Ecuador Weather and Climate — What to Expect by Region

Ecuador sits on the equator, but that does not mean it is hot everywhere. Altitude is the dominant factor. The same country contains glaciated volcanoes, tropical rainforests, arid coastal scrubland, and the Galapagos Islands. As an expat, where you choose to live will determine whether you need a winter jacket or sunscreen — or both, in the same day.

This guide breaks down what to actually expect from the weather in each of Ecuador's regions, what to pack, and how the climate will affect your daily life.

The Sierra (Highlands)

The Sierra is the Andean mountain range running north to south through the center of Ecuador. Most expats in the highlands live in either Cuenca (elevation 2,560 meters / 8,400 feet) or Quito (elevation 2,850 meters / 9,350 feet). The climate in both cities is often described as "eternal spring," and that is mostly accurate — but with important caveats.

Cuenca Climate

Temperature: Daytime highs range from 18-22C (64-72F) year-round. Nighttime lows drop to 7-11C (45-52F). There is almost no seasonal variation in temperature — January feels like July feels like October. The difference between "summer" and "winter" in Cuenca is about rain, not temperature.

Rainy season: October through May, with the heaviest rains in March and April. Rain in Cuenca typically means afternoon showers — mornings are often sunny, clouds build through the day, and rain falls between 2pm and 6pm. It rarely rains all day. When it does rain, it can be heavy.

Dry season: June through September. Skies are clearer, humidity is lower, and temperatures feel slightly cooler because of more overnight radiation cooling. August can have a stretch of strong winds (the "Vientos de Agosto").

What it feels like: On a sunny morning, it feels like a perfect spring day — light jacket weather. When clouds roll in or the sun goes behind a building, it gets cool quickly. At night, you will want a blanket. Central heating does not exist in Ecuadorian homes. Many expats use space heaters (calefactores) in the bedroom at night during the cooler months.

The microclimate factor: Cuenca has notable microclimates. Challuabamba, northeast of the city, is consistently 2-3 degrees warmer and drier than El Centro. The Yanuncay area can be foggier. These small differences matter when you are living without central heating. See our guide to renting in Cuenca for neighborhood details.

Quito Climate

Temperature: Similar to Cuenca but slightly cooler due to higher elevation. Daytime highs of 16-21C (61-70F). Nighttime lows of 7-10C (45-50F). The north of Quito (Cumbaya, Tumbaco valleys) is warmer and drier than the central and southern parts of the city.

Rainy season: October through May, with two peaks: March-April and October-November. Quito's rain patterns are similar to Cuenca's — afternoon showers are the norm.

Dry season: June through September. The clearest skies and best views of the volcanoes surrounding Quito (Cotopaxi, Cayambe, Antisana) happen during these months.

Altitude note: At 2,850 meters, Quito is high enough that some people experience mild altitude sickness (soroche) for the first day or two — headache, shortness of breath, fatigue. It passes quickly. Drink water, avoid alcohol the first day, and take it easy.

Other Highland Towns

• Otavalo (2,530m): Similar to Cuenca. Cool and pleasant. The Saturday market is an iconic highland experience.
• Banos (1,820m): Lower elevation means warmer temperatures — 20-25C (68-77F) during the day. Humid due to its position at the edge of the Amazon basin. Green and lush.
• Riobamba (2,750m): Similar to Quito. Windy. The gateway to Chimborazo volcano.
• Vilcabamba (1,500m): Significantly warmer than Cuenca — 22-28C (72-82F) during the day. Known as the "Valley of Longevity." Drier climate. Popular with a smaller expat community.
• Loja (2,060m): Warmer than Cuenca by a few degrees. Less rain. Often overlooked by expats but has a pleasant, walkable city center.

The Costa (Coast)

Ecuador's coastal lowlands stretch from the Colombian border in the north (Esmeraldas province) to the Peruvian border in the south (El Oro province). The coast has two distinct seasons: wet and dry. There is no "spring" or "fall."

Wet Season (Invierno): January to May

Despite being called "invierno" (winter), this is the hotter season. Temperatures range from 28-34C (82-93F) with high humidity. Rain is frequent and heavy, especially in February through April. Flooding can occur in low-lying areas. Mosquitoes are more active during this period.

Guayaquil in the wet season is oppressive — 33-35C (91-95F) with 80-90% humidity. Air conditioning is not optional; it is a survival tool. Many Guayaquilenos who can afford it travel to the Sierra during the worst of it.

