This is the Andean New Year, celebrated only in a few places with strong Andean roots, such as the archaeological site of Ingapirca near Cuenca. Held to celebrate the spring equinox, it involves rituals, including shamans performing smoke cleansing, and lots of traditional music. It's a great festival for experiencing local mountain culture with a few other foreign travelers around.
Corpus Christi, Cuenca (late May/early June). This is a religious festival and, of course, a good excuse to sing, dance, and eat traditional food. It happens in many locations across the Highlands, most notably Cuenca.
Paseo de Chagra, Machachi (July 21). In and around Machachi, in the highlands near Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, a volcano-studded national park, this can be an intriguing festival to watch. Chagras are Ecuador's cowboys, and they compete against each other in parades, rodeos, and other contests in full traditional dress.
Fiesta de Mamá Negra, Latacunga (September 23-24). This is one of the most famous and largest festivals in the Highlands, held in Latacunga. This is a grand display of pageantry and merry-making, where performers dress as Indigenous Amazonians, enslaved Africans, and conquistadors (all caricatured equally) to represent the different components of Ecuador's founding.
The Coast
West of the Andes, Ecuador's coastal region is significantly warmer and wetter than the Sierra. From June to November, the average monthly rainfall in Guayaquil, the country's largest city, is less than an inch (just 4.5 mm), with an average maximum temperature of 86°F (30°C) and a minimum of 66°F (19°C). Between December and May, the average maximum and minimum temperatures nudge up a couple of degrees. But it's also significantly wetter, especially in the January-March period, which averages 10 inches (255 mm) per month.
Beyond the weather, there are a few other factors to take into account when planning your trip. On July 25 and 26, the residents of Guayaquil celebrate first the birthday of "El Libertador" Simón Bolívar, and then the city's foundation, with colorful parties, processions, and fireworks. This is an excellent time to be in the city. Meanwhile, between June and September, humpback whales appear off the coast of Puerto López and are easy to spot on boat trips.
Events On the Coast
Fiesta de la Chirimoya, Isla Puná (May 3). This festival celebrates the delicious fruit better known in English as the custard apple, held on Isla Puná near Guayaquil. It's a good opportunity to try the local cuisine, themed around seafood.
Fiestas Julianas / Founding of Guayaquil, (July 24-25). Ecuador's big southern city goes crazy as it celebrates not only the birthday of freedom fighter Simón Bolívar (on July 24) but also its founding the following day.
Feria del Banano, Machala (third week of September). Happening in the southern city of Machala, this festival celebrates the banana, the main food crop hereabouts.
Independence Day of Guayaquil / Día de la Raza, Guayaquil (October 9-12). People in Guayaquil know how to make a party last. Guayaquil's independence from the Spanish (achieved in 1820) is celebrated on October 9. But another special day, Día de la Raza, occurs on October 12, so this entire period becomes a time of cultural events and activities, with quite a few parades and processions.
The Amazon
East of the Sierra, and making up around 40 percent of the country, is the Amazon, commonly known as the Oriente. Bordering Colombia and Peru, the region is hot, wet, and humid throughout the year, with temperatures averaging around 77°F (25°C). To avoid the worst of the rain, visit the region in the August-September or December-February periods (though you'll still need to take your wet-weather gear).
Events in the Amazon
Jondachi Fest, Tena (mid-January). This festival takes place in Tena in the middle of the month, celebrating Tena's famous rivers and held around a whitewater rafting competition.
Fiesta de Chonta, Archidona (mid-April). In the Amazonian town of Archidona, this celebrates the importance of the chonta fruit to the local economy and culture. A special fermented beverage made from the chonta is drunk in ample quantities.
The Galápagos Islands
Located 603 miles (970 km) west of mainland Ecuador, this archipelago has two main seasons.
The "cool and dry" season runs from July to December: it's often overcast and misty, with drizzle over the island uplands, though rain is relatively rare (just over 10 mm per month). The average maximum temperature is 79°F (26°C), with a minimum of 68°F (20°C). During this period, the sea temperature drops to an average of 72°F (22°C), with August and September particularly cold, so you'll need a wetsuit if you want to swim, snorkel, or dive. The sea is also rougher at this time, which is something to bear in mind if you're planning to go on a cruise, particularly on a smaller vessel.
The "warm and wet" season runs from January to June. At this time of the year, heavy bursts of rain are common, but temperatures are at their highest, with an average maximum of 84°F (29°C) and a minimum of 73°F (23°C). The sea is also warmer (averaging 77°F/25°C) and calmer.
The peak visitor seasons run from mid-June to the end of August and from December to mid-January. During these periods, prices are higher and demand for cruises, flights, and tours is much greater, so you'll need to book well in advance. Although you're in for incredible wildlife spotting year-round, some species only make appearances at particular times. For example, the best time to see whales and dolphins is June through October, while the waved albatross mating season is March to January.