It's all change in Ecuador this month, as the coast becomes grayer and colder and the mountains brighter. It could be time to switch from sunbathing to trekking. Meanwhile, high water levels in the Amazon mean more great whitewater rafting and possibilities to explore wildlife-rich Amazon tributaries by canoe.

Weather

Quito & Highlands: Quito is broadly representative of the climate in the Highlands region, and the deluge of rain is coming to an end in this part of the Andes in May. Rainfall is at its lowest average amount of the calendar year, and it's set to get lower yet, bringing on high season in the Highlands from next month. The sun is more in evidence too, and there are many completely rain-free days.

Oriente/Amazon: Ecuador's Amazon climate varies because this is a vast region, but as a rule, this is one wet month, even by the standards of a very wet region! With an intense 13 inches (331 mm) of rain on average in May in places like Parque Nacional Yasuni, the region is overall experiencing its wettest month. 

Desert Coastal Strip & Galápagos: Rains, which have actually been high despite the hot and sunny weather, die off in May, both on the coast and the Galápagos Islands. This has some contrasting effects. On the coast, muggy, cloudy weather starts to sneak in toward the end of the month, making the coast cooler and less pleasant for beach activities. On the Galápagos, the rains are stopping too in May, but the islands are green because of all the water they have received, and despite cooler air temperatures, the waters remain warm and calm.

Crowds & Costs

This is widely considered the best month (alongside April) for visiting the Galápagos. However, it's far from the best month to visit the Highlands (where it's getting drier but is still not the most appealing time to visit) or the coast (where it's getting cloudy and cool). This is actually a great month for finding deals and discounts across all regions, except on Amazon, where, despite the wet weather, crowds keep coming for wildlife-watching opportunities.

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Where to Go

Quito & Highlands: In Quito, taking a trip on the TelefériQo Gondola high above the city in May yields superb, cloud-scattered views. Parque Nacional Cotopaxi offers great hiking amid snowcapped volcanoes: with better weather, a trip out here could be beautiful right now. Around Cuenca, explore the craft villages such as Sigsig or Chordeleg: indoor stores for the wet weather and good surrounding hikes for the dry.

Oriente/Amazon: This is a good month for exploring Parque Nacional Yasuni. An increasingly wet month like March means much wildlife evades the water levels and takes to the trees, so it is easier to see. The towns of Tena and Baeza, with great whitewater rafting, are still perfect to visit now for watersports, although from next month, watersports opportunities will decrease.

Desert Coastal Strip & Galápagos: May is a good month along the coast for doing non-beach-related activities. Canoa, a town with far more than just its beaches, is a good place to linger, with a nearby organic farm, Río Muchacho Organic Farm, on which you can stay overnight and eat some of the exquisite produce.

San Lorenzo in the north, with strong Afro-Ecuadorian culture and a lively festival this month, is another interesting stop. This is one of the best months for visiting the Galápagos (along with April) because the weather, although cooler, has not yet cooled the water, the rains have dissipated, and the landscapes are particularly lush. 

What to Do

Quito & Highlands: It is time to get the walking boots out in the Highlands. There are superb treks to do in the mountains, such as the Quillota Loop or hikes in Parque Nacional Cotopaxi, both not far from Quito. Photography is great at this time of year, with a mix of sun, cloud, and special light.

Oriente/Amazon: Once May is over, the opportunity to do whitewater rafting decreases a lot, because water levels will not be sufficient. May remains a good month for exploring small Amazonian tributaries by canoe, such as those in Cuyabeno Reserve.

Desert Coastal Strip & Galápagos: It is time to try coastal activities that don't entail laying on the beach or surfing: this could be exploring an archaeological site like Chirije, or exploring the buoyant coastal metropolis of Guayaquil. where you can find out more about Ecuador's chocolate-making legacy. It's prime time for visiting the Galápagos, when the comical blue-footed boobies begin their courtship and flamingoes breed and next. Waters remain warm and conducive for snorkeling and diving here.

Events in May

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.

Corpus Christi, Cuenca (late May/early June). This is a religious festival and, of course, a good excuse for singing, dancing, and eating traditional food. It happens in many locations across the Highlands, most notably Cuenca.  

More Helpful Information

Ecuador in April
Ecuador in June
Best Time of Year to Visit Ecuador
How Many Days to Spend in Ecuador