Esmeraldas and the northern coast receive the heaviest rainfall. The beach towns (Atacames, Sua, Muisne) are less popular during this season, though prices drop.

Dry Season (Verano): June to December

The garua season. Temperatures drop slightly to 23-28C (73-82F) on the southern coast (Santa Elena, Guayaquil area). The sky is often overcast with a light mist or drizzle (garua), but heavy rain is rare. Humidity remains moderate.

Beach towns like Montanita, Olon, Ayampe, and Canoa are most popular from June through September. Whale watching season (humpback whales off the coast of Puerto Lopez) runs from June to October — one of the best wildlife experiences in South America.

The northern coast (Esmeraldas) stays warmer and more humid year-round than the southern coast. Mompiche, Canoa, and Same are hot even during the "dry" season.

Key Coastal Cities

• Guayaquil: Ecuador's largest city. Hot and humid year-round. 25-34C (77-93F). Air conditioning is essential. Traffic and heat combine to make it draining. Most expats visit but do not live here.
• Salinas: The most developed beach resort town. Busy December-April (Ecuadorian summer vacation). Quiet and cooler June-November. Condo prices are higher than other beach towns.
• Montanita: Backpacker and surfer town. Lively nightlife. Hot year-round. Not for everyone, but has a loyal expat following.
• Puerto Lopez: Quieter, more nature-oriented. Whale watching base. Seasonally popular.
• Bahia de Caraquez: Small, laid-back coastal town. Warmer and more humid. Small expat community.

The Oriente (Amazon Basin)

Eastern Ecuador descends rapidly from the Andes into the Amazon rainforest. This region covers almost half of Ecuador's territory but has a small population. Few expats live here permanently, but many visit for eco-tourism.

Climate

Hot and wet, year-round. Temperatures range from 24-33C (75-91F) with humidity consistently above 80%. There is no true dry season — rain falls every month. However, there are relatively drier periods from December to February and June to August. "Drier" means it rains less frequently, not that it stops.

Rainfall totals are enormous — 3,000 to 5,000 mm per year in some areas (compare to about 1,200mm in London or 1,000mm in New York).

What to Expect

• Everything is damp. Clothes, towels, electronics. If you visit for an extended period, bring silica gel packs for your camera and phone.
• Insects are abundant. Mosquitoes, ants, spiders. DEET-based repellent is essential. Long sleeves and long pants in the evenings are recommended.
• Rivers are the highways. Many communities in the Oriente are accessible only by motorized canoe. Road infrastructure is limited beyond the main towns of Tena, Puyo, Coca (Puerto Francisco de Orellana), and Lago Agrio (Nueva Loja).

Main Towns

• Tena (510m): The most accessible Amazon town from Quito (5 hours by bus). Gateway to rafting, kayaking, and jungle lodges. Warm and humid but not as extreme as deeper jungle.
• Puyo (950m): Slightly cooler due to elevation. Rainy. The gateway to indigenous Shuar and Achuar communities.
• Coca (260m): Deeper into the Amazon. Hotter. The departure point for Yasuni National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos archipelago sits about 1,000 km (620 miles) off Ecuador's coast in the Pacific Ocean. The climate is influenced by ocean currents rather than typical equatorial patterns.

Warm/Wet Season: January to June

Water temperatures rise to 24-28C (75-82F). Air temperatures reach 27-32C (81-90F). Short, heavy rain showers are common but usually brief. The ocean is calmer and clearer — better for snorkeling and diving. This is when sea turtles nest, marine iguanas turn colorful, and land birds are most active.

Cool/Dry Season (Garua): July to December

The Humboldt Current brings cooler water temperatures — 18-23C (64-73F). Air temperatures drop to 22-27C (72-81F). A persistent mist (garua) hangs over the highlands of the larger islands. The seas are rougher. This is the best time for seeing albatrosses on Espanola and penguins on Isabela. Wetsuits are recommended for snorkeling.

Living in the Galapagos

About 30,000 people live permanently in the Galapagos, mostly on Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora), San Cristobal (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno), and Isabela (Puerto Villamil). The cost of living is significantly higher than mainland Ecuador — everything must be shipped in. Rent, food, and supplies cost 1.5-2x mainland prices.

Foreigners cannot simply move to the Galapagos. You need a specific Galapagos residency permit (CGREG), which is separate from standard Ecuadorian visa categories. For information on Ecuadorian visa options, see EcuaPass.

