When to Go to Ecuador and the Galapagos

When it comes to Ecuador and the Galapagos, timing really is everything.

Whether you’re after sun-soaked beach days, up-close wildlife encounters, or cooler hiking weather in the Andes, each month offers something unique. Imagine snorkelling alongside sea lions in crystal-clear waters or witnessing baby giant tortoises take their first steps – the Galapagos’ natural wonders unfold differently throughout the year. Meanwhile, mainland Ecuador beckons with vibrant festivals, lush cloud forests, and breathtaking volcanoes, making it a year-round adventure playground.

But how do you choose the perfect time to visit?

Let’s break it down, season by season, so you can plan your ideal escape to one of the world’s most captivating destinations.

Mainland Ecuador: A country of microclimates

Ecuador may be small, but it packs a climatic punch. Ecuador’s mainland isn’t governed by the classic four seasons, but rather by regional microclimates and patterns of dry and wet weather. Here’s a breakdown of what each part of the year typically offers:

June to September – Dry season in the highlands (best for the Andes)

Clearer skies and cooler nights in Quito, Cuenca, and the Avenue of Volcanoes
Ideal for hiking, biking, and scenic drives through the mountains
Lower humidity and fewer afternoon showers
Great time for visiting Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, and the Otavalo market
Amazon remains hot and humid, but with slightly less rainfall

October to November – Shoulder season

Still relatively dry in the highlands, but with occasional showers
Fewer tourists and good travel conditions
Amazon rainforest wildlife viewing is excellent as water levels drop
Good for combining the Andes and the Amazon

December to May – Wet season in the highlands, best weather on the coast

Afternoon rains common in the Andes, but mornings are often clear and bright
Lush landscapes, especially photogenic in cloud forests and volcano areas
Best time to visit the Pacific Coast: sunny, hot, and great for swimming or surfing
Rainfall increases in the Amazon, but wildlife remains active year-round
Ideal time for birding in the cloud forests of Mindo and beyond

The Galapagos Islands: Wildlife year-round, two distinct seasons

The Galapagos are a true year-round destination, with each month offering something special. Rather than worrying about high or low seasons, it’s better to think in terms of the warm season and the cool season — both of which are excellent in their own ways.

Warm/Wet Season: December to May
Expect warmer temperatures (25–30°C), calm seas, and occasional afternoon showers. This is considered the most pleasant time for snorkelling and swimming, thanks to clearer water and calmer conditions. Wildlife is highly active — this is mating season for many species, including land birds, marine iguanas, and sea turtles.
Cool/Dry Season: June to November
Cooler air and water temperatures prevail (around 20–25°C), with cloudier skies and livelier seas due to the Humboldt Current. While the seas can be choppier, this is prime time for marine life: you’re more likely to see dolphins, whales, and larger schools of fish. Sea lions are especially playful, and seabirds like blue-footed boobies and waved albatrosses are busy with courtship and nesting.

Best Times for Specific Activities

Diving (Galapagos): June to November for whale sharks, hammerheads, and nutrient-rich waters.
Snorkelling (Galapagos): December to May for warmer waters and calmer seas.
Wildlife Watching (Galapagos): Year-round, but December to May is peak for mating and nesting activity.
Fewer Crowds (Both): October–November and January–February (excluding holiday periods).
Hiking & Birdwatching (Mainland & Galapagos): June to November for clear skies and comfortable conditions.
Combining Mainland & Galapagos: April–May or September–November for balanced weather and great wildlife across regions.

Festivals and Cultural Events

February/March – Carnival Celebrations Nationwide
Ecuador’s Carnival is a vibrant and joyful affair celebrated across the country with colourful parades, lively music, traditional dances, and playful water fights. It’s the perfect time to experience Ecuadorian culture at its most exuberant.

June – Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) in the Andes
One of Ecuador’s most important indigenous festivals, Inti Raymi honours the sun god and the winter solstice. Celebrated especially in the Andean towns, this ancient tradition includes colourful ceremonies, ritual offerings, traditional music, and dances. It’s a fascinating cultural experience that offers deep insight into Ecuador’s rich pre-Columbian heritage.

November – Cuenca Independence Celebrations
Cuenca, Ecuador’s charming colonial city, bursts into celebration every November to mark its independence. The city comes alive with parades, live music, folklore performances, fireworks, and local food festivals.

December – Quito’s Foundation Week and Festive Vibes Nationwide
December sees Ecuador’s capital celebrate its foundation with a week full of cultural events, concerts, street fairs, and fireworks. The city’s colonial streets sparkle with festive decorations, and the holiday spirit spreads across the country with Christmas markets and traditional celebrations. It’s a magical time to visit Ecuador, combining history, culture, and seasonal cheer.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re wandering through misty cloud forests, hiking towering volcanoes, or snorkelling alongside playful sea lions, Ecuador and the Galapagos offer incredible experiences every month of the year. From vibrant wildlife migrations to lush landscapes and crystal-clear waters, each season brings its own unique magic. Your ideal travel time depends on the activities and sights that excite you most — whether that’s spotting rare birds in the Andes, diving with hammerhead sharks, or relaxing on sun-drenched beaches.

Let us help you plan your perfect trip, tailored to the season that suits your interests and travel style. Together, we’ll create a seamless itinerary that ensures you’re in the right place at the right time to make unforgettable memories.

Get in touch and let’s start planning!

This guide was created by Val, specialist in tailor-made Ecuador and Galapagos adventures.

Quito

Capital of the country and one of the continent's most beautifully preserved colonial cities.

Cotopaxi volcano

One of the world's most photogenic volcanoes! Visit the beautiful and eponymous park.

Otavalo

Charming town, full of indigenous culture and a famous market.

Mindo cloud forest

A birdwatcher paradise!

Coca

The gateway to the an immersive experience into Ecuador's pristine Amazon rainforest.

Banos

Charming town with a lovely square, wonderful nature around and capital of adrenaline sports (if you are so inclined).

Riobamba

A lovely town on the Avenue of volcanoes. Enjoy a 'hornado' (pig roast) al mercado La Merced.
The town is also the getaway for tours to Chimborazo volcano.

Cuenca

Beautiful Cuenca deserves a special mentions as it is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the continent. The lovely square is gorgeous and the whole city is welcoming and friendly. Go and visit the outdoor flower market for an injection of colour!

Guayaquil

Often overlooked, Guayaquil is mainly an arrival or departure point. However, the malecon is worth having a walk on, and La Penas is the oldest and most pleasant part of the city.

The Galapagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are famed for their unique wildlife and role in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. They are located about 1,000 km (620 miles) off Ecuador’s coast, they feature volcanic landscapes, pristine beaches, and diverse ecosystems. Iconic species include giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and Galápagos penguins. The islands offer a rare glimpse of nature’s adaptability in an isolated paradise and should be on everyone's bucket list.