Short answer: the best time to visit Ecuador’s Andes, including Quito, Cuenca and Cotopaxi, is June to September, the drier season, with the clearest volcano views; July and August are the driest months. The Galápagos are good all year: December to May is warm and calm with the best snorkeling, and June to November is cooler, with richer marine life. The trade-off is that mid-June to early September and the Christmas holidays are the busiest and most expensive weeks, especially for Galápagos cruises, while October to May brings afternoon rain in the mountains and lower demand.
Ecuador sits on the equator, so days are about 12 hours long all year and the temperature depends on altitude, not the calendar. What changes is the rain, and it follows a different rhythm in each of the country’s four regions: the Andes, the Pacific coast, the Amazon and the Galápagos. This page goes through the seasons month by month and region by region, as of October 2026. For entry rules, the Galápagos fees and getting around, see our Ecuador travel guide, and plan your days with our AI trip planner.
Best time to visit Ecuador at a glance
| Goal | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best weather in the Andes | June–September | The drier season; July and August have the fewest rainy days |
| Volcano views and hiking | July–August | Clear, windy days for Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Cajas |
| Galápagos snorkeling and calm seas | December–May | Warm water, about 24–26 °C (75–79 °F), and the calmest crossings |
| Galápagos marine life and diving | June–November | Cool, nutrient-rich water; seabirds courting and whale sharks in the north |
| Fewer crowds, lower prices | April–May, September–November | Outside the summer and Christmas peaks |
| Whale watching on the coast | June–September | Humpback whales off Puerto López |
| Beaches on the mainland coast | December–May | The hot, sunny-and-showery season; June to November is cool and gray |
| Festivals | February, late June, November, December | Carnival, Inti Raymi, the Day of the Dead and the Fiestas de Quito |
Ecuador weather month by month
Weather month by month
The table shows average daily highs and lows and monthly rain by month. The figures below are the 1981–2010 climate normals of Ecuador’s meteorological service, INAMHI, published by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). In Quito, highs stay at about 21–22 °C (70–72 °F) and lows near 10 °C (50 °F) all year; July is the driest month, about 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain on seven days, and April the wettest, about 171 mm (6.7 in) on 20 days. Cuenca follows the same calendar, with about 20 mm (0.8 in) in August and 123 mm (4.9 in) in April. On the coast the pattern flips: Guayaquil gets about 332 mm (13 in) in February but almost nothing from July to October, about 1–16 mm (under 0.7 in) a month, under cloudy skies, with highs of 29–32 °C (84–90 °F). In the Galápagos, San Cristóbal has highs of about 30.5 °C (87 °F) in March and 25.6 °C (78 °F) in August; most of its rain falls from January to April, while the cool season brings drizzle on many days but little rain. The WMO’s 1991–2020 normals add a central Andean station, Rumipamba-Salcedo, with about 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain in August, and records from the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora show the sea at about 26 °C (78 °F) in March and 21.5 °C (71 °F) in August and September.
Ecuador month by month
January
In the Andes, sunny mornings and afternoon showers, and quiet after the New Year holidays. On the coast and in the Galápagos, the warm season is under way: green sea turtles nest on Galápagos beaches and the water warms to about 24–25 °C (75–77 °F). New Year’s Eve, just before, is famous for the burning of “años viejos” effigies in the streets.
February
Wetter in the highlands, hot and showery on the coast. Carnival falls on 8–9 February 2027, with water fights across the country and heavy domestic travel to the beaches, so book buses and coastal hotels early. In the Galápagos, warm, calm seas make it one of the best snorkeling months, and flamingos breed on Floreana.
March
One of the rainiest months in Quito, so plan sightseeing for the mornings. The Galápagos are at their warmest, with highs near 31 °C (88 °F), the warmest water of the year and some of the calmest seas. Holy Week runs from 21 to 28 March 2027 (Good Friday is 26 March), with processions in Quito’s old town and in Cuenca.
April
The wettest month in the Andes, about 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain on 20 days in Quito and 123 mm (4.9 in) in Cuenca, with afternoon storms in Quito and Cuenca; Cuenca celebrates its founding on 12 April. After Easter it is a quiet, good-value month. Waved albatrosses return to Española in the Galápagos, and the islands are green after the rains.