UV Radiation at the Equator

This is the single most underestimated weather factor for expats moving to Ecuador. The UV index at the equator is extreme, and altitude makes it worse.

Why Ecuador's Sun Is Dangerous

• Equatorial position means the sun is nearly directly overhead year-round. UV rays travel through less atmosphere to reach you.
• Altitude amplifies UV. At Cuenca's elevation (2,560m), UV radiation is approximately 25-30% stronger than at sea level. At Quito's elevation, it is even stronger.
• Clouds do not block UV. Even on overcast days in the Sierra, the UV index can be 11+ (classified as "extreme" by the WHO). Many expats get sunburned on cloudy days because they assume no visible sun means no risk.

What This Means for You

• Wear sunscreen daily — SPF 50, reapplied every 2 hours if you are outdoors. This is not optional, even in Cuenca's mild climate.
• Wear a hat and sunglasses. Wide-brimmed hats are common and practical. Sunglasses should be UV400 rated.
• Monitor your skin. See a dermatologist annually, especially if you have fair skin. The rate of skin damage accumulation in highland Ecuador is much faster than in North America or Europe.
• Clothes dry fast on a clothesline because of the UV intensity. The flip side is that colors fade quickly too.

What to Pack by Region

For the Sierra (Cuenca, Quito)

• Layers. A morning in Cuenca can start at 10C and reach 22C by noon. A light jacket or fleece that you can take off is essential.
• Rain gear. A compact umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket. You will use it almost daily during the rainy season.
• Warm pajamas or a fleece blanket. Nights are cold and homes are unheated.
• Comfortable walking shoes. Cuenca has cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks. Leave the flip-flops for the coast.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses. Non-negotiable. See UV section above.
• Skip the heavy winter coat. You will not need it. Multiple light layers beat one heavy layer in this climate.

For the Costa (Coast)

• Light, breathable clothing. Cotton and linen. You will sweat.
• Swimwear and sandals.
• Mosquito repellent. DEET-based, especially for the wet season.
• Sunscreen. The coast is hot, and the sun reflects off water and sand.
• A light rain jacket for the wet season. Umbrellas work too, but the wind on the coast can make them useless.

For the Oriente (Amazon)

• Long sleeves and long pants. Lightweight but covering. For insects and sun protection.
• Waterproof boots or shoes. Trails are muddy.
• Rain gear. It will rain.
• Strong insect repellent.
• Quick-dry fabrics. Nothing cotton — it will stay wet.
• A dry bag for electronics.

For the Galapagos

• A mix of coast and hiking gear. Shorts and swimwear for beaches, sturdy shoes for lava trails.
• A wetsuit or rash guard if visiting during the cool season (July-December) and planning to snorkel.
• Reef-safe sunscreen. The Galapagos National Park encourages reef-safe products to protect the marine ecosystem.
• A windbreaker for boat rides.

How Altitude Affects Daily Life

Beyond weather, altitude has practical effects that surprise many newcomers to the Sierra.

• Water boils at a lower temperature (around 92C/197F in Cuenca instead of 100C/212F). This means cooking times are longer for boiled foods like pasta, rice, and eggs. Rice cookers are set differently.
• You get winded faster until you acclimate. Walking up stairs, hills, or playing sports will leave you breathless for the first 1-2 weeks. It gets better.
• Alcohol hits harder at altitude. One beer in Cuenca feels like two at sea level. Pace yourself.
• Skin dries out. The combination of altitude, UV, and lower humidity (relative to sea level) can dry your skin and lips. Bring moisturizer and lip balm.
• Sleep can be affected. Some people experience lighter sleep for the first few nights at altitude due to lower oxygen. This normalizes.

The Bottom Line

Ecuador's climate is one of its biggest draws. The Sierra offers 365 days of mild, temperate weather that requires no air conditioning and no furnace. The coast has beaches and warmth. The Amazon has raw, untamed nature. And the Galapagos is one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet.

For most expats, the Sierra — and Cuenca in particular — offers the most comfortable year-round climate. But "eternal spring" still means carrying a rain jacket and putting on sunscreen every morning. Once you adjust to that rhythm, the weather becomes one of the best parts of living here.

If you are planning a move to Ecuador and need to sort out your visa, EcuaPass handles the full process. And once you are settled, make sure your US tax obligations are covered — FileAbroad specializes in expat tax filing.