Ecuador in August: Travel Advice and Weather Tips
August is the peak season in Ecuador and for good reasons. This month has some of the best weather of the whole year with dry conditions, making it perfect for a whole host of exhilarating outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing. Many festivals are celebrated in Ecuador in August, allowing visitors to get a feel for the traditional aspects that help make this country so unique. Here is a look at all the amazing Ecuadorian holiday opportunities. in August and a few reasons why you should point your compass toward South America this year.
- Goranka
Ecuador Weather in August
The weather in Ecuador in August is amongst the best of the year with national averages ranging between 8°C and 19 °C. You will have plenty of sunshine and fewer rainy days during this month. The capital, Quito, stays true to the overall average temperature in Ecuador and sees temperatures between 8°C and 18°C while Guayaquil on the coast is much warmer between 20°C and an average high of 32°. Here you will also enjoy lovely ocean temperatures of around 23°C. Santo Domingo has some of the best weather in August. Here, temperatures remain between 27°C and 18°C, very similar to Quito. Manta is another coastal city that enjoys pleasant dry weather in August. You can expect comfortable temperatures between 29°C and 20°C here.
For a seasonal overview, go through our guide on the best time to visit Ecuador.
Weather in Ecuador in August - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 65 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 65 | 65 | 67 | 67 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 47 | 47 | 49 | 49 | 49 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 | 47 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 70 | 100 | 90 | 70 | 60 | 40 | 20 | 40 | 70 | 80 | 60 | 50 |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 18 | 19 | 19 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 65 | 67 | 67 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 47 | 47 | 47 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 20 | 40 | 70 |
Why Visit Ecuador in August
There are plenty of things to do in Ecuador, thanks to the marvelous weather and increased adventure opportunities in the peak season. Here are some more reasons to visit Ecuador in August:
- First cry for Ecuador Independence Day: Quito celebrates the start of the country’s independence from Spain with an over-the-top military parade and jovial events across the city on August 10.
- Art and culture: August is overrun by cultural events celebrating traditional art, especially in Quito. Special exhibits and events take place all over the country, organized by local municipalities to embrace local artists. The schedule changes annually and you can expect everything from dance performances to workshops and musical theater.
- Great time to visit the Amazon: With drier conditions dominating across the country, you can enjoy better conditions in the forests to go exploring and wildlife spotting in the Amazon.
Where to go and what to do
Hiking in Ecuador in August is a popular activity, and the highlands is where you want to be. Flights to Ecuador usually touch down in Quito, which happens to be a perfect place to begin a hiking adventure. From the city, you can easily reach many spectacular viewpoints. If a hike at the start of your journey seems too strenuous, you can always take the TeleferiQo gondola to Volcan Pichincha. This snow-capped stratovolcano is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. The place boasts stunning views that stretch for hundreds of miles.
Cotopaxi is another hiking treasure with the mammoth Cotopaxi volcano dominating the landscape and Limpiopungo Lake acting as a mirror at the foot of the volcanic giant. The Quillota Loop is also very popular in August. This circular trail runs through the high Andes and connects you to remote villages and unthinkable natural beauty.
From the top of the highlands to the belly of the Amazon basin, dry conditions in Ecuador allow you to see many more tree-dwelling creatures in August. Visit Yasuni National Park for an unforgettable Amazon experience. This park boasts the highest biodiversity on earth. Here, if you are lucky, you could spot a jaguar, tapir, or pink river dolphin on your visit. The tall canopies of the cloud forest are also home to sloths, bears, and toucans. Keep an eye on the clay licks that are particularly thriving in August. You have a higher chance of seeing these marvelous creatures in August as it is not always pelting down with rain as during other times of the year.
The waters around the Galapagos islands do not have the best visibility for diving in August, but the nutrient-rich water this time of year brings whole new life to the archipelago. This is a good time to see the famed giant tortoises and lava lizards. You can also spot graceful Galapagos Hawks soaring above. Check out our tours in the Galapagos islands.
Take a peek at our articles on how many days to spend in Ecuador to see all the available itineraries.
August is one of the best months to visit Ecuador. Although there are more crowds and fewer deals, you can be sure that the unbeatable weather and bountiful nature will make this an all-around unforgettable trip. Speak to our dedicated local travel experts to book a tailor-made trip to Ecuador in August.
Other related articles:
Ecuador in July
Ecuador in September
Summer in Ecuador
