Seasons in Ecuador
The Republic of Ecuador is the country in north-western part of South America. It is washed by the Pacific Ocean. Territory of Ecuador includes Galapagos archipelago. Northern part of the country is crossed by the Equator, so the country is situated in both Hemispheres of the Earth. Two parallel ranges of the Andes are crossing Ecuador from north to south. On both sided of the mountains there are vast lowlands.
Naturally most of the country lies in the zone of the tropical rainforest climate except southern regions that have subtropical weather conditions. Seasonal temperature variations are minor, hence season are divided by amount of precipitation. Weather conditions vary with altitude and differ between western and eastern plains and mountains. Annual averages of precipitation are in wide range between 100 mm (3.9”) in south and 6000 mm (236”) on eastern slopes of the Andean Mountains.
Seasons
Contents:
March-May in Ecuador
Judging by weather it is hard to define when winter turns into spring in Ecuador. Temperature range in Quito, the capital, is between 22 °C (71 °F) and 18 °C (64 °F) as usual. Coastal areas are bit drier and warmer while mountainous areas are cooled and damper.
In general amount of precipitation grows through the season. Eastern plains are called “Green hell” because it rains there on daily basis with minor differences in season to season extent. However, in mountains rainy season finishes in May.
Climate from March to May
March Max average t°: +21 °C (70 °F) Min average t°: +8 °C (46 °F) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Rainy days: 17 days Precipitation: 155 mm (6.1") |
April Max average t°: +21 °C (70 °F) Min average t°: +9 °C (48 °F) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Rainy days: 19 days Precipitation: 185 mm (7.3") |
May Max average t°: +22 °C (72 °F) Min average t°: +8 °C (46 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 16 days Precipitation: 130 mm (5.1") |
(Quito)
Holidays
March-April – Easter celebrations.
May 1 – Labor Day.
May 24 – Pichincha Battle Day.
June-August in Ecuador
Main features of summer weather in Ecuador are decreased precipitation and stronger winds. In general temperature averages are lower by couple of degrees. June and Jul on Galapagos Islands are foggy and damp due to effects of temperature inversion. In August weather become better. Amazon Basin is relatively dry in July and August and also very exciting.
By the end of calendar summer winds calm down, so weather in mountains become more comfortable. Exploration of volcanos of Ecuador and other mountain related activities are great in last summer month.
Climate from June to August
June Max average t°: +21 °C (70 °F) Min average t°: +8 °C (48 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 9 days Precipitation: 55 mm (2.2") |
July Max average t°: +22 °C (72 °F) Min average t°: +7 °C (45 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 20 mm (0.8") |
August Max average t°: +23 °C (73 °F) Min average t°: +7 °C (45 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 25 mm (1") |
(Quito)
Holidays
June 24 – Feast of John the Baptist.
July 24 – Simon Bolivar’s day.
August 10 – Independence Day.
September-November in Ecuador
September is considered as dry season in most regions. In October the sky opens its valves and starts to flood the country. It is the time when it is better to leave mountains for comfortable major cities of beaches. Though, it is too cloudy for complete seaside vacationing.
November is considered as the driest month is rainforest wherein mountains receive more precipitation. There’s one important feature in November weather of Ecuador: annoying midges calm down for a bit. Galapagos are warm and cloudy in autumn.
Climate from September to November
September Max average t°: +23 °C (73 °F) Min average t°: +7 °C (45 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 9 days Precipitation: 80 mm (3.1") |
October Max average t°: +22 °C (72 °F) Min average t°: +8 °C (48 °F) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Rainy days: 16 days Precipitation: 135 mm (5.3") |
November Max average t°: +21 °C (70 °F) Min average t°: +8 °C (46 °F) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Rainy days: 12 days Precipitation: 95 mm (3.7") |
(Quito)
Holidays
September 29 – National Flag Day.
November 2 – All Souls’ Day.
December-February in Ecuador
Winter on most territory of Ecuador equals summer in Northern Hemisphere. Weather is relatively dry. At least to certain extent because evening showers may occur anyway. January offer acceptable weather conditions too but in February rainy season hits. Last winter month is perfect in Galapagos Islands. Weather there is sunny, warm and winds are calm. Rainy season will last until May. Torrential rains pass and dry fast creating lesser concern. But humidity is very high.
Climate from December to February
December Max average t°: +21 °C (70 °F) Min average t°: +8 °C (46 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 12 days Precipitation: 105 mm (4.1") |
January Max average t°: +22 °C (72 °F) Min average t°: +8°C (46 °F) Sundial in the day: 6 hours Rainy days: 13 days Precipitation: 120 mm (4.7") |
February Max average t°: +21 °C (70 °F) Min average t°: +8 °C (46 °F) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Rainy days: 14 days Precipitation: 130 mm (5.1") |
(Quito)
Holidays
December 25 – Christmas.
December 28 – The Day of the Holy Innocent Bethlehem Babies.
January 1 – New Year.
February – Mardi Gras.