The Weather

 

The climate is generally pleasant. Due to mist, cloud cover and cool Pacific breezes, conditions are rarely hot.  It can be quite cool on the mainland of Ecuador because of high altitudes. In the upper Amazon, the average temperature is from 77º to 85ºF, and it is humid.  However, it is remarkably cool in the evening after a rain, so the sweater you wear in Quito may also be useful in the rainforest. Ecuador has four distinct geographical regions - each with a unique climate and environment, and two distinct seasons – wet and dry.  The regions are divided into the western coastal lowlands, the central Andean highlands, the eastern Amazonian lowlands and the Galapagos Islands.  However, most of Ecuador is generally cooler than most people would expect being so close to the equator, the reason being the presence of cold sea currents and, in the mountainous regions, the altitude.

The climate in the mountains and highlands varies according to altitude.  During the year, a subtropical climate prevails in the Andean Valleys; at higher altitudes it is spring-like, and at night it is cold. In Quito, over 9,000 feet above sea level, the temperature ranges from 55ºF at night 78ºF at noon.  The Coast’s climate (Guayaquil) is generally warm.

The Galapagos Islands and coastal areas are influenced by ocean currents, and have a surprisingly cool, sub-tropical climate. Temperatures are determined almost entirely by these ocean currents, which are influenced by trade winds. The warm equatorial countercurrent from the central Pacific causes a warm, rainy and somewhat humid season from December through May.  During these months, the cooling currents subside, temperatures rise and the climate is warm and sunny with occasional showers.  The Galapagos, however, get an average of only ten inches of rain per year, so it is never considered “rainy.”  From May to December, both the cool Humboldt and Peru currents from the south keep temperatures a few degrees lower and it rarely rains.  In June, the trend begins toward even cooler temperatures with moderate breezes, which continue through November.  This period is also referred to as the “garua” season, which translates to “mist” in Spanish.  In the Galapagos, the larger islands with volcanic peaks have a variety of climatic zones.  The highland areas receive moisture almost year round, which supports lush vegetation.  The coastal areas are quite arid, and are covered with plants adapted to desert conditions.

TEMPERATURE CHARTS: Temperature (ºF) - Average lows and highs

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June
Quito	50/66	50/66	50/66	51/66	51/66	49/67
Guay-aquil	74/88	75/87	76/89	75/89	74/87	72/85
Cuenca	50/69	51/70	51/69	50/69	49/67	47/66
Galapagos Islands	72/86	75/86	75/88	75/88	72/79	70/79
	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Quito	49/67	49/67	49/68	49/67	49/67	50/66
Guay-aquil	70/84	69/84	70/86	71/85	72/86	73/88
Cuenca	47/65	46/66	48/69	49/70	46/71	49/71
Galapagos Islands	66/79	66/79	66/79	68/81	70/82	72/84

SEA TEMPERATURE CHARTS: Temperature (ºF)

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June
Galapagos Islands	74	76	76	76	74	74
	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Galapagos Islands	72	66	68	70	72	74

DID YOU KNOW?
Unlike here in the United States, Tuesday the 13th is considered a very unlucky day for Ecuadorians.