Summer in Ecuador: Destination and Weather Tips

Summer in Ecuador is generally mild, although conditions vary throughout the country. Capital Quito has an average high of around 20°C and 40–70 mm of rainfall during the summer, while Guayaquil, near the coast and one of Ecuador’s biggest cities, experiences average summer temperatures fluctuating between 30°C and 21°C.

Summer is the driest and warmest season in the mountainous Sierra, though variations may exist within the region. In the eastern Oriente region, which includes the eastern slopes of the Andes and rainforests of the Amazon basin, expect warm, humid and wet weather, with less frequent rains in August and September. In Cuenca, located in the heart of the Andes mountains, the summer temperatures range from an average low of 6°C to an average high of 14°C.

The Galápagos Islands typically see dry and overcast weather between June and September. El Niño years can cause severe disruptions in the weather patterns at the archipelago and along the coast.

For a more seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Ecuador.

Ecuador is not a very large country, but it is diverse, and if you plan ahead, you can fit in a fantastic range of activities and experiences this season. Here’s why touring Ecuador in summer is a great idea:

• Highlands beckon: This is the best time of the year to explore the highlands of Ecuador, which lie north of Quito to Otavalo and Ibarra, and to the south to the Avenue of the Volcanoes that include Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, El Altar, and Chimborazo national parks. The highlands are glorious in summer for a trek, though note that temperatures change with elevation.
• Whale watching: If you enjoy whale watching, summer is the best time to spot humpback whales off the coast of Puerto López or Mompiche.
• Go wild: You can’t avoid rain in Ecuador, but August and September are the best months to hit the jungle trail deep in the rainforest of the Oriente region and spot fluorescent birds and butterflies.
• Festive occasions: Summer in Ecuador is festival season. The best-known ones include Inti Raymi, celebrated in honor of the Incan sun god Inti; the procession of the Virgin of the Swan, which travels more than 40 miles; and Fiesta de la Mamá Negra, a colorful celebration of the divergent cultures of the people who make up Ecuador.

The ancient and the modern mix seamlessly in Ecuador, while vibrant cities provide a striking contrast to awe-inspiring natural splendor. Quito, Cuenca and the famed Galapagos Islands are just some of the destinations that will make for a perfect summer holiday in Ecuador.

1. Quito

Located just 24 kilometers south of the equator, Ecuador’s capital Quito was built on the ashes of a former Inca capital. The houses, churches and monasteries of the Old City reflect the grandeur of that colonial past. With indigenous traditions, modern developments and amazing hiking opportunities nearby cloud forests, a trip to Quito provides a diverse travel experience.

Major attractions: Quito Old Town, Church of the Society of Jesus, Casa Museo Guayasamín, Temple of the Sun Temple, Painter Ortega Maila, and TelefériQo cable car.

Pros:

• Quito sees the least rainfall of the year between June and September.
• The summer weather in Quito is perfect for walking around the historic center and the Calle de La Ronda, a street famous for its small colonial buildings.
• This is also a great time to take a day tour of Cotopaxi National Park and Antisana Volcano.

Cons:

• Quito is at an altitude of 2,850 meters. For some people, this height can cause altitude sickness.
• Though you’ll find the best weather in summer, be prepared for sudden showers any time of the day.

2. Cuenca

When it comes to beautiful colonial architecture, Cuenca holds its own against Quito. But Cuenca is also more laidback and has a lost-in-time aura. The city is surrounded by villages with an evolved tradition of handicrafts, and it embraces that creative energy. Add cleaner streets and lovely summer weather; no wonder Cuenca is a hit with tourists.

Major attractions: Iglesia del Sagrario, Pumapungo Museum and Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción.

Pros:

• The weather is ideal for walking on the cobblestoned streets of the Old City and admiring the beautiful churches and other colonial-era monuments.
• The summer months are the driest in Cuenca.
• Cajas National Park is a good hiking option in summer and makes for an excellent day trip from Cuenca.

