Ecuador, named for its position on the equator, has one of the world’s most diverse climates. Because of its location, the nation does not experience the four distinct seasons of temperate zones. Instead of dramatic temperature shifts, Ecuador’s climate is primarily defined by rainfall patterns, separating the year into wet and dry seasons.
The interplay between its geography, coastal proximity to the Pacific Ocean, and immense altitude changes creates a complex and highly localized weather system. This unique combination of factors allows for distinct microclimates across a relatively small area. Understanding the weather in Ecuador requires looking beyond a single national forecast and examining the conditions within its four major geographical regions.
The Four Geographical Regions of Ecuador
Ecuador’s climate diversity is directly tied to its major geographical divisions, which act as barriers and conduits for weather systems. These four macro-regions are defined by elevation and geological features, establishing the framework for the country’s varied climate patterns. The westernmost region is the Pacific Coastal Lowlands, known locally as La Costa, which consists of plains and hills stretching along the Pacific Ocean.
Moving eastward, the massive Andes mountain range forms the central spine of the country, called La Sierra, containing the bulk of Ecuador’s high-altitude environments. Beyond the Andes to the east lies the Amazon Basin, referred to as El Oriente, an expansive area of lowland rainforest. Finally, the Insular Region encompasses the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago located nearly 600 miles off the mainland coast whose climate is dictated by oceanic currents rather than mainland influences.
Climate of the Pacific Coastal Lowlands (La Costa)
The Pacific Coastal Lowlands experience a hot and humid tropical climate, with temperatures averaging between 77°F and 90°F throughout the year. Seasonality in this region is marked by precipitation, with a warm, wet season running from December to May. During this period, the air is highly humid, and heavy rainfall is frequent, with the highest relative humidity often recorded in February.
The cooler, drier season typically lasts from June to November. This drier period features less precipitation and slightly cooler temperatures, though the climate remains consistently warm and tropical. The shifting influence of Pacific Ocean currents dictates the timing and intensity of this coastal seasonality. The northern part of the coast receives significantly higher rainfall, contributing to lush mangrove forests and tropical savanna landscapes.
Climate of the Andean Highlands (La Sierra)
The climate of the Andean Highlands is primarily dictated by altitude, creating a complex array of microclimates across the mountain range. For every 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) of ascent, the temperature drops predictably by about 9 to 11°F, leading to distinct temperature bands. Temperate valley floors, like where the capital Quito sits at 9,350 feet, enjoy average daytime temperatures around 60°F to 70°F. High-altitude páramos above 11,800 feet are much colder and often experience frost.
A notable daily weather pattern is the rapid shift in conditions, often described as experiencing “four seasons in one day.” Mornings may be sunny and mild, followed by cloud cover and rain showers in the afternoon, with temperatures dropping quickly once the sun sets. The region has a clear dry season from June to September and a wet season from October to May, with rainfall peaking near the equinoxes. These weather patterns are influenced by orographic lifting, where moist air masses are forced upward by the mountain slopes, causing consistent cloud formation and localized precipitation.
Climate of the Amazon Basin (El Oriente)
The Amazon Basin, or El Oriente, features a classic tropical rainforest climate characterized by consistent heat and extreme, near-constant humidity. Temperature variation throughout the year is minimal, with average daytime highs generally around 77°F to 86°F. The vast, dense vegetation contributes to maintaining the year-round, high humidity levels.
The region does not have a true dry season, as heavy rainfall occurs throughout the year. The wettest months typically fall between March and July, with slightly less precipitation observed from December to February. Annual precipitation is abundant, often reaching between 120 to 240 inches (3,000 to 6,000 mm).
Climate of the Insular Region (Galapagos Islands)
The Galapagos Islands possess a unique climate governed primarily by Pacific Ocean currents rather than the archipelago’s equatorial location. The year is divided into two main seasons, driven by the varying strength of two major currents. The warm, wet season occurs from December to May, driven by the warm Panama Current, bringing warmer air and sea temperatures, often reaching 80°F.
The cool, dry season, known locally as the garúa season, lasts from June to December. During this time, the cold Humboldt Current is stronger, cooling the air and surrounding sea, with water temperatures dropping to 61°F. The garúa refers to the fine, misty drizzle or fog that blankets the higher elevations of the islands during this season, even though the lowlands remain relatively dry.