Although Ecuador is not a particularly large country, there are many different climate types, largely determined by altitude. The lower parts of the country in the southwest have a subtropical climate and the northwest has a tropical climate. Once you go further inland the climate changes to a maritime climate and the highest areas have a high mountain climate.
It is mild year-round in the mountain valleys; humid in the tropical Pacific coastal areas and the lowlands are covered with rain forests and experience a lot of rain during certain periods. Because of its location at the equator, Ecuador experiences little variation in daylight hours during the course of a year.
Along the coastal areas almost the total amount of precipitation falls from January through May. After May it suddenly gets a lot drier and there are places where not a drop of rain falls for weeks. In the Galapagos Islands, rain falls throughout the year and the total annual rainfall is very high. Again, due to altitude differences, there are marked differences in the amount of precipitation (and temperature) from location to location. In the east (Amazon region) and the extreme northwest of Ecuador you will experience most rain.
On the higher elevations of the Andes Mountains, which cross the country from north to south, you will find snow snow. The peak of Mount Chimborazo is 6300 meters (20700 ft) high and is covered with eternal snow.
It is quite difficult to name one period as the overall best travel time for Ecuador. Based on temperatures and precipitation, we would suggest July, August and September. If you’re visiting the beautiful Galápagos islands, you’ll find that the warm rainy season from January to April is the best time for snorkeling; the rest of the year the water is cooler, around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Interested in more detailed Weather and Climate information?
Please select the city below you wish to travel to, or the one closest to your destination. Each selected city will show you the following graphs:
1. Average minimum and maximum temperatures over the year
2. Average monthly precipitation over the year (rainfall, snow etc)
3. Average monthly hours of sunshine over the year
On certain pages we also offer other historical weather data like humidity, wind speed and water temperature.
