Ecuador is known for its diverse climate, which can vary significantly depending on the region and elevation.
Despite being located on the equator, the country experiences a range of climates due to its unique geographical features, including the Andes Mountains and the influence of ocean currents (Humboldt and El Niño).
After living in Ecuador for so long, I can say with certainty that the weather in the Andean Highlands and Amazon region are the most unpredictable. Even if the weather report says it won’t rain, you should always be ready for it.
That’s why we always joke that the weather forecast almost never matches our climate. But you should always check it anyway.
In general, Ecuador has two main seasons: the dry season (known as summer) and the wet season (known as winter).
But in contrast to other parts of the world, our summers are “cold,” while our winters are “warm.” Yep, our climate is kind of confusing.
So, here are the two main things you should know about Ecuador’s climate: it is mostly unpredictable (especially in the Andean Highlands) and that winters are hot, while summers are cold.
With this you are already one step ahead in your trip to Ecuador.
See also: Why does Ecuador only have two seasons?
Ecuador weather by regions
Ecuador is divided into four distinct areas, and each one has a unique climate.
Be prepared for changes in weather and temperature depending on the elevation and geographical features of each region.
Coastal Region
The Coastal region of Ecuador experiences a tropical climate with high humidity throughout the year.
The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F), although it can drop to as low as 22ºC in mountainous areas (during dry season).
The wet season typically occurs from December to May with high temperatures and abundant rainfall.
The dry season, from June to November, is characterized by lower temperatures than the previous season (but not colder temperatures) and scarce rainfall.
Annual precipitation levels vary from less than 60 mm in the Santa Elena Peninsula to over 2000 mm. This rainfall gradient creates a wide range of habitats, from desert areas to tropical rainforests.
In our point of view, the weather is much more stable and reliable on the coast than in other places. It only rains during the wet season and that’s it.
But since 2023, the country has been going through the El Niño event, which has caused hot weather on the coast and a lot of rain when it shouldn’t.
Andean Highlands
The Andean Highlands (known as Sierra) have a more temperate climate due to the higher elevation. The weather varies depending on the altitude, but in general, it can be described as spring-like throughout the year.
Temperature and altitude are closely related. The average temperature decreases as you ascend, ranging from 7°C to 24°C (45°F to 75°F). In certain places, including Quito, there have even been extremely low temperatures of up to 1°C.
The Andean region experiences both dry and wet seasons, but rainfall can occur at any time of the year.
The dry season is usually from June to September, while the wet season is from October to May, with heavier rainfall during this period.
In fact, there are two main rainy seasons in this region, occurring between March-April and October-November.
Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest region has a tropical rainforest climate characterized by high humidity and rainfall throughout the year, primarily due to the retention of moisture by the vast Amazon rainforests.
The average temperature ranges from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F), with maximum temperatures reaching up to 40ºC in the month of May.
The Amazon lowlands receive about 3000 mm of rainfall per year, but the wettest months are typically from March to July.
Thunderstorms are very common in the area, too.
Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands have a unique climate due to their isolated location. The islands experience a subtropical climate with relatively mild temperatures throughout the year.
This region is also characterized by an arid to very dry climate in coastal areas, and a semi-humid to humid climate as elevation increases.
The average temperature ranges from 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F).
The islands have two main seasons: the warm season from December to May, characterized by higher temperatures and occasional rain showers; and the cool season from June to November, with cooler temperatures and a drizzle-like mist known as “garúa.”
Climate in Ecuador year round
In the following charts, we’ve put together an average summary of the weather in Ecuador by month, using Guayaquil (on the coast) and Quito (in the highlands) as points of reference.
Quito
Month | Min. temperature (°F) | Max temperature (°F) | Precip. (in) | Days of precip. |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 49.6 | 70.2 | 3.25 | 10 |
February | 50.2 | 69.8 | 4.37 | 11 |
March | 50.2 | 69.4 | 5.77 | 15 |
April | 50.4 | 69.6 | 6.74 | 15 |
May | 50.2 | 69.8 | 4.15 | 13 |
June | 49.6 | 70.2 | 1.56 | 7 |
July | 49.3 | 70.7 | 0.85 | 5 |
August | 49.3 | 72.0 | 1.09 | 5 |
September | 49.3 | 72.1 | 2.71 | 11 |
October | 49.1 | 71.2 | 4.53 | 14 |
November | 49.3 | 70.3 | 4.27 | 11 |
December | 49.5 | 70.3 | 3.95 | 11 |
YEAR | 49.6 | 70.5 | 43.22 | 128 |
Month | Min. temperature (°C) | Max temperature (°C) | Precip. (mm) | Days of precip. |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 9,8 | 21,2 | 82,5 | 10 |
February | 10,1 | 21,0 | 111,0 | 11 |
March | 10,1 | 20,8 | 146,6 | 15 |
April | 10,2 | 20,9 | 171,2 | 15 |
May | 10,1 | 21,0 | 105,5 | 13 |
June | 9,8 | 21,1 | 39,5 | 7 |
July | 9,4 | 21,5 | 21,5 | 5 |
August | 9,6 | 22,2 | 27,7 | 5 |
September | 9,4 | 22,3 | 68,9 | 11 |
October | 9,5 | 21,8 | 114,9 | 14 |
November | 9,6 | 21,3 | 108,5 | 11 |
December | 9,7 | 21,3 | 100,4 | 11 |
YEAR | 9,8 | 21,4 | 1098,2 | 128 |
Guayaquil
Month | Min. temperature (°C) | Max temperature (°C) | Precip. (mm) | Days of precip. |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 23,0 | 31,2 | 200,7 | 12 |
February | 23,4 | 31,2 | 332,0 | 14 |
March | 23,7 | 32,2 | 315,7 | 15 |
April | 23,5 | 32,0 | 207,7 | 10 |
May | 22,6 | 31,2 | 62,6 | 4 |
June | 21,5 | 29,8 | 34,0 | 1 |
July | 20,8 | 29,1 | 15,6 | 0 |
August | 20,7 | 29,7 | 1,2 | 0 |
September | 20,5 | 30,5 | 1,5 | 0 |
October | 20,9 | 30,2 | 5,6 | 1 |
November | 21,3 | 31,1 | 29,1 | 0 |
December | 22,4 | 31,8 | 68 | 2 |
YEAR | 22,0 | 30,8 | 1263,2 | 59 |
Month | Min. temperature (°F) | Max temperature (°F) | Precip. (mm) | Days of precip. |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 73.4 | 88.2 | 200.7 | 12 |
February | 74.1 | 88.2 | 332.0 | 14 |
March | 74.7 | 89.9 | 315.7 | 15 |
April | 74.3 | 89.6 | 207.7 | 10 |
May | 72.7 | 88.2 | 62.6 | 4 |
June | 70.7 | 85.6 | 34.0 | 1 |
July | 69.4 | 84.4 | 15.6 | 0 |
August | 69.3 | 85.5 | 1.2 | 0 |
September | 68.9 | 86.9 | 1.5 | 0 |
October | 69.6 | 86.4 | 5.6 | 1 |
November | 70.3 | 88.0 | 29.1 | 0 |
December | 72.3 | 89.2 | 68.0 | 2 |
YEAR | 71.6 | 87.4 | 1263.2 | 59 |
Sources: https://bioweb.bio/faunaweb/reptiliaweb/GeografiaClima/