Best time to visit Ecuador

January is the middle of Ecuador’s wet season, which runs from October to May. It’s the wettest time to visit the Amazon rainforest, which is hot and humid and sees heavy downpours. Quito and the Highlands are also hit by frequent afternoon showers. Instead, head to the Galapagos Islands, where warm, sunny days dominate. The Pacific Ocean boasts balmy temperatures between 23-28 degrees Celsius, and visibility underwater is great, making it the perfect time to snorkel and scuba dive.

In the Galapagos, February is a great time to witness the nesting habits of certain bird species, including the greater flamingo. Marine iguanas and turtles also nest here this month. Surfers can enjoy consistent swells, warm water and optimal conditions on Ecuador’s Pacific coast in the wet season (if you don’t mind an afternoon shower). Hotspots such as Montañita are lively with surfers at this time of year.

This is another of the wettest months of the year in Ecuador, so expect short, sharp afternoon downpours throughout March. Surf conditions are still great along the coast, and it remains a good time to explore the underwater world in the Galapagos archipelago. Although the Amazon is still experiencing heavy rains (and high humidity), it transforms into a verdant emerald landscape. Forest floods make it easier to navigate by boat – and access more of the rainforest – and wildlife thrives, much of which is easier to spot in these conditions.

The Galapagos is still warm in April, with wonderful water temperatures and visibility for underwater activities. With fewer crowds than in the peak season, it’s a great opportunity to watch young sea lions play and observe predator-prey interactions as green sea turtle hatchlings make their way to the sea. April is another great month to explore the flora and fauna in the verdant Amazon rainforest. Around this time, Semana Santa celebrations take place the week before Easter. Colourful religious parades occur across the country, as well as the popular Good Friday procession in Quito.

Throughout much of the country, May is a transitional month between the wet and dry seasons and enjoys quieter crowds. There’s less rain than in April, and the coastal regions begin to cool slightly. In the Galapagos, May sees the start of the courtship displays of the blue-footed boobies, more sea turtle hatchings and marine iguanas. By the end of the month, the air temperature cools to the comfortable mid-20 degrees Celsius here, and the rains cease. Water levels remain high in the Amazon, so it’s still a great time to explore by canoe or kayak.

June kicks off the dry season in the highlands and is the best time to visit Ecuador for hiking in the Andean mountains. Enjoy sunny, blue skies whether hiking the Avenue of Volcanoes or in Cotopaxi National Park. It’s also a great time for city exploring, be it in Quito or Cuenca. Two events in June’s cultural calendar also make this a great time to visit: the first is Corpus Christi, celebrated in the highlands (and particularly in Pujili) with large parades, the second is the Andean festival of the sun, Inti Raymi, celebrated with more traditional festivities in towns like Otovalo. Although it’s getting cooler in the Galapagos, there are still fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities.

July is another month to take advantage of optimal hiking conditions, with the highlands still enjoying clear, sunny days. Birdwatching in Ecuador’s cloud forests is also at its best. In the Galapagos, the seas are a little rougher, thanks to the arrival of the Humboldt current, and the skies are overcast. However, it’s still a wonderful month to visit the archipelago, with blue-footed boobies and sea lions still in action, giant tortoises roaming and humpback whale sightings.

With sunny days and cooler nights continuing in the highlands and Quito, it’s a good time to enjoy the great outdoors. August is part of the Galapagos’ dry season, so temperatures are milder, and it’s windy. It’s peak tourist season in the archipelago, however, as this is a prime wildlife viewing month. Among other wonders, catch California sea lions birthing, the Galapagos giant tortoise laying eggs, and the waved albatross nesting. Marine life is also very active during August – thanks to colder waters – so it’s a wonderful month for snorkelling, and you should be able to spot whales and dolphins off Ecuador’s coast.

Cool, dry conditions continue in the Galapagos islands in September, with temperatures averaging between 19-24 degrees Celsius. It’s the last chance to spot humpback whales in the surrounding waters, the Galapagos penguin is also very active and there’s lots of sea lion and fur seal action, along with a bounty of birdlife activity. Bright, sunny, clear days predominate in the highlands, perfect for culture-filled city and nature exploring (El Cajas National Park is wonderful at this time of year). Rain begins to decrease in the Amazon, so it’s an ideal time to visit Yasuni National Park when rainforest trails are relatively dry.

October is the best time to visit Ecuador to take advantage of low season prices and fewer tourists. In the Andean highlands, conditions are generally good but expect occasional rain as the dry season transitions into the wet season. Beach bums should head to the Pacific coast, which enjoys warm, dry weather. In the Amazon, the ‘dry’ season continues (although rain is frequent at all times of the year). For festivities, catch the Independence of Guayaquil celebrations on the 9th of October in this major coastal city, where parades, street parties and fireworks create a buzzy atmosphere.

November ushers in the wet season in Quito and the highlands, which see regular rains and chillier temperatures. On the 2nd of November, the Day of the Dead is celebrated in Ecuador, as well as the Independence of Cuenca on the 3rd of November, so expect lively festivities. It’s still a great time for jungle jaunts and wildlife spotting in the Amazon. We recommend heading for the Pacific coast or to the Galapagos in November, which are both becoming warmer. There’s lots of wildlife action to observe in the archipelago, including sea turtles and marine iguana mating season.

The Foundation of Quito celebrations kick off in the capital city the week before the 6th of December. Join the festive spirit and watch traditional dance, parades, concerts and bullfighting events in Quito. Elsewhere, it’s a great time to experience the warm, wet season in the Galapagos, where an array of birds begin nesting, sea lion pups play, and the mating season continues for many mammals. On the coast, there’s light rainfall, but otherwise, hot, sunny weather and wonderful surf conditions predominate. Rains in the Amazon bring lush greenery and rich wildlife viewing opportunities. Due to the festive season, this is a popular time to visit the country, so be sure to book your trip well in advance.