What is the best time to visit Ecuador?

Best Time to Visit Ecuador

The best time to travel to Ecuador is during the dry season (June to September) and the spring season (October to May).

Dry Season in Ecuador

The dry season in Ecuador runs from June to September and is characterized by sunny days and warm temperatures. During this time, travelers can expect to enjoy the country’s stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities. Notable natural phenomena during this season include the Humpback Whale migration off the coast of Ecuador, which takes place from June to September. There are also a variety of festivals and events that take place during the dry season, such as the International Music Festival in Quito and the International Kite Festival in Manta.

Spring Season in Ecuador

The spring season in Ecuador runs from October to May and is characterized by mild temperatures and occasional rain showers. During this time, travelers can expect to enjoy the country’s stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities. Notable natural phenomena during this season include the blooming of the country’s many wildflowers, which take place from October to May. There are also a variety of festivals and events that take place during the spring season, such as the International Music Festival in Quito and the International Kite Festival in Manta.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Ecuador

Ecuador in January

Weather

January in Ecuador is a pleasant month with temperatures ranging from the low 70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The days are mostly sunny, with some occasional rain showers.

Events

• The Festival of the Virgin of the Candelaria is celebrated in the city of Otavalo on January 2nd. The festival includes traditional music, dancing, and other festivities.
• The Festival of the Virgin of the Candelaria is celebrated in the city of Otavalo on January 2nd. The festival includes traditional music, dancing, and other festivities.
• The Carnival of Guaranda is celebrated in the city of Guaranda on January 5th. The carnival features parades, music, and traditional dances.
• The Festival of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated in the city of Quito on December 8th. The festival includes religious ceremonies, processions, and fireworks.
• The Festival of the Three Kings is celebrated in the city of Cuenca on January 6th. The festival includes parades, music, and traditional dances.

Ecuador in January

Weather

January in Ecuador is generally warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 16-30 degrees Celsius (61-86 degrees Fahrenheit). The coastal areas tend to be slightly cooler than the inland areas. Rainfall is common during this month, especially in the coastal regions.

Events

• New Year’s Day (January 1st): Celebrated throughout the country, with fireworks, parades, and other festivities.
• Festival of the Kings (January 6th): Celebrated in honor of the Three Kings, who visited the baby Jesus in the Bible. The festival includes parades, processions, and traditional music and dance.
• Carnival of Guayaquil (January 6th – 8th): A three-day celebration of music, dance, and traditional costumes in the city of Guayaquil.
• Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria (January 15th): Celebrated in honor of the Virgin Mary, with processions, traditional music and dance, and fireworks.
• Day of the Race (January 24th): Celebrated in honor of the indigenous people of Ecuador, with traditional music and dance, and other festivities.

Ecuador in March

Weather

March is the beginning of the dry season in Ecuador. Temperatures are mild, ranging from the mid-60s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit. The days are sunny and the nights are cool.

Events

• The Carnival of Baños is a week-long celebration of music, dance, and parades. It is held in the city of Baños, located in the Tungurahua Province.
• The Inti Raymi Festival takes place in Quito. This is a traditional Incan festival that celebrates the sun god, Inti. The festivities include traditional dances, music, and food.
• The Quito International Marathon is held in the city of Quito. The race is open to runners of all levels and consists of a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and full-marathon.
• The Ecuadorian Independence Day is celebrated on March 10th. This day marks the day when Ecuador declared its independence from Spain in 1809. The day is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and traditional music.
• The Ecuadorian National Day of the Arts is celebrated on March 28th. This day celebrates the country’s rich cultural heritage with art exhibitions, music performances, and theatrical productions.

Ecuador in April

Weather

April is the start of the dry season in Ecuador, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (21-30 Celsius). There is usually little to no rainfall in April, making it a great time to explore the country’s many outdoor attractions.

Events

• The city of Quito celebrates its independence day on April 6th with parades, fireworks, and other festivities.
• The town of Otavalo hosts its annual Inti Raymi Festival on April 24th, a celebration of the Incan sun god.
• The city of Cuenca celebrates its annual Easter Festival with parades, music, and traditional foods from April 1st to April 5th.
• The city of Guayaquil celebrates its annual Carnaval de Guayaquil from April 11th to April 15th with parades, music, and dancing.
• The town of Vilcabamba hosts its annual Fiesta de los Cruces on April 14th, a celebration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Ecuador in May

Weather

May is the beginning of the dry season in Ecuador. Temperatures are warm and the days are sunny. Average temperatures range from the high 60s to the low 80s.

Events

• The Fiesta de la Cruz (Festival of the Cross) is a traditional celebration that takes place in the town of Otavalo. The festival is a colorful parade with dancers, musicians, and decorated crosses.
• The Inti Raymi Festival is a celebration of the sun god Inti, which takes place in the city of Quito. The festival includes traditional music, dancing, and costumes.
• The Festival of San Juan is a traditional celebration that takes place in the city of Cuenca. The festival includes music, dancing, and traditional foods.
• The Festival de la Primavera (Festival of Spring) is a traditional celebration that takes place in the city of Guayaquil. The festival includes music, dancing, and traditional foods.
• The Festival of the Virgin of El Cisne is a traditional celebration that takes place in the town of El Cisne. The festival includes music, dancing, and traditional foods.

Ecuador in June

Weather

June is the start of the dry season in Ecuador, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (18-30 degrees Celsius). The coastal areas tend to be hotter than the Andean highlands.

