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Published: 13-06-2022
Ecuador is formed by The Amazon Rainforest, which is tropical, hot, humid, and filled with unique and exotic plants and animals. Its backbone is the Andes Mountains. This area of Ecuador is full of volcanos, crater lakes, interesting natural rock formations, and lots of national parks. Ecuador has beaches, surf camps, and the fascinating Galapagos islands. In between all this, there are big cities like Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil. There are also small towns and traditional villages. Ecuador has a special indigenous culture, making it a special country to travel in South America.
Cloud Forests of Ecuador
When is the best time to visit Ecuador?
Most of Ecuador has a humid tropical climate, except in the highlands of The Andes Mountains. Because the country is very diverse, the weather and crowds may vary depending on region. Ecuador generally has two seasons: wet and warm, and dry and cool.
Wet and warm season in Ecuador
December to May. December through February usually doesn't have to much rain, so this is still a great time to visit Ecuador. Most days will begin with clear skies and sunshine, with potential rain showers in the afternoon. Holiday season increases tourism in December and January, so flight prices and crowds also increase. By February, crowds drop and the rain increases. March and April are extremely rainy, often with rain all day long. By May, the temperatures get cooler and rain drops off. May and June could be considered shoulder season, as they are in between the wet and dry season. From June to November is considered high season. June, July, and August are the busiest months in Ecuador. The weather is nice, with lots of sunshine and cool but pleasant temperatures. It usually doesn’t rain, except for the occasional shower. September, October, and November are less crowded and touristy. Dry season is ending, the rain may increase a little bit, and crowds will decrease. This is also shoulder season.
Rainy season in the Jungle
Andes Highlands
Includes: Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Loop, Cuenca, Otavalo.
The climate in the highlands is a subtropical highland climate. That means the weather feels like spring year-round. It never gets too hot or too cold. Daily temperatures are usually between 19-25 °c. with night temperatures around 10°c. At high elevations, especially near the volcanos, the weather can be very unpredictable and storms can occur at any time.
Dry season is best for hiking in the Andean Highlands. Anytime from May to October is ideal for visiting the mountains. If you plan on hiking or camping in the mountains at high elevations, the evenings and mornings can get very cold, with snow or hail occurring occasionally. Pack warm layers and cold weather gear just in case.
If you want to avoid the crowds during peak season of June through August, go hiking during shoulder season. May is great, and September through November as well. Those times will have fewer crowds.
Andean Region of Ecuador
Beaches and Coastal Regions
Includes: Montañita, Salinas, Canoa Beach, Guayaquil.
Ecuador’s coast has a humid tropical climate. You may think that the best time for enjoying the beaches is the dry season, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Dry season runs from June to November and is actually quite cloudy and has lower temperatures so it’s not ideal for beach days. This season is best for hiking and exploring the Highlands. If you want to enjoy the beaches and go surfing and swimming, the start of the warm and wet season is actually best. From November to January the temperatures are much warmer, and it most likely won’t rain all the time.
Galapagos Beaches
The Amazon Rainforest
Includes: Baños, Puyo, El Coca, Yasuni National Park.
Because the Amazon Rainforest is a tropical climate, it rains all year round. This keeps the land lush and green and the biodiversity thriving. If you are planning on visiting the Amazon in Ecuador, you’ll want to go during the dry season. December through May in the Amazon is extremely wet and flooding may occur, making road closures common. Wildlife is also harder to find while they are seeking shelter from the rain. From June to October, the weather in the Amazon will be a bit cooler and more enjoyable, and the rain won’t be too intense. This is the best time for exploring the Amazon!
The Amazon Region
The Galapagos Islands
Includes: Isabela Island, San Cristobal Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santa Fe Island, Baltra Island.
June to September and December or January are peak season for the Galapagos islands because of the holiday season. If you’re traveling to the Galapagos Islands during the peak season, book everything in advance as tours, flights, and accommodations usually sell out. The temperatures are a bit cooler in high season, so it’s not necessarily the best time for decent weather. The wet season is actually ideal for visiting the Galapagos, as the weather is warmer and there may be fewer crowds. The best weather in the Galapagos is from December to May, when it is warm and more pleasant, and the ocean is calm because the wind drops off. This also means better water visibility for snorkeling and diving. You can spot wildlife in the Galapagos year-round. But some specific events are time sensitive. For example, humpback whales can be spotted from June to September. Sea lions are born in August, and they take to the seas in November if you want to swim with them. The Green turtles lay their eggs at the start of the year. The babies hatch in January through March. Giant tortoises start hatching in December.
The Galapagos
