Since the climate of Ecuador varies as per the region the best time to visit depends on the area you want to visit. From June to September, it is a dry season in the highlands. The cultural and wildlife attractions of Ecuador can be enjoyed throughout the year.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS?

Broadly speaking there are 2 different Galapagos Weather seasons:

1. Warm & Wet.
2. Cool & Dry.

Although the climatic differences between each season can be quite subtle it does greatly impact life at the Galapagos.

Don’t worry, in both Galapagos weather seasons, you’ll still get to see all of the wonderful wildlife and stunning volcanic panoramas. But it does pay to understand the differences during trip planning. The Galapagos islands are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you want to get it right!

Here is a summary of what to expect in each Galapagos climate season:

GALAPAGOS WARM & WET SEASON

The WARM & WET Galapagos weather season runs from December/January through to May.

Galapagos weather in the warm and wet season is sunny and warm, but also occasionally wet. So, visitors can expect plenty of sun rays and warm temperatures on land and in the sea. The downside is the risk of occasional rain showers. So, you’ll probably go home with a healthy tan, but sun protection is a must to prevent sunburn. Rain gear is also recommended for island excursions, especially up in the highlands. The rains are very welcome for wildlife in the Galapagos highlands, bringing a dramatic transformation to their habitat. Wet Galapagos weather produces lush green vegetation – the perfect conditions for land species such as the Giant Tortoise, Galapagos Finches & other land birds who find food sources plentiful in this season.

Galapagos marine species are also easily spotted during the warm and wet seasons, even though the warmer sea temperatures are not their ideal conditions for feeding or breeding.

GALAPAGOS COOL & DRY SEASON

The Galapagos COOL & DRY climate season runs approximately from June to December.

The Cool & Dry Galapagos weather season brings cloudier skies, cooler temperatures on land and at sea, and a dry climate. Many visitors find this season to be more pleasant for excursions. Sun protection is still important.

Now it’s time for the Galapagos marine species to shine. The cold Humboldt current brings rich nutrients from the Antarctic to Galapagos waters. These are optimal conditions for Galapagos Sealions, Marine iguanas, Sharks, and Seabirds like the blue-footed booby and Waved Albatross. Migratory whale species are also attracted to the Galapagos islands to feed.

In contrast, the lack of rain leaves the highlands bare. You’ll still see plenty of Galapagos land creatures, but the plants and flora are waiting for the return to the rain.

Remember, both Galapagos Islands weather seasons are great times to visit. There truly is no best or worst season, it all comes down to personal preference. Whichever month you choose to travel you’ll have an unforgettable trip!

ECUADOR AMAZON WEATHER

Any time of the year is perfect for visiting the Ecuadorian Amazon since the weather varies only slightly from month to month in both rainfall and temperature. Expect some rain (it is the rainforest after all!) but you’ll likely have similar periods of bright sunshine. In general, it’s hot and humid, but not as much as many people imagine.

The year-round temperature average is 82°F (28°C), however nights can be cooler. Since Ecuador is located right on the equator, the country does not experience extreme weather changes aside from a slightly rainier and wetter season. During a visit to the Amazon region, in a 4 or 5-day visit, you will often see more or less the same amount of rain and sunshine.

The Rainier Season in the Amazon Runs from December to June, with temperatures ranging from 23°C (73°F) to 30°C (86°F) and frequent rains throughout April and May. The Rainy Season has its pros because many plants have evolved to fruit and flower during the rainy season – a phenomenon which often attracts birds and primates to the water’s edge and grants visitors the chance to observe them more frequently.

The Drier Season in the Amazon Lasts from July to November, with temperatures from 26°C (78°F) to 40°C (104°F), with less rain, though showers are still possible. The Dry Season also offers its own set of benefits, for it’s during this time that the water gets lower and attracts animals that you won’t often see during the rainy season. Beach nesting birds are everywhere, as there are more beaches present during this time.

Fish also tend to lay their eggs during this period of lower water levels, and as a result, you’ll often see them swimming around fervently in the shallows of the rivers. Consequently, birds go on a feeding frenzy with the abundance of fish and you’ll often see all kinds of birds flying or muddling about these riverbanks.

It’s important to note that the Amazon Crocodile (known as Cayman) is much more prevalent during the dry season, and will usually be found nesting while feeding off the abundance of fish.