Events

• Corpus Christi: This religious holiday takes place on June 20th and is celebrated with parades, processions, and traditional dances.
• Inti Raymi: This ancient Inca festival celebrates the winter solstice and takes place in Quito on June 24th.
• Ecuadorian Independence Day: This national holiday is celebrated on June 24th and marks the day that Ecuador declared its independence from Spain in 1822.
• San Juan Festival: This festival is held in many cities in Ecuador on June 24th and celebrates the summer solstice.
• Cumbayá Festival: This festival is held in the city of Cumbayá on June 29th and celebrates the city’s patron saint, San Pedro.

Ecuador in July

Weather

July is the start of the dry season in Ecuador. Temperatures average around 25°C (77°F) and there is less rainfall than in the wet season.

Events

• The Inti Raymi Festival is held in Quito on July 25th. This festival celebrates the Inca sun god, Inti, and features traditional music and dance performances.
• The Independence Day Parade is held on July 24th in Quito. This parade celebrates Ecuador’s independence from Spain and features colorful floats, marching bands, and traditional dances.
• The San Juan Bautista Festival is held in Otavalo on July 24th. This festival celebrates the patron saint of the town and includes traditional music and dance performances, as well as a procession of locals in traditional dress.
• The Festival of the Sun is held in Quito on July 16th. This festival celebrates the Inca sun god, Inti, and features traditional music and dance performances.
• The Festival of San Pedro is held in Cuenca on July 26th. This festival celebrates the patron saint of Cuenca and includes traditional music and dance performances, as well as a procession of locals in traditional dress.

Ecuador in August

Weather

August is the beginning of the dry season in Ecuador. Temperatures range from the mid-60s to the low 80s Fahrenheit, with the higher temperatures in the inland areas. The humidity is low, making the weather more comfortable and enjoyable.

Events

• The Festival de las Flores y las Frutas is held in Loja in August. This festival celebrates the region’s agricultural bounty with parades, music, and traditional dances.
• The Festival de la Canela is held in Otavalo in August. This festival celebrates the cinnamon harvest with traditional music, food, and crafts.
• The Fiesta de la Virgen de las Mercedes is held in Cuenca in August. This festival celebrates the patron saint of the city with parades, music, and traditional dances.
• The Festival de la Piedra y el Agua is held in Quito in August. This festival celebrates the region’s natural beauty with parades, music, and traditional dances.
• The Festival de la Raza is held in Guayaquil in August. This festival celebrates the region’s cultural diversity with parades, music, and traditional dances.

Ecuador in September

Weather

The average temperature in September in Ecuador is around 23°C (73°F). The weather is usually warm and humid, with occasional showers.

Events

• Independence Day is celebrated on September 10th and is a public holiday in Ecuador.
• The Quito International Marathon is held on the first Sunday of September.
• The International Festival of the Manabí is held in Manta in mid-September.
• The Festival of the Sun is celebrated in Otavalo in late September.
• The Ecuadorian National Music Festival is held in Quito in late September.

Ecuador in October

Weather

October in Ecuador is characterized by warm and dry weather with temperatures ranging from 18-25°C (64-77°F). The days are usually sunny and the nights are cool.

Events

• The Ecuadorian independence day is celebrated on October 9th. This is a national holiday and the day is marked with parades, fireworks, and other festivities.
• The city of Quito celebrates its founding anniversary on October 6th. There are many cultural activities and events that take place throughout the city.
• The Festival de la Música is held in October in the city of Guayaquil. This is a celebration of music, art, and culture with performances from local and international artists.
• The Ecuadorian Carnival is held in October in the city of Guayaquil. This is a week-long celebration with parades, music, and dancing.
• The Ecuadorian National Crafts Fair takes place in October in the city of Cuenca. This is a great opportunity to purchase unique handmade items from local artisans.

Ecuador in November

Weather

November in Ecuador is the beginning of the wet season, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit (18-25 Celsius). Rainfall is common throughout the month, although it is less frequent in the coastal regions.

Events

• All Saints Day (November 1): This is a national holiday in Ecuador, and many people visit cemeteries to honor their deceased loved ones.
• Quito International Marathon (November 3): This annual marathon is held in the capital city of Quito and attracts runners from all over the world.
• Independence Day (November 6): This is a national holiday in Ecuador, and many cities host parades and other festivities to celebrate the country’s independence.
• Inti Raymi (November 28): This is an ancient Incan festival that is celebrated in Ecuador to honor the sun god.
• Festival of Lights (November 30): This is a popular festival in Ecuador that celebrates the start of the Christmas season.

Ecuador in December

Weather

December is the beginning of the dry season in Ecuador, and temperatures are generally mild during this time. The average high temperature in the capital city of Quito is around 21°C (70°F), while the average low temperature is around 10°C (50°F). Rainfall is minimal during this time, with an average of about 4 inches of rain for the month.

Events

• The Festival of Lights is celebrated in Quito on December 7th. The festival honors the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, and the streets of the city are lit up with colorful lights and decorations.
• The Inti Raymi Festival is held in Quito on December 24th. This festival celebrates the winter solstice, and people gather to enjoy traditional music, dance, and food.
• The Festival of San Juan is celebrated in the coastal city of Guayaquil on December 24th and 25th. This festival honors the patron saint of Guayaquil, and people gather to enjoy parades, fireworks, and traditional food.
• The Festival of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception is held in Quito on December 8th. This festival honors the patron saint of the city, and people gather to enjoy traditional music and dance.
• The Festival of the Virgin of the Good Journey is celebrated in the city of Cuenca on December 8th. This festival honors the patron saint of Cuenca, and people gather to enjoy traditional music and dance.