Cons:

• Though this is Cuenca’s traditional ‘dry’ season, be prepared for sudden showers.

3. Galapagos Islands

A young Charles Darwin visited these remarkable islands in 1835, one of the field trips that inspired him to think differently about nature. It’s not hard to see why. These isolated volcanic islands are home to creatures not found anywhere else. You may not be a scientist, but you can experience the wonder of creation—and evolution—on a trip to the Galápagos Islands.

Major attractions: Charles Darwin Research Station, El Chato Tortoise Reserve, Alcedo Volcano, Kicker Rock, and Bahía Tortuga.

Pros:

• It rarely rains, so summer is a good time to visit these islands.
• Spotting penguins is more common during this season.
• You will also likely see the elusive owls in June and July during their mating season and spot blue-footed boobies.

Cons:

• Summer can be windy and the seas rougher, comparatively.
• If you’re traveling to the Galapagos, finding a last-minute deal to get there can be a problem.

Quito, Cuenca and the Galápagos Islands are wonderful examples of what Ecuador offers to the curious traveler. These and many more summer destinations make this South American country such a rewarding place to visit.

Summer in Ecuador has many thrilling activities—from hiking and mountain climbing to birdwatching and scuba diving.

• Hiking: Even a cursory glance at Ecuador’s map will reveal the country offers exceptional opportunities for hiking. Summer in Ecuador is one of the best seasons to hike. Not surprisingly, the Sierra has the most mountain trails, offering stunning views and routes for day hikers and serious climbers alike. Arguably the best long-distance hike in the country is the Inca Trail, a three-day hike in the south that ends at the site of important Inca ruins. Another superb two-day hike is to the El Placer hot springs in Parque Nacional Sangay. One of the most beautiful hikes in Ecuador is the Quilotoa loop, a trek around a crater: the longer loop can take 4-5 days. Check out our hiking trips in Ecuador.
• Birdwatching: With nearly as many species of fauna as Europe and North America combined, a birdwatching trip in Ecuador is perfect for birdwatchers. Mindo village, west of Quito, is internationally renowned as an important bird area, and you can spot the toucan-Barbudo and the golden-headed quetzal. In Tena, near the Amazon rainforest, you can see species like the strange-looking Hoatzins with crested heads. Yasuni National Park in the Amazon region is home to around 600 species of birds. A memorable experience here is visiting the parrot clay lick, where thousands of parakeets, parrots and macaws feed on minerals buried in clay.
• City sightseeing: While most tourists gravitate towards Quito and Cuenca, Ecuador also has other fascinating cities and towns worth checking out. Long considered the country’s economic hub, Guayaquil may not look instantly charming, but its riverside promenade lined with restaurants and shops is a model of urban revival. Also, visit the city’s Museo en Miniatura, which uses miniature dioramas to tell the city's history. If shopping is on the agenda, head to the mountain town of Otavalo. From blankets and handcrafted jewelry to woolen garments and indigenous craft – you can find it all in the maze of shops and stalls. Another intriguing little town known for its thermal baths is Banos. The center of the town has a striking church, La Iglesia de la Virgen del Agua Santa, with a black-and-white facade. A small museum with a collection of old ceramics and local musical instruments is not far from the church.

Your summer holiday in Ecuador is bound to be memorable with these amazing activities on offer.

• Cash is still king in Ecuador. Though credit cards will help you navigate big cities, carrying US dollars (Ecuador’s official currency) is always helpful if you are going into the interior.
• Many cars have a manual transmission, so book ahead if you need a good automatic car.
• If you know a bit of Spanish, congratulations, your trip just got a lot smoother.
• It’s best to stick to bottled water instead of drinking tap water.

For a country its size—about the area of the US state of Nevada—summer in Ecuador is incredible value for money in terms of the variety of experiences and sights it offers. There’s high adventure, exceptional mountain trails, magical journeys into the heart of rainforests, striking volcanic landscapes, fascinating Inca ruins, and much more. Our travel experts will help you craft a customized trip to Ecuador so that you have a dream summer vacation.