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Ecuador Travel Guide

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When to go? Seasons, climate, festivities

  • October to May

    This is the rainy season in Ecuador, although rainfall is still relatively low in comparison to other destinations. In March and April some routes can become impassable due to bloated rivers and the peaks will often be completely covered in cloud and snow, making the avalanche risk high and therefore the likelihood of summiting lower.

    For the rest of the wet season, the days generally sit around 25-30°Cand there is little precipitation...although, as our climate changes there has been some unexpected rainfall out of the usual period, so still best to bring a waterproof!

  • June - September

    As the rains peter off in May, the cooler temperatures make this an ample time for trekking and climbing Ecuador's highest peaks. Temperatures generally sit around 18-22°C during this time and the flowers in the region burst into bloom. The only downside to this is that with the peak weather, come the peak numbers of visitors.

Temperatures and climate

Min/max temp (°C) / Average rainfall (mm)

  • Quito

    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Average temp C° min / max
    9° / 15°
    9° / 15°
    9° / 15°
    9° / 15°
    9° / 15°
    8° / 16°
    8° / 16°
    8° / 16°
    8° / 16°
    9° / 15°
    9° / 15°
    9° / 15°
    Average rainfall (mm)
    280
    270
    315
    311
    254
    156
    116
    119
    207
    274
    287
    288

  • Cotopaxi

    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Average temp C° min / max
    0° / 18°
    -1° / 24°
    0° / 18°
    2° / 17°
    2° / 17°
    -3° / 17°
    -3° / 17°
    -1° / 18°
    -1° / 18°
    -2° / 19°
    0° / 20°
    -1° / 17°
    Average rainfall (mm)
    158
    179
    215
    183
    128
    72
    76
    42
    72
    146
    199
    139

  • Chimborazo

    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Average temp C° min / max
    -1° / 19°
    0° / 20°
    2° / 18°
    1° / 19°
    2° / 17°
    0° / 16°
    -2° / 16°
    -3° / 16°
    -1° / 17°
    -1° / 19°
    0° / 20°
    -3° / 18°
    Average rainfall (mm)
    153
    188
    215
    230
    158
    110
    78
    44
    77
    158
    192
    170

  • Galapagos Islands

    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    Average temp C° min / max
    24° / 30°
    24° / 30°
    24° / 30°
    24° / 31°
    23° / 30°
    20° / 29°
    20° / 26°
    19° / 27°
    21° / 27°
    20° / 27°
    22° / 29°
    23° / 30°
    Average rainfall (mm)
    90
    114
    107
    60
    26
    21
    10
    12
    88
    65
    74
    16

Holidays and festivities

  • Inti Raymi - Festival of the Sun

    June
    Each year, the cities of Otavolo and Cotacachi celebrate Inti Raymi, an ancient Incan ceremony and celebration which pays tribute to Inti, the Sun God.

  • Day of the Dead

    November
    On 2nd November every year Ecuadorians honor celebrate their loved ones who have passed. They decorate gravesites with vibrant flowers, candles and food offerings during this day.

  • La Mama Negra

    September
    Held in Latacunga, this festival celebrates the Virgin of Mercy , the spiritual goddess responsible for protecting the town from Cotopaxi's volcanic eruptions.