May
Rain eases in the mountains late in the month and the countryside is at its greenest. In the Galápagos, blue-footed boobies start their courtship dances on North Seymour as the season turns cooler. A shoulder month with fair prices. The Battle of Pichincha holiday is 24 May 2027.
June
The Andean dry season begins: Quito gets about 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, against 106 mm (4.2 in) in May. Inti Raymi solstice festivals fill the villages around Otavalo in late June. In the Galápagos, the cool “garúa” season starts, with mist, cooler water and humpback whales and whale sharks in the north; humpbacks also arrive off Puerto López on the mainland coast. Demand climbs from mid-June.
July
Dry, sunny and windy in the highlands, with clear volcano views; Quito’s driest month, about 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain on seven days. It is one of the busiest months for the Galápagos and the highlands, so book cruises and Quito hotels well ahead. The coast is cool and overcast.
August
Dry in the Andes, about 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain in Quito and 20 mm (0.8 in) in Cuenca, its driest month, and the windiest month: kites fly in Quito’s parks, and it is the best month for Cotopaxi, the TelefériQo and the Quilotoa loop. In the Galápagos, the water is coolest, about 21.5 °C (71 °F), highs are near 25.6 °C (78 °F), and the seas roughest, while sea lion pups appear on the beaches. The First Cry of Independence holiday is 10 August.
September
Mostly dry and sunny in the mountains, but crowds fall after the summer holidays, which makes it one of the best-value months of the year. Galápagos seas are cool and misty, and lobster season usually opens.
October
Afternoon rain returns to the Andes. The Independence of Guayaquil is celebrated on 9 October. In the Galápagos, the water is still cool, fur sea lions are active and diving is good.
November
Rainy afternoons in the highlands, about 109 mm (4.3 in) in Quito. The Day of the Dead on 2 November brings colada morada, a spiced purple-corn drink, and bread figures called guaguas de pan, and Cuenca celebrates its independence on 3 November with concerts, fairs and parades. In the Galápagos, seas start to calm and demand is low.
December
Rainy spells in the Andes, and the start of the warm, showery season on the coast and in the islands. The Fiestas de Quito in early December celebrate the city’s founding, and Cuenca’s Pase del Niño Viajero parade on 24 December is one of the country’s largest Christmas processions. Galápagos cruises sell out over Christmas and New Year.
Best time to visit by region
Quito and the northern Andes
Quito, at about 2,850 m (9,350 ft), has spring-like days of about 21–22 °C (70–72 °F) all year and cool nights near 9–10 °C (49–50 °F), according to INAMHI’s normals. June to September is the drier season, with the clearest views of the volcanoes; July and August are the driest months, and August the windiest. From October to May, mornings are usually sunny and rain comes in the afternoon, with April the wettest month. Otavalo’s market runs all year; visit in late June for Inti Raymi.
Cuenca and the southern Andes
Cuenca is mild all year, with highs of about 19–22 °C (66–72 °F) and lows of 9–11 °C (48–52 °F), according to INAMHI; July is the coolest month. June to September is drier, cool and breezy, the best time for hikes in Cajas National Park, though it is cold at altitude. The city’s big celebrations are its independence on 3 November and the Pase del Niño Viajero on 24 December.
The Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos have no bad season, just two different ones. From December to May, the warm season brings sunshine with short tropical showers, calm seas and warm water, ideal for snorkeling and for travelers prone to seasickness. From June to November, the garúa season brings mist, rougher seas and water of about 21–22 °C (70–72 °F), but more marine life and seabird activity. Puerto Ayora averages only about 440 mm (17 in) of rain a year, most of it from February to April. Mid-June to early September and Christmas to New Year are the peak periods.
The Pacific coast
Guayaquil and the beaches have a hot, rainy season from about January to April, with sunshine between heavy showers and highs of about 31–32 °C (88–90 °F), and a cooler, cloudy, almost rainless season from June to November, when Guayaquil gets only about 1–16 mm (under 0.7 in) a month. Beach towns such as Montañita fill up at Carnival and Easter. June to October is the humpback whale season off Puerto López.
The Amazon
The rainforest is wet and hot all year, so any month works for a lodge stay on the Napo River and its tributaries. Higher water makes it easier to explore by canoe; in drier spells, more trails are open. Pack for rain whenever you go.
Best time for hiking, wildlife, whales and festivals
Hiking and volcanoes
June to September, and especially July and August, for the clearest skies on Cotopaxi, the Quilotoa loop, Chimborazo and Cajas. Mornings are clearest all year. Glaciated summits require an accredited guide; see our hiking guide.
Galápagos snorkeling and diving
For relaxed snorkeling, December to May, when the water is warmest and the sea calmest. For diving with hammerheads and whale sharks in the north, June to November, when cool currents bring more life; bring a wetsuit.
Wildlife highlights
Sea turtles nest in January, waved albatrosses return to Española in April, blue-footed boobies court from May, sea lion pups appear in August and giant tortoise eggs hatch in December. On the mainland, humpback whales are off Puerto López from June to October, and Mindo’s cloud forest is good for birdwatching all year, best in the drier mornings.
Festivals
Carnival (8–9 February 2027), Holy Week (21–28 March 2027), Inti Raymi in late June, the Day of the Dead and Cuenca’s independence (2–3 November), the Fiestas de Quito in early December and the Pase del Niño in Cuenca on 24 December.
Seasons to plan around
- Andean rainy season, about October to May: rain usually comes in the afternoon, with sunny mornings; the UK government notes it can last into June. Landslides can close mountain roads after heavy rain, so allow extra travel time.
- El Niño in 2026–27: NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center said on 8 October 2026 that a strong to very strong El Niño is likely through January–March 2027. Ecuador’s authorities have issued a red alert ahead of it, according to the UK government. El Niño years bring unusually heavy rain and flooding to the coast and warmer seas around the Galápagos, mostly in the coastal rainy season from December to May. Follow the Ecuadorian government’s updates and keep plans flexible.
- Galápagos peak seasons: mid-June to early September and Christmas to New Year, when cruises sell out months ahead.
- National holidays: Carnival and Holy Week fill coastal hotels and long-distance buses. Ecuador moves some holidays to a Monday or Friday by decree, so check dates before you book.
How long to stay
A week covers Quito and four nights in the Galápagos; ten days lets you add Otavalo, Cotopaxi or Cuenca. Allow a night on the mainland before your island flight in case of delays. Our Ecuador travel guide has sample 7-day and 10-day itineraries.
Best time to visit Ecuador: FAQ
What is the best month to visit Ecuador?
For the Andes, July or August: they are the driest months, with clear volcano views, though they are also busy. September is still fairly dry and quieter. For the Galápagos alone, March and April bring the warmest water and calmest seas.
What is the rainiest month in Ecuador?
In the Andes, April: about 171 mm (6.7 in) in Quito, followed by March. On the coast, February, with about 332 mm (13 in) in Guayaquil; in the Galápagos, the rain is concentrated from about January to April.
When is the best time to visit the Galápagos?
Any time. December to May is warm with calmer seas and the best snorkeling; June to November is cooler and misty, with more marine life. Mid-June to early September and the Christmas holidays are busiest.
What is the cheapest time to go to Ecuador?
Outside the peaks: late April to early June and September to November usually have the best Galápagos deals and quieter hotels, avoiding Carnival, Holy Week, July–August and Christmas.
Is December a good time to visit Ecuador?
Yes for the Galápagos, where the warm season begins, and for the Fiestas de Quito and Christmas processions. The Andes have rainy afternoons, and island cruises are expensive over the holidays.
Is it cold in Quito?
Days are mild, with highs of about 21–22 °C (70–72 °F), but nights drop to about 9–10 °C (49–50 °F) all year, so bring layers. The sun is very strong at this altitude even when it feels cool.
Sources · last reviewed 9 Oct 2026
Researched and last reviewed by TravelerCenter on 8 October 2026. Temperatures, rain and rainy days for Quito, Cuenca, Guayaquil and San Cristóbal come from INAMHI’s 1981–2010 climate normals, published by the WMO’s World Weather Information Service; the Rumipamba-Salcedo figures from the WMO 1991–2020 normals archived by NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information; Galápagos sea temperatures were averaged by TravelerCenter from the Charles Darwin Foundation’s daily records for Puerto Ayora, 1991–2020; the El Niño outlook comes from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, and the red alert and rainy-season note from the UK government’s travel advice. Galápagos seasons, wildlife timing, festivals and holiday dates come from our Ecuador, Quito, Cuenca and Galápagos guides, where several are flagged for checking with Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism. Check official sites before you travel.
Also: INAMHI normals 1981–2010, Quito (WMO World Weather Information Service) (climate)
Data: Wikidata (CC0)