Ecuador in October: Weather, Travel Advice and Hiking
The Amazon remains relatively dry in October, making this a great time to explore the jungle by foot for wildlife sightings and seeing caimans lay their eggs on riverbanks. The Galapagos Islands are also dry during this time, and cooler temperatures make for more pleasant hikes around the islands. In the Highlands though, rainy days are back and the region transitions into the low season. However, this also means you can find great discounts on tours and accommodation if you visit Ecuador in October.
Ecuador Weather in October
Ecuador has several climate zones. So if you are traveling to Ecuador in October, expect the weather to vary depending on where you visit. The average temperature in Ecuador for the month is 18°C.
In Quito, the weather can be wet, as it falls in the Highlands, where the rainy season begins around October. Temperatures can reach up to 17°C. Drier days in the Amazon are ideal for trekking in October, with places like Puyo experiencing a pleasant temperature of around 28°C.
The Galapagos Islands are also dry, with the temperature averaging 21°C. Misty mornings are common in the Galapagos in October, which result in beautiful mountain sunrises.
For more weather information, check out our guide on the best time to visit Ecuador.
Weather in Ecuador in October - 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) | 64.4 | 62.6 | 62.6 | 62.6 | 62.6 | 64.4 | 64.4 | 66.2 | 66.2 | 64.4 | 64.4 | 64.4 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 46.4 | 46.4 | 48.2 | 48.2 | 48.2 | 46.4 | 46.4 | 46.4 | 46.4 | 46.4 | 46.4 | 46.4 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 70 | 100 | 90 | 70 | 60 | 40 | 20 | 40 | 70 | 80 | 60 | 50 |
Why Visit Ecuador in October
With many things to do there are plenty of good reasons to visit Ecuador in October. Here are some of them:
- Local festivals: In October, Ecuadorians celebrate the Independence of Guayaquil, where the city holds parades and dances on the street. In the city of Ibarra, you can witness the traditional Foxhunt, where a horse rider is chased by several ‘hunters’. The festival commemorates the foundation of Ibarra.
- Galapagos wildlife: Wildlife activity on the Galapagos Islands is high in October, as nutrient-rich currents attract fish and birds. Sea lions are mating, and lava herons can be seen building their nests. You can also catch a glimpse of blue-footed booby chicks, as well as the albatross performing their courtship ritual. Galapagos wildlife: Wildlife activity on the Galapagos Islands is high in October, as nutrient-rich currents attract fish and birds. Sea lions are mating, and lava herons can be seen building their nests. You can also catch a glimpse of blue-footed booby chicks, as well as the albatross performing their courtship ritual.
- Nesting season: Drier weather in the Amazon is not only great for jungle trekking, it also creates a perfect condition for wildlife to lay their eggs. You can expect to see birds and caimans laying their eggs around this time.
- Discounted prices: October is a low season month in many regions of Ecuador, so you can expect discounts on accommodation and tours.
- Less crowds: With summer holidays over, the crowds have disappeared in major tourist sites. This means you can enjoy more of Ecuador to yourself.
Where to go and what to do
October is an especially beautiful month for photography and wildlife sightings on the Galapagos Islands. Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets are seen across the archipelago, with the best photo spots being Pinnacle Rock on Bartolome Island and Kicker Rock on San Cristobal Island. Humpback whales can still be spotted in the channel between Isabela and Fernandina Islands, while whale sharks are found around the Wolf and Darwin Islands.
The weather in Cuenca may still be rainy, so this can be a perfect opportunity to explore the history of Ecuador. Visit one of the many museums showcasing indigenous culture or witness a traditional spiritual cleansing, known as a Limpia. Wander around the charming colonial streets of the city, or the Inca Ruins of Pumapungo National Park, and climb the New Cathedral for amazing views over the historic center.
If you are looking to enjoy some of Ecuador’s amazing coastline, then head to Guayaquil which has some of the warmest waters for swimming this time of year. It is also a perfect base to explore the surrounding beach towns such as Playas, where there is a bustling nightlife scene and some of the best surfing beaches in the country.
See our guide on how many days to spend in Ecuador for more inspiration before planning your trip.
Drier days in the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands mean hiking and outdoor explorations are on the cards if you visit Ecuador in October. But it is not the same in the Highlands, where the rainy season kicks in around this time. The wet condition, however, does not take away the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and history of Ecuador. And with most places in the country heading into the low season, you can expect low crowds and cheaper travel costs when you travel to Ecuador in October. Contact our local travel experts for a customized tour of Ecuador.
Other related articles:
Ecuador in September
Ecuador in November
