Ecuador

When to go

Ecuador is a year-round destination. The climate varies with altitude more than seasons. There are three distinct regions: Pacific coast (including the Galapagos Islands), Sierra or Andes, Oriente or Amazon lowlands. However when it is dry in one it is usually wet in another. Locals swear it does not rain during a full moon...

Coast & Galapagos
During the hot season between December-March, temperatures range from 25-32°C. It may rain occasionally in the afternoons (especially during a rare "El Niño" year). It is good for snorkelling. During the cool season May-November the effects of the cool Humbolt current are more pronounced making it drier but cooler 16-22°C, there is often a mist or garua in the mornings.

Andes or Sierra
Here the altitude is the main factor. Over 5000m are permanent snows. The central valleys about 2600m can be near desert like and often need irrigation. In Quito and the Andes you can get all four seasons in one day! The driest months are opposite to the jungle, June - August, with a 'mini' summer in December. The slopes of the Andes where the cloud forest occurs are often