Ecuador Cuenca buildings

Cuenca, Ecuador

Best time to visit Ecuador

Month-by-month guide of when to visit.

Ecuador offers a wide range of experiences throughout the year. From the bustling cities to the iconic Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador has something to offer for every type of traveller. The best time to visit different parts of Ecuador varies depending on the region and the activities you're interested in. Here's a breakdown of the best times to visit and some notable events:

Quito and the Andes: The best time to visit Quito and the Andes is during the dry season from June to September. The weather is pleasant, with clear skies and mild temperatures. You can explore the historic centre of Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visit the Otavalo Market to experience indigenous culture, and hike through the stunning landscapes of Cotopaxi National Park. In late June, don't miss the colourful Inti Raymi festival in Otavalo, celebrating the summer solstice.

Galapagos Islands: The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from December to May when the waters are warmer and more abundant with marine life. You can snorkel with sea lions, spot giant tortoises, and observe unique bird species like the blue-footed booby. In September, you can witness the breeding season of the waved albatross on Española Island.

Amazon Rainforest: The Amazon Rainforest can be visited throughout the year, but the dry season from June to November offers better wildlife viewing opportunities. Explore the Yasuni National Park, go birdwatching, take canoe excursions along the rivers, and learn about the indigenous communities that call the rainforest home. In November, you can experience the Cuyabeno River Turtle Festival, where you can witness the hatching and release of thousands of baby turtles.

Coast and Beaches: The coastal region of Ecuador is best visited from December to May due to preferable weather conditions. However, Ecuador’s coasts have a relatively stable weather pattern year round so there is plenty to enjoy in the of-season such as the beaches of Montañita, or whale watching in Puerto Lopez between June and September. In October, you can attend the colourful Day of the Dead celebrations in Montañita and experience traditional music, dance, and food.

Overall, Ecuador offers a multitude of experiences throughout the year. Whether you're exploring the Andes, the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon Rainforest, or the coastal region, there are plenty of activities and events to make your trip unforgettable. Remember to check specific event dates closer to your travel time to ensure accuracy.

Ecuador Salinas beach city

January - February

Part of the peak tourist season for the Coast and the Galapagos, and generally the best time to visit these locations due to warmer sea temperatures. Coastal regions enjoy warm temperatures, perfect for beach activities and water sports. The Andes are humid and wet, ideal for exploring cities and visiting indigenous markets, less ideal for hiking but still manageable. The Amazon rainforest is humid and wet, and animal sightings may be more challenging.

Ecuador Quilotoa crater lake

March - May

A pleasant climate across the country and cheaper than December-February. Coastal areas are temperate, and the beaches get quieter as school holidays end. The Andes offer temperatures ranging from 12-21°C (54-70°F), making it more appealing for hiking. For an Easter spectacle, don't miss the Santa Semana celebrations in Quito (check your calendar for when Easter falls). The Amazon rainforest remains humid. In May the beaches are getting cooler, while the Andes experience less rainfall, making hiking more accessible.

Collared Inca H Ummingbird Ecuador

June - September

It's high season in the mountain ranges. Head to Otavalo to celebrate the Incan festival of Inti Raymi for the summer solstice in late June. Along the coast, temperatures range from mild to warm, with occasional rain showers. In the highlands, temperatures are slightly warmer, and the climate is drier, making it better for birdwatching. The Amazon region is hot, humid, and experiences heavy rainfall. September offers reasonable weather for both the coast and highlands, better for hiking than surfing.

Ecuador amazon river

October - November

Best time to visit the Amazon basin due to drier conditions. Alternatively, it is cheaper to visit the Galapagos and the coast at this time because it is too cold for beach activities. A great time to hike the mountains with fewer traveller numbers. In November, the Amazon rainforest continues to have reduced rainfall, making it a great time to spot animals and avoid mosquitoes. Cultural events like Día de los Difuntos take place at the beginning of November.

Ecuador Cuenca Carnaval

December

In Quito and the Highlands, it's cooler and rainy, but there are many festive events that compensate for the weather such as Fiestas de Quito and Año Nuevo. The Oriente/Amazon region experiences warm and dry weather, with many birds in Parque Nacional Yasuni. Along the coast and Galapagos, it's getting warmer with occasional showers and clear skies, making it a good time to visit the coastline. December sees increasing crowds and higher costs due to festivals and holiday vacations.

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails.

August, 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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