Things to Do in Ecuador in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Ecuador
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- The highlands (Quito, Cuenca, Otavalo) are in their absolute sweet spot - dry season means clear mountain views, reliable weather for hiking, and those stunning Andean sunsets actually happen instead of disappearing behind clouds. You'll get crisp mornings around 8°C (46°F) warming to comfortable 22°C (72°F) afternoons, perfect for exploring markets and volcanic landscapes without the afternoon downpours that plague other months.
- Galápagos hits peak wildlife activity in February - sea lion pups are being born, marine iguanas are nesting, and the water temperature reaches 24-26°C (75-79°F), which is warm enough for extended snorkeling without a thick wetsuit. The warmer water also brings manta rays and whale sharks closer to shore. Yes, it's technically rainy season, but that means brief afternoon showers and dramatically fewer tourists than June-August.
- February sits in Ecuador's summer vacation sweet spot AFTER the main holiday rush (late December through mid-January) but before Easter crowds. Hotels in Quito and Cuenca drop prices by 20-30% compared to December, and you'll actually get space at popular spots like Quilotoa Crater Lake or Cotopaxi National Park without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
- The coastal region is warm and lush - while it's the rainy season, this means everything is green, fruit is abundant at markets, and beach towns like Montañita and Puerto López are relatively quiet. The rain typically comes as afternoon thunderstorms rather than all-day drizzle, so you can still enjoy mornings on the beach. Plus, this is when mangoes, passion fruit, and naranjilla are at their absolute peak.
Considerations
- The coast and Amazon are definitely in their wet season - expect afternoon thunderstorms that can last 1-2 hours, and occasional full rainy days that'll mess with beach plans or jungle treks. Roads in the Amazon basin can become difficult to navigate, and some remote lodges might have limited access. If your entire trip is focused on coastal beaches, you're rolling the dice a bit.
- Galápagos pricing stays relatively high through February because it's still considered prime season for wildlife viewing. Expect last-minute cruise prices around $3,500-5,500 for 5-day trips, and flights from Quito running $400-550 roundtrip. Unlike the highlands, you won't find the post-holiday discounts here - the sea lions don't care about human vacation schedules.
- The weather variation between regions means packing becomes complicated - you'll need layers for cold highland mornings, rain gear for the coast, and lightweight breathable clothes for the Amazon, all in one bag. The temperature swing from 8°C (46°F) in Quito at dawn to 31°C (88°F) in the Amazon by afternoon is real, and tourists consistently underestimate how cold those Andean nights actually get.
Best Activities in February
Cotopaxi National Park hiking and volcano viewing
February is genuinely the best month for Cotopaxi - the dry highland weather means you'll get those crystal-clear views of the 5,897m (19,347 ft) volcano that are obscured by clouds the rest of the year. The trails around Limpiopungo Lagoon are dry and accessible, and if you're attempting the glacier climb to the summit, conditions are most stable now. Morning temperatures start around 2°C (36°F) at the parking area (4,600m/15,092 ft), warming to maybe 10°C (50°F) by midday. The lack of afternoon rain means you can actually plan full-day hikes without getting caught in storms. Most visitors do the acclimatization hike to José Ribas Refuge at 4,800m (15,748 ft), which takes 3-4 hours roundtrip.
Otavalo Market and northern highland villages
The Saturday market at Otavalo is the largest indigenous market in South America, and February's dry weather means you're wandering through textile stalls and trying street food without mud or rain interruptions. The market actually runs daily now, but Saturday is when it explodes into the full cultural experience with livestock trading starting at dawn. The surrounding villages - Peguche with its waterfall, Cotacachi known for leather goods, and San Pablo Lake - are all accessible on day trips. Temperatures are comfortable for walking around, typically 15-20°C (59-68°F) during market hours. The clear skies also mean better photos of the surrounding volcanoes (Imbabura and Cotacachi) that frame the valley.
Galápagos snorkeling and wildlife cruises
February is peak breeding season across the islands - you'll see sea lion pups learning to swim, land iguanas displaying their mating colors, and the water is warm enough (24-26°C/75-79°F) that you can snorkel for extended periods without going numb. The warmer water also brings hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and occasionally whale sharks to sites like Gordon Rocks and Kicker Rock. Yes, you'll get some rain (usually brief afternoon showers), but it's actually greener and more lush than the dry season, and tourist numbers are lower than the June-August peak. The seas can be slightly choppier than other months, so if you're prone to seasickness, come prepared.
Quilotoa Crater Lake hiking circuit
The Quilotoa Loop is a series of highland villages connected by hiking trails, with the stunning turquoise crater lake as the centerpiece. February's dry weather makes this ideal - the trails between villages are muddy messes during rainy months, but now they're actually walkable. The full loop (Quilotoa-Chugchilán-Isinliví-Sigchos) takes 3-4 days of hiking, or you can do the crater rim walk as a day trip (5-6 hours around the rim, or 1.5 hours down to the lake and 2 hours back up the steep trail). At 3,914m (12,841 ft) elevation, mornings are cold around 5°C (41°F), but by midday you're hiking in pleasant 15°C (59°F) sunshine. The clear skies mean you'll actually see the crater lake's famous color instead of it being shrouded in mist.
Baños adventure activities and thermal baths
Baños sits at the edge of the Amazon basin, so February means you're getting some rain, but the town is literally built around adventure tourism and operates year-round. This is Ecuador's adrenaline capital - waterfall rappelling, canyoning, bridge jumping, and mountain biking down the Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall Route) are all available daily. The thermal baths (the town's namesake) are actually better in February when it's cooler - soaking in 40°C (104°F) mineral water while rain falls is pretty magical. The nearby Tungurahua volcano is active and often visible from town, putting on evening lava shows if you're lucky. Temperatures range 18-24°C (64-75°F), and the rain usually comes as afternoon/evening showers rather than all-day events.
Cuenca colonial city walking and nearby ruins
Cuenca is Ecuador's most elegant colonial city, and February's dry highland weather makes it perfect for wandering the cobblestone streets and visiting the nearby Incan ruins at Ingapirca. The city sits at 2,560m (8,399 ft), so temperatures are mild - 15-22°C (59-72°F) during the day, dropping to 8-10°C (46-50°F) at night. The historic center is compact enough to explore on foot in 2-3 days, with the flower market, new cathedral, and artisan neighborhoods all within walking distance. Day trips to Ingapirca (the largest Incan ruins in Ecuador) or Cajas National Park for high-altitude lake hiking are both easier in February's clear weather. The city has a strong expat community, so you'll find excellent cafes and restaurants that cater to international tastes while still maintaining authentic Ecuadorian character.
February Events & Festivals
Carnival celebrations nationwide
Carnival in Ecuador happens the week before Lent (dates vary by year, typically late February or early March), and it's a genuinely wild celebration involving water fights, foam spray, and flour throwing in the streets. The biggest celebrations are in Guaranda (known as the Carnival capital) and Ambato (which does a more family-friendly version with flowers and fruit parades instead of water fights). In Quito and other cities, expect to get soaked if you're out in public spaces - locals take the water fights seriously. It's chaotic and fun if you embrace it, frustrating if you're trying to do serious sightseeing. Many businesses close for the long weekend.