Ecuador is located in the Tropical Zone. The climate throughout the country ranges from tropical equatorial rainy weather to perpetual snow on top of the mountains due to the influence of the Andean Mountain currents in the highlands.

Ecuador’s climate varies from one region to another, due to differences in altitude, proximity to the equator and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, etc. Each region has a very different climate.

The Coast has a tropical climate. It is influenced primarily by proximity to warm or cool ocean currents. Temperatures for the region remain fairly constant, ranging from 23° C to 26° C. The hottest period occurs during the rainy season, usually from January to April. The coastal rainy season coincides with the warmest water currents for swimming, surfing or (in the Galápagos) snorkeling and these are the most popular months on the coast. The dry season isfrom June to November, and temperatures drop down, with August and September being the coolest months.

La Sierra (Andes Mountains) has a cooler climate. Temperatures are determined more by altitude than by the calendar, so you should pack accordingly. Temperatures in the Sierra range from 13ºC and 18ºC. Day temperatures, however, vary dramatically, from cold mornings to hot afternoons. Rain also can vary on a local basis. The rainy season lasts from January through June, and the dry season from July through December. Most rain falls in April. Quito and most other populated areas in the Sierra are located at a temperate level. The cold level extends from the temperate zone to 4,650 meters. Here, average temperatures are 3° C to 9° C, and the precipitation often appears in the form of rain, hail, and thick fog. Above 4,650 meters is the frozen level, where peaks are constantly capped with snow and ice, and temperatures range from below zero to 3° C.
Sweaters and medium-weight jackets are always needed in the Sierra. Whenever you visit, it's a good idea to take a sweater for the cool mornings and evenings. Layers and a waterproof/breathable jacket are a very good idea if you will be hiking in the mountains - temperatures can vary greatly and storms can blow up unexpectedly.

El Oriente (Amazon region) to the east of Ecuador has a humid and rainy climate, especially between January and September, and it is dryer between October and December. Average daytime temperatures are between 23ºc and 30ºC. The jungle-covered plains of the Eastern lowlands register high levels of rainfall and temperatures surpassing 30° C.

The Galápagos Islands have a warm and relatively dry climate year round, with temperatures ranging from 22ºC to 32ºC. Climate in the Galápagos Islands is both moderated by the ocean currents and affected by altitude. There is an eight-month-long summer period during which it rarely rains, with cooler temperatures, while the months of January through April are more humid and hotter.
Read our “Getting Ready” section and find out what to pack when preparing your luggage for your future trip to Ecuador.