Best Time to Visit Ecuador
From coast to rainforest and the iconic Galapagos, discover the best time of year for an adventure in Ecuador.
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Ecuador is beautiful all year round, but there are better times to go depending on where in the country you’re visiting and what you’d like to see. Its seasons are split into dry, June to September, and rainy, October to May. However, perhaps surprisingly, December to March are the best times to visit Ecuador despite the rain, which doesn’t fall for long. Temperature and climate change with the topography and altitude, so you’ll find very different weather in the Andes compared to the Amazon, while the Galapagos Islands have their own microclimate. Read on to find out more about when is the best time to visit Ecuador.
Our Experts Say...
"The Galapagos is a year-round destination, with incredible wildlife viewing opportunities every month. If you have a specific species on your wish list, I recommend discussing this with your travel specialist to ensure you travel at the best time. Whether it be the waved albatross on Española Island - seen between May and December - or the puffed-out chests of the frigate birds on Genovesa - seen only between April and June - we can plan around your desires to ensure that you are visiting at the perfect time.
"Otherwise, the Galapagos seasons are split into two: warm and wet (December - May) and cool and dry (June - November). The waters of the archipelago are roughest between August and October in case you're considering a cruise experience. The cooler months attract more marine life as food is in abundance, which make it great for snorkelling, although visibility can be a little better in the warmer months in case you're planning to dive."
Simon Hunt, Latin America Specialist
Monthly Climate Guide for Ecuador
, Ecuador
Average temperatures (Celsius) and rainfall (mm)
Ecuador’s climate changes slightly from month to month, but the biggest changes come between the regions, which each have their own weather patterns.
Quito and the Central Highlands experience consistently warm and mainly dry weather throughout the year due to the region’s position on the equator. However, because of the Andes’ altitude, the temperature changes dramatically between day and night. During the day, temperatures average 23-25˚ C, while at night it drops to around 10˚ C. In general, skies are clear in the morning but cloud over in the afternoon, with rain possible but not frequent. The wet season runs from October to May, with March and April seeing the heaviest rainfall. There is a brief dry patch in early December too. The best time to visit Ecuador’s central regions is from June to September.
Southern Ecuador sees the highest temperatures in the country, sitting in the 30s most of the year. Its rainy season is from January to April. The Amazon has no defined dry season and rain can be expected at any time of year, being a tropical rainforest, but you will usually find sun every day as well. The drier season runs from the end of May to the end of September.
The Galapagos are cool and dry from July to November, and warm and wet from December to June. The best time to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos is between December and June, as there’s more sun, the seas are calmer and underwater visibility is at its best. The average temperature ranges from a pleasant 20°C to 28°C, however being on the equator, the sun is very strong. The Galapagos can be great off-season if you wish to enjoy the national park without all the crowds, and the wildlife can be seen all year (although please speak to your travel specialist if there is a particular species you are interested in catching).
Seasonal Overview of Ecuador and the Galapagos
Whatever it is that calls you to Ecuador, from Amazonian adventure to Galapagos cruises, the weather will play a part in your plans. Although the country doesn’t display typical seasonal changes, the months bring with them different weather patterns and there’s a best time to visit Ecuador for all its thrilling experiences.
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December, January, February
Even though this falls into the rainy season, December and January, are two of the best months to visit Ecuador’s Cloudforest Mindo, near Quito, particularly in December before the humidity rises at the end of January and the rainfall increases in February. Throughout the summer months, the temperatures in Mindo create comfortable conditions for hikes, and it is a great time to visit for bird watching. The weather in Ecuador in December (which is warm with some rain) brings the forest alive with colourful flora and fauna and exciting wildlife, which is best seen from Mashpi Lodge an incredible hotel built into the forest. You’ll find over 500 bird species, waterfalls, and butterfly gardens on your doorstep.
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March, April, May
One of the best times to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is between March and May. While there is some rainfall, it is mainly drizzle and this is the sunniest time of year too. Peak season in the Galapagos tends to fall between December and January or June and August, so going out of season will reward you with quieter viewing spots. The national park limits the number of visitors each year and at any one time, so you need to book your cruise well in advance – at least a year. The sea is warm and calmer at this time of year, so it is one of the best times to go snorkelling and you’ll be able to travel out to some of the harder-to-reach islands. You’re most likely to see humpback whales, dolphins, and sea turtles if you visit the Galapagos between December and May, while many animals begin their breeding season between January and March, so you could also see some of the iconic mating rituals which are unique to the islands.
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June, July, August
While it’s summer in the northern hemisphere, Ecuador experiences its dry winter months, making it a thrilling summer holiday destination for families, particularly for those with teens. Keen walkers will love the mild weather, which causes the Central Highlands to come into full bloom, providing vibrant scenery. Clear skies offer incredible views stretching as far as the eye can see and little rainfall means the paths are easier to navigate as you walk past majestic peaks, lush valleys, and picturesque villages. More adventure awaits in Otavalo and its surrounding valleys, where you can make the most of the sunny weather with mountain biking, horse riding and condor spotting. Winter is also one of the best times to visit Ecuador’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, which include Quito and Cuenca. Explore the cultural charms of these beautiful cities with strolls around their impressive colonial architecture, historic churches, traditional markets, and artisan shops.
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September, October, November
Spring in Ecuador typically brings warm weather and the occasional shower. Given that the Amazon is always rainy anyway, this is the best time of year to visit Ecuador’s pristine jungle. Rich in biodiversity, you’ll find critters and creatures big and small, meander down waterways, witness indigenous life and take part in high-octane adventures. The wet weather means the rivers are full and flowing, so ripe for white-water rafting and canoeing along looking for all the colourful birdlife. Unforgettable experiences in the Ecuadorian rainforest include learning traditional tribal activities such as blowpipe hunting, hiking amongst sloths and howler monkeys, and fishing for piranhas.
- December, January, February
- March, April, May
- June, July, August
- September, October, November
Exploring Ecuador’s Top Destinations
The Galapagos
The Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boast unparalleled biodiversity, with a huge array of endemic species, from the iconic Galapagos giant tortoises to marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies. It’s a year-round destination so you can go anytime and see incredible things, however, its peak seasons coincide with school holidays, making July/August and December/January the most popular times to visit.
While the Galapagos Islands’ seasons are split into rainy and dry, they don’t see huge amounts of rainfall even during the wetter months, and each season offers something unique. From January to May, the sea is warmer and calmer, which means it's the best time to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos if you get seasick and if you want to snorkel. Visibility can be affected by the rain, but it comes in short spells. June to November is the dry, cooler season, but temperatures don’t usually drop below 20℃.
If you want to see certain animals, you might be dictated by their seasonal habits. For example, the waved albatross relies on the wind to fly and so are only found on Española between April and December, before they fly away again. Many birds will nest their eggs between February and April, making the months on either side a good time to see mating calls (between June and August for the blue-footed booby) or new babies. Sea lions, marine iguanas and penguins tend to gather in groups for their mating and breeding season between June and December. You’ll see giant tortoises all year round, but their eggs begin to hatch in December and babies can be seen emerging until April. To find out the best time of year to visit the Galapagos for you, speak to our travel experts.
Highlight Destinations
For adventurers who want to delve deep into the Amazon Rainforest, the best time to visit Ecuador is from June to December. While you’re likely to get rainfall all year round, these months have the least, making it easier to navigate through the dense foliage and explore the jungle on hikes. Additionally, this drier season offers the best conditions for activities such as canoeing, and wildlife watching.
For those interested in Ecuador's rich history and culture, any time of the year is suitable for visiting the historic cities of Quito and Cuenca. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites boast stunning colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and fascinating museums that offer insight into Ecuador's past and present. And because of their position on the equator, they are sunny and dry most of the year.
If you're dreaming of relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, the best time to visit Ecuador's beaches is during the dry season from June to December. You can soak up the sun, swim in the warm Pacific waters, and enjoy water sports like surfing and snorkelling along the picturesque coastlines of destinations like Montañita, Mompiche and of course the Galapagos’ beaches.
Best Time to Visit Ecuador FAQs
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Our tours to Ecuador and the Galapagos are between 10 days and 2 weeks but they can all be tailored to your requirements. Galapagos cruises are usually between 4 and 7 days, and we’d recommend a day or two on either side in Quito or alternative destinations to acclimatise and explore.
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June to November are the best months to visit Ecuador for hiking. The dry weather means that trails are safe and not slippery, while the clear skies allow you to soak in the uninterrupted views.
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You can enjoy birdwatching in Ecuador all year round thanks to the many incredible habitats and locations that you’ll find them in. The Galapagos, the Amazon and the Andes are all home to their own species, some of which are unique to Ecuador. Speak to a travel expert to find out exactly where and when you should travel to see the birds that you’re most interested in.
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The best time of year to visit Ecuador and Peru is between April and July. July to October is also a good time to travel there, but it’s likely the sea will be choppy around the Galapagos. Two combine two of the world’s most incredible sites, have a look at our 15-day Peru and Galapagos itinerary.
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The best time to visit Ecuador for surfing is between December and April. Although this is during Ecuador’s rainy season, the weather is still generally sunny on the coast, and the ocean churns out consistent swells, providing ideal conditions for keen surfers.
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