When to Ecuador
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-Month Guide
January
January brings warm, wet conditions to coastal regions with frequent afternoon showers and excellent beach weather between rain. The highlands experience occasional rain but remain mild, while the Amazon is hot and humid. This is peak tourist season for the Galápagos with optimal water temperatures and marine life viewing.
February
February is the warmest and wettest month along the coast and Galápagos, with tropical showers creating lush green landscapes. Highland temperatures remain stable with increasing afternoon clouds and rain. This is an excellent time for spotting sea turtles and marine iguanas nesting in the Galápagos.
March
March continues the rainy season with warm temperatures and high humidity across coastal areas, though mornings often bring sunshine. The Amazon experiences heavy rainfall, making river levels high for boat excursions. Highland areas see frequent afternoon thunderstorms but pleasant morning weather.
April
April marks the transition period with decreasing rainfall along the coast but still warm conditions. The highlands begin to dry out with clearer skies, making it ideal for mountain viewing. Fewer tourists arrive, creating a pleasant shoulder season with good weather and lower prices.
May
May sees the coastal wet season winding down with increasingly sunny days and warm waters still perfect for swimming. Highland weather becomes drier with crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons. The Amazon remains consistently wet and hot, with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
June
June ushers in the dry season for the highlands with clear skies and excellent hiking conditions, though nights can be cool. Coastal areas experience cooler temperatures and overcast skies as the garúa season begins. The Galápagos sees cooler waters but incredible marine life activity including whale sharks.
July
July offers prime highland weather with minimal rainfall and clear mountain views, making it peak season for Andean adventures. The coast experiences cool, gray days with the garúa mist, while the Galápagos has cooler waters attracting abundant marine life. This is high tourist season across Ecuador.
August
August continues the dry season with excellent conditions for trekking and cultural exploration in the highlands. Coastal areas remain cool and misty, less ideal for beach activities. The Galápagos experiences peak wildlife activity with sea lions, penguins, and whales commonly spotted.
September
September maintains dry, pleasant weather in the highlands with comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. The coast begins transitioning toward warmer weather as the garúa lifts. This marks the end of peak tourist season, offering good weather with decreasing crowds.
October
October sees the highlands transitioning to the wet season with increasing afternoon showers but still pleasant mornings. Coastal temperatures begin warming as sunnier days return. This shoulder season offers fewer tourists and reasonable prices while weather remains generally favorable.
November
November brings increasing rainfall to the highlands with more frequent afternoon thunderstorms, though mornings often stay clear. Coastal areas warm up considerably with improving beach conditions. The Amazon experiences heavy rainfall but excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife along swollen rivers.
December
December marks the beginning of the coastal warm season with sunny days and warm ocean temperatures perfect for beach holidays. Highland weather remains wet with frequent afternoon rain. The Galápagos enters its prime season with warm waters, sunny skies, and excellent snorkeling conditions, attracting holiday tourists.