Home › Ecuador › Best time to visit
Best time to visit Ecuador: month by month
Short answer
The Andes can be visited all year: Quito's highs are around 16–20°C and nights 7–9°C every month. June to September is the drier season in the highlands, with about 10–14 rainy days a month and clearer volcano views; the rest of the year brings afternoon showers on 24–30 days a month.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17°C | 8°C | 26 | medium |
| Feb | 17°C | 9°C | 25 | medium |
| Mar | 16°C | 8°C | 30 | low |
| Apr | 17°C | 8°C | 28 | low |
| May | 18°C | 8°C | 24 | low |
| Jun | 17°C | 7°C | 19 | medium |
| Jul | 18°C | 7°C | 11 | high |
| Aug | 19°C | 7°C | 10 | high |
| Sep | 20°C | 7°C | 14 | low |
| Oct | 18°C | 9°C | 27 | low |
| Nov | 18°C | 9°C | 28 | medium |
| Dec | 17°C | 9°C | 27 | high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Wettest months in Quito, with about 24–30 rainy days, usually afternoon showers; highs around 16–18°C. Galápagos seas are warm and calm.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
The dry season in the highlands: highs of about 17–19°C, cold clear nights near 7°C and only 10–19 rainy days. Best for Cotopaxi and Quilotoa views; Inti Raymi in late June.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September is still fairly dry (about 14 rainy days, high around 20°C); October and November bring daily afternoon showers again.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Highs of about 17°C with frequent afternoon rain (25–27 rainy days). Galápagos waters are warmer and calmer from December.
Events worth planning around
- Inti Raymi solstice festival in Otavalo and the northern highlands (late June)
- Carnival, with water and foam fights, especially in Guaranda (February or March)
- Fiestas de Quito, celebrating the city's founding (early December)
- Día de los Difuntos, with colada morada and guaguas de pan (2 November)
When to avoid
There is no truly bad month for the highlands, but March and April are the wettest. Ecuadorian holidays such as Carnival and Easter week fill buses and hotels.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
When is the best time to visit Ecuador?
June to September for the driest highland weather and clear volcano views; the Andes are fine to visit all year.
How cold is Quito?
Days are about 16–20°C all year and nights about 7–9°C; bring layers.
When is the best time for the Galápagos?
December to May brings warmer, calmer seas; June to November is cooler with richer marine life.