The climate in Ecuador varies by region, mostly due to changes in elevation. When living in Ecuador, there is a varied topography, the country’s climate changes quite a bit according to altitude, but the temperature in all areas of Ecuador typically ranges between 45°F and 70°F throughout the year. Average annual humidity is around 75%. Mountainous regions and any area above sea level experience cooler temperatures and lower humidity. Nearer to the equator and at sea level, the temperature can be as high as 90°F. Ecuador receives precipitation during the rainy season, but the rest of the year stays fairly dry. The average annual rainfall for Ecuador is about 50 inches, but this is distributed throughout the country and occurs mostly during rainy season.
Due to its diverse topography, Ecuador has a very varied climate.
There are four primary regions in Ecuador – each has contrasting climates, temperatures, and seasons:
La Costa (the coastal lowlands area to the west of the country) region has a truly tropical climate. The weather here is usually warm, with temperatures hovering around 80°F. The rainy season (December to May) is humid.
El Oriente (the Amazon region of the east of the country) is also at sea level and also has a tropical climate. The weather here is a humid and rainy year round. Average daytime temperatures also hover around 80°F. The dry season varies, but is usually somewhere between December and March. August can also be drier than average.
La Sierra (the highlands, or Andean region) has a much cooler climate than the rest of the country and temperatures vary greatly with altitude. The average summer temperature in Ecuadorian capital, Quito, is around 60°F.
The Galapagos Islands have a warm and relatively dry climate year round, with temperatures averaging 80°F. Though the islands sit almost right on the equator, the Pacific lapping on all sides prevents it from getting too hot here. Most people find the stable climate here pleasant—there are no annual extremes here. The Galapagos receive almost no rainfall, either.
As in any country, weather depends on your region, but generally Ecuador enjoys a temperate, mild climate with little temperature fluctuation from season to season.