The best time to visit Ecuador is dependant on what you'd like to do, as Ecuador is a year round destination. Straddling the Equator as its name suggests, it is possible to travel to Ecuador at any time of the year, but there are different regional zones listed below that have their own microclimates and best times to visit, which should be considered when you are planning your trip. Generally speaking, you may also wish to bear in mind the peak tourism season, which approximately from mid-December to end of January and again from June to August. Coinciding as they do with popular times for us to travel, early planning is highly recommended.

Different zones in Ecuador have different micro-climates, although technically Ecuador is a year-round destination.

Cotopaxi: Year round – climbing the volcano or visiting the National Park is possible throughout the year.

Devil’s Nose: Year round – this famous train runs from Tuesdays to Sundays throughout the year.

Galapagos Islands: Year round – there really is no bad time to go to the Galapagos, however, temperatures are at their highest in January and February, the coolest months are August and September (when most ships are in dry dock).

Otavalo Market: Year round – this traditional indigenous textiles market has become a top tourist attraction in Ecuador and whereas Saturday is the traditional market day it is still worth a visit throughout the week.

Amazon Rainforest: Year round – it is possible to visit the Ecuadorian Amazon throughout the year as average rainfall and temperature varies only slightly from month to month.

The Amazon or ‘Oriente’

This tract of lowland rainforest that feeds the Amazon basin is a hot and humid area that experiences rain all year round due to its location, but the months of August and December to March tend to be the driest.  The fascinating wildlife of the Amazon can be seen all year, so keep your eyes peeled for howler monkeys as well as abundant birdlife and reptiles.

Andean Highlands

This area, that includes the capital Quito, has a dry season from June to September, when days are usually warm and sunny. Outside of these months you may experience some rain, but not every day. Due to the altitude the nights can be mild, but average maximum daytime temperature is around 18ºC or 64ºF.

Pacific Lowlands

On the Pacific coast and the lowlands that border it, there are two distinct seasons. The wet season paradoxically experiences more beach-friendly sunshine between January and May, although expect afternoon downpours, whilst a dry season from June to December sees the temperature drop and a greater and prolonged build-up of cloud.

Birds: Year round – from the harpy eagle in the Amazon, the waved albatross in Machalilla National Park and the mighty condor in the Andes there are plenty of species to keep birders occupied.

Caiman: July to November – the Amazon crocodile can be seen throughout the year but chances increase during the rainy season when they begin nesting and fish numbers soar.

Monkeys: Year round – howler, squirrel, capuchin, and woolly monkeys as well as tamarins and marmosets can be seen throughout the year in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Sloths: Year round – both two-toed and three-toed sloths can be found in Ecuador and although extremely elusive can be seen throughout the year.