Best Time to Visit Ecuador

From coast to rainforest and the iconic Galapagos, discover the best time of year for an adventure in Ecuador.

  • Personalised, luxury holidays to Ecuador when the weather is just right
  • Top tips on when to go from our travel professionals
  • Unparalleled adventures tailored to each season
  • 24/7 assistance no matter what time of year
Best time to visit

Monthly Climate Guide for Ecuador

, Ecuador

Average temperatures (Celsius) and rainfall (mm)

Jan
25°C 21mm
Feb
26°C 23mm
Mar
27°C 24mm
Apr
26°C 21mm
May
24°C 19mm
Jun
24°C 13mm
Jul
22°C 16mm
Aug
24°C 13mm
Sep
24°C 13mm
Oct
24°C 18mm
Nov
24°C 24mm
Dec
25°C 19mm
Jan
21°C 20mm
Feb
22°C 26mm
Mar
22°C 33mm
Apr
23°C 19mm
May
21°C 19mm
Jun
22°C 18mm
Jul
22°C 15mm
Aug
23°C 13mm
Sep
23°C 12mm
Oct
22°C 21mm
Nov
21°C 22mm
Dec
21°C 23mm
Jan
32°C 5mm
Feb
31°C 5mm
Mar
31°C 5mm
Apr
32°C 2mm
May
31°C 1mm
Jun
31°C 0mm
Jul
31°C 0mm
Aug
31°C 0mm
Sep
31°C 0mm
Oct
30°C 0mm
Nov
31°C 0mm
Dec
33°C 1mm
Jan
25°C 21mm
Feb
26°C 23mm
Mar
27°C 24mm
Apr
26°C 21mm
May
24°C 19mm
Jun
24°C 13mm
Jul
22°C 16mm
Aug
24°C 13mm
Sep
24°C 13mm
Oct
24°C 18mm
Nov
24°C 24mm
Dec
25°C 19mm
Jan
33°C 16mm
Feb
33°C 22mm
Mar
33°C 31mm
Apr
33°C 20mm
May
33°C 11mm
Jun
31°C 4mm
Jul
31°C 3mm
Aug
32°C 2mm
Sep
32°C 3mm
Oct
33°C 2mm
Nov
32°C 2mm
Dec
34°C 4mm

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

  • How many days are enough for Ecuador and the Galapagos?

    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.

  • When is the best time to visit Ecuador for birding?

    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.

  • When is the best time to visit Ecuador for hiking?

    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.

  • When is the best time to visit Ecuador for surfing?

    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.

  • What is the best time of year to go to Ecuador and Peru?

    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.

Ria Santamaria

Europe Specialist

As a former banker married to a finance executive, I know full well that every holiday time is incredibly precious. I learned to plan my holidays to maximize every experience, create bonding moments with our two sons wherein we could discover the world and its myriad cultures together. I grew up in Manila, raised my family in Singapore and spent a three-year post in London.

Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning your holiday

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