Time and Weather

Ecuador’s climate is tropical, although it varies with height and area owing to changes in elevation and, to a lesser extent, closeness to the equator.

The coastal lowlands of western Ecuador are generally warm, with temperatures about 25 °C (77 °F). Between January and April, coastal regions are hot and wet due to ocean currents.

The weather in Quito is typical of a subtropical highland climate. The average daytime temperature is 21 °C (70 °F), while the average nighttime temperature is 10 °C (50 °F). The yearly average temperature is 18 °C (64 °F). In the city, there are two seasons: dry and rainy. The rainy season lasts from October to May, while the dry season lasts from June to September.

The best time to visit

The ideal time to visit Ecuador varies on where you go in the nation. Weather changes are typically caused by geographical variances and micro-climates rather than clearly defined seasons. The highlands, for example, have a drier season from June to September, although the ‘four seasons in a day’ phenomena can occur at any time.

The wet season is the most fantastic time to visit Ecuador’s coast since temperatures are warmer and rain generally falls in short spurts in the afternoon, allowing you to enjoy sunny mornings.

Wildlife

Ecuador has more than 25,000 plant species, or 10% of the world total, which no other country of its size can equal, compared to roughly 17,000 for all of North America. It has nearly twice as many bird species as Europe and half as many as South America. In addition, the nation has more species of animals and amphibians per square meter than any other country on the planet.

The varied terrains sustain many habitats that support an astonishing diversity of species, from the high Andean highlands to the low-lying tropical rainforests and coastal plains. The nation has been designated as a «mega-diversity hotspot» in the globe.

You can find over 300 species of mammals, including the endangered Andean spectacled bear, monkeys (including spider, howler, woolly, capuchin, and squirrel monkeys), marmosets, tamarins, two and three-toed sloths, deer, Andean foxes, llamas, vicunas, anteaters, agoutis, peccaries. Amazonian Ecuador has ocelots, jaguars, tapirs, pumas, and spectacled bears, although rarely observed. River dolphins have been sighted in the Amazon’s tributaries on occasion.