Ecuador is on the equator, which means the temperature and daylight hours vary little during the year. Sunrise is around 6:00 a.m. and sunset around 6:00 p.m. Climates change with the geography, cooler inland and in the mountains, and tropical along the coast and in the lowlands of the Amazon jungle.

The capital, Quito, is situated in the mountains and has low temperatures and unpredictable weather typical of the subtropical highlands. The average daily temperature is 65°F, falling to 50°F at night. The “summer” dry season extends from June until September, while the “winter” wet season runs from October to May. The coastal areas enjoy an average temperature of 77°F, with the hottest, rainiest months being between January and April. The Galapagos Islands have a consistent climate and temperatures that tend to hover around 77°F, without a lot of precipitation.

Best Time to Visit Ecuador

Ecuador’s consistent climate attracts tourists at several peak times throughout the year, usually coinciding with European school holidays. The main season for the highlands and the Oriente is between June and September, while December to May is high season for the coast and the Galapagos Islands. Christmas and Easter are popular times for locals to travel, which can hamper availability and push up prices.

Visitors planning to hike in the rainforests of Napo Wildlife Center may prefer the dry season, while surfers will find the best waves between January and May. June, July and August are prime time for whale-watching. Visitors may wish to avoid the cool weather and rough seas of the Galapagos from June to December and the heavy rains in the Oriente between April and July.