The best time to visit Ecuador is from December to April. This is the time when the wet season ends and the temperature remains high with sunny blue skies.
With less chance of rainfall, the May to November months remain relatively more relaxed, budget-friendly, and less crowded to explore the desired activities.
Planning to visit South America’s Ecuador, soon? Well, there is no such best time to go to Ecuador as it offers the best version of itself throughout the year.
The only differences you can find are in its weather, prices, and festivals.
Still, you can read our blog post to learn which part of the state, which time of the year, and what season is the best time to explore for your next vacation!
1. Visit Ecuador By Months
Many people think about a trip to Ecuador every year but are not sure when to go. There is no “ideally suited time” to go, it is up to the individual tastes and opinions of each visitor.
Depending on where in Ecuador you plan to visit, this guide will help to choose the best Ecuador weather by month of the year to visit.
March-May
From the beginning of March till May while rainy season, there are excellent chances to see wildlife drawn into the forest canopy by the abundance of food.
Surfers visiting Ecuador in March can take advantage of the epic waves, while beachgoers can enjoy the warm, sunny weather for snorkelling and scuba diving.
In May, the coast turns grey and cold while the mountains turn bright. It might be time to trade in your sunbathing for some hiking.
Meanwhile, increased Amazonian River flow means more opportunities for thrilling white water rafting and canoe trips through waterways teeming with exotic wildlife.
Climate From March to May
March is the second wettest month of the year, and the intense rainfall will end in May.
There is the least fluctuation in March’s average low temperatures, making it the coldest month of the year.
The monthly average rainfall is quite high at 6.4 inches. By the end of May, precipitation dropped to its lowest average level of the year, ushering in the Highlands’ peak season.
June-August
As a result of summer break in Europe and North America, both crowds and flight costs tend to peak in June, which is the best time of year to visit Ecuador.
A movable feast called Easter Monday occurs in mid-June.
In the Otavalo and Cayambe regions, the celebrations of San Juan, San Pedro, and San Pablo—collectively dubbed “Los San Juanes”—are also merged into one more significant event.
During the Virgin of El Cisne Festival, thousands of believers follow the sculpture of the Virgin Mary as it travels 72 kilometres from El Cisne to Loja.
Climate From June to August
The weather is nice, with lots of sunshine and cool but pleasant temperatures from June to August.
It usually doesn’t rain, except for the occasional shower with an average of 15°C during June through the end of the dry season in September.
Primarily cloudy skies make up a smaller fraction of June, falling from 68% to 55%.
Temperatures peak in September, the hottest month, and drop to the low 8°C to 18°C in July, the coldest month.
September-November
There are fewer people and tourists in September as the dry season is ending, and rain will likely slightly boost.
The Festival of Yamor in September will be filled with a massive party in Otavalo.
El Dia de los Difuntos, also known as “All Souls Day,” is observed annually in November throughout Ecuador.
Cuenca’s Freedom and Autonomy, the city’s biggest party, is an official holiday observed by the public.
This is a quite comfortable time weatherwise to stay in Ecuador as rainfall will be less and the temperature remains mild making it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and the warm coastal waters of the Amazon for water adventures.
Climate From September to November
From September through November, coastal areas experience unappealingly cool, muggy, and overcast weather, which is why fewer visitors visit Ecuador at this time.
The typical September day sees temperatures between 20°C-9°C. Some people say it’s slightly breezy and comfortable.
December-February
The best time to visit Quito, Ecuador’s capital city is from December through February.
This time is managed by the middle of the world as it balances the pleasant temperature with the presence of the sun with less rainfall during the day.
This is the time when temperatures are higher, and precipitation is less, which makes perfect weather for a trip to the Ecuadorian coast.
These are the best months for travelling if you plan on spending multiple days on a boat and seeing and interacting with wildlife in the Galápagos.
Ao Nuevo is a public holiday when people engage in pranks, parties, and water fights. With a ban on water cannons, Ambato celebrates a grand Fiesta de las Frutas for two full days.
Climate From December to February
Tropical wet conditions dominate December in Ecuador, but by February the weather has shifted to being mildly dry and cool.
Be prepared for cooler weather and the possibility of fog, rain, thunderstorms, and even undefined dop while visiting Ecuador in December.
The typical daytime highs range from about 13°C to about 22°C. A normal February day in Quito sees temperatures between 19°C-10°C.
2. Popular Times to Visit Ecuador By Season
If you want to know the popular time for visiting season in Ecuador, the truth is that there is no wrong time of year to go.
The dry season may be the least desirable time to visit Ecuador for some, but if you sort out too precisely, you’ll get the rainy season as the best.
The altitude and topography of the country contribute significantly to the wide range of climatic conditions. The country’s two main seasons are wet seasons and dry seasons.
If you are in doubt about a great time to explore Ecuador, the answer is conditional on your interests and desired itinerary.
Weather varies from season to season and place to place. This article will give you a brief overview of the best season to visit each region of Ecuador.
Ecuador in Rainy Season
The summer is the rainy season in Ecuador, with average monthly temperatures ranging from around 14.5° C.
The coast experiences a tropical climate, and rainfall occurs from the end of December to the beginning of May.
There is a wide range of climates across Ecuador’s four geographic areas. The Amazon Basin in the country’s east receives rain almost every day of the year.
The Galapagos Islands share a climate with the Coastal Region and face extreme weather events, such as rising sea levels.
Even during the rainy season, the mornings in the Ecuadorian highlands are usually dry, bright, clear, and sunny.
This can be deceptive because the rain typically begins in the early afternoon.
The rainy season is the best time to go hiking or kayaking because the waters are calmer and more conducive to the abundant wildlife that calls them home. The wet season is also the best time to relax on the beach.
Ecuador in Dry Season
June through September constitute the primary dry season in Ecuador.
There is a much lower chance of rain throughout these months compared to the summer season, and the weather is typically dry, bright, clear, and sunny throughout the day.
Travelling to Ecuador in the dry season puts you amid the country’s busiest tourist season.
The mild climate makes this year’s season ideal for outdoor activities such as walking, riding, canopy tours, canyoning, Tibetan bridge crossing, and horse riding during the day.
Tourists can try other adventure sports like rafting, canyoneering, cable skating, and Tibetan bridge crossings in the evening.
The dry season is the best time of year to discover the marine life of the Galapagos.
3. Best time to visit the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are a fantastic place to visit and explore at any time of year.
However, according to experts, the best time to visit Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands is between December and May.
The temperatures in the low to mid-80s during these months make for ideal hiking and wildlife-watching conditions.
Cooler temperatures and nutrient-rich water, which attracts rare fish and birds, between June and November.
Some birds you might see at this time of year include albatrosses and penguins. You can expect rain in these months, but it won’t be enough to cancel your trip.
There is no wrong time to visit the Galapagos because there is always something exciting.
Galapagos penguins and other species migrate to the central islands to escape the cold in August, so skip this month if you are a big fan of wildlife.
4. Best time to visit the Amazon rainforest
The climate in the Ecuadorian Amazon is warm and humid year-round, with abundant precipitation that increases noticeably between December and June.
At this time of year, the lushness of the jungle’s plants is at its peak.
Between July and November in the dry season, the water quantities are low, and the hiking trails are in excellent condition.
However, the rainy season, January–June, is pleasant for wildlife viewing. Fish, rare pink dolphins, and most forest animals gather in one spot as the water level drops.
July is a popular time for Brazilians to travel because it is a school holiday month.
April, May, September, and October are the least popular but budget-friendly times to visit the Amazon Rainforest.
5. Best time to visit the Andes mountains
The Andes Mountains are the tallest mountain range outside of Asia. During the dry season in May through October, daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 21°C.
It is ideal for a trip to the Andes because of the increased likelihood of clear skies and breathtaking panoramas.
In late June, Cusco celebrates the Inti Raymi Solstice annual festival. The valleys surrounding the city offer some of the best trekking adventures in the entire Andes.
The Andean summer season runs from November to April, ideal for exploring Ecuador’s famous volcanoes in the Andes Mountains range that cuts across the country.
October and April may not be the best time for a lengthy high-mountain trek, but there are many enjoyable hikes at lower altitudes.
6. Best time to visit the coastal region
The coastal region is only 40 kilometres distant from Ecuador’s capital city and is one of the four regions that make up the Republic of Ecuador.
This place has the most distinct wet and dry seasons; the ideal time to visit coastal Ecuador is between December and April when the skies are clear and the temperature is consistently high.
The days are longer and the water warmer. Although the average sea temperature drops between May and November, clouds dominate the sky, making it feel more relaxed than usual—especially in the south—and reducing the likelihood of rain.
The Pacific coast is beautiful any time of year. Still, December through April or May is the rainy season that is sunnier than the dry season.
January, February, and March are typically the wettest and hottest, so fewer tourists visit during this time.
Best time to visit Ecuador FAQs
Is Ecuador hot or cold?
The temperature is slightly warmer in Ecuador. So, you will feel hot at the temperature of 25 degrees.
Does Ecuador have cold winters?
There are no colder winters in Ecuador but the temperature drops down to 23 degrees during winter months.
How long should I visit Ecuador?
If you wish to visit Ecuador, plan for a stay for at least three weeks, or ten to fifteen days.
How long should I visit Ecuador?
If you wish to visit Ecuador, plan for a stay for at least three weeks, or ten to fifteen days.
What is the best month to go to Quito Ecuador?
The best month to go to the middle of the world Quito, Ecuador is during the dry season, which runs from June to September. Temperatures remain mostly consistent throughout the year
Conclusion
All in all, the best time of the year to visit Ecuador is the dry season i.e. from June to September.
This time offers less rain, snow-capped mountains, volcanic views, proximity to the outdoors, cultural festivals, fewer travel expenses, high tourist crowds, and more.
Still, you can pay a visit any time of the year to Quito, Ecuador as per your convenience and interest.
Whenever you plan to go, Ecuador’s diverse nature and beauty are always there to welcome you. So, make the best plan for your visit.
