Knowing the best time to visit Ecuador is important to make your trip optimal and fully enjoy all the beauties of this South American country. Before traveling you have to consider, first of all, the weather. The two main seasons in Ecuador are divided into: The rainy season and the dry season.
The other aspect is to know which are the best months to visit according to the region of the country you are going to. Ecuador has four regions: The Highlands, the Pacific Coast, the Amazon jungle and the insular region, the Galapagos Islands. Each of them has its own characteristics.
In this post you will learn the relevant aspects to know what is the best time to visit Ecuador and fall in love with this megadiverse country.
When is the best time to visit Ecuador and the Galápagos?
The weather is a very important aspect for you to enjoy all the activities that this beautiful country, Ecuador, has to offer
The two seasons in Ecuador are: The wet season, and the dry season.
The wet season
The rainy season runs from October to May. However, during this time there are months that are wetter than others. April is one of the wettest and rainiest months of the year. It should be noted that in the Highlands, even in the wet months, most of the mornings are sunny and dry.
The dry season
This period runs from June to September. During this period the weather is usually dry and sunny throughout the day. There are some weeks that are usually warmer and drier in December and early January. However, do not be surprised if there are rainy days during this period.
Best time for visiting Andes region
The Andes is the region of Ecuador that has the best climate throughout the year. Its average annual temperature is 15-20 degrees Celsius during the day and drops to 5-10 degrees at night.
The months when the days are sunniest and clearest are from June to September. In the months of October and November there is a mixture of sunshine and rain. Finally from December to May are cold and rainy days.
In this region of the country you can enjoy activities such as hiking, trekking, climbing, horseback riding, biking and more.
What to visit?
- Quito capital city
- The Quito Historic Center
- Cotopaxi Volcano
- Chimborazo Volcano
- Cuenca city
- Otavalo market
- Quilotoa Lagoon
Click here learn about our tours and enjoy a great adventure.
Best time to stay in Amazon basin
This region of Ecuador is characterized for being humid, warm and wet throughout the year. Thanks to these weather patterns. This area of the country has an extravagant diversity of flora and fauna.
The Ecuadorian Amazon is considered a biodiversity hotspot. Anyone who visits this place will surely be amazed by the beauty of the landscape and nature.
During the months of December to May the rains are much more frequent and intense. Floods are common during this period and there is little chance of seeing wild animals. On the other hand, from June to October the weather is much cooler, warmer and the rains during this period are less. This is a great time to visit the Amazon, as you will be able to admire the wildlife and do adventure activities.
What to visit?
- Yasuni National Park
- El Coca
- Misahualli
- Papallacta
- Cuyabeno Reserve
- El Puyo
Here you can check more of our rainforest tours.
Best time for go to Coast region
The site of the beaches and the sea, the Ecuadorian coast. This region has a humid tropical climate throughout the year. During the months of June to November is the dry season, characterized by low temperatures and little rain, ideal for hiking and exploring.
The hot and humid season is from December to May. This season has a good time for enjoying the beaches, surfing and swimming. During this period there are high temperatures and abundant rain. It is important to keep in mind that in these months the sun is more intense, so you should bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap or hat.
What to visit?
- Guayaquil city
- Manta
- Los Frailes beach
- Isla de la Plata (Machalilla National Park)
Best time to visit Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands, known as the Enchanted Islands, are the insular region of Ecuador. It is characterized by an arid to very dry climate on the coastal edges and semi humid to humid as the altitude increases.
Although the islands are beautiful all year round, the best time to visit this natural paradise is from December to May, the warm season and the peak season. These months are perfect for wildlife viewing, snorkeling, diving and more. This season is driven by the El Niño current, which brings a warm current, causing both the water and the land to warm up; therefore attracting a greater number of species.
June to December is the low season in the Galapagos, here the weather is characterized by being drier and the sea waters are much more agitated so it is not recommended to perform diving activities.
What to visit?
- Lobos Island
- Kicker Rock
- Española Island
- San Cristobal Island
- Tijeretas Hill
- Sierra Negra Volcano
- Los Tuneles
- Charles Darwin Research Station
- Tortuga Bay
- El Chato
Here, you can check our tours and discover all the Galapagos wonders.
Come to Ecuador and enjoy all the scenic wonders, unique tourist attractions and fall in love with this beautiful country. Now you can take into account which are the best times to travel to Ecuador and do not miss any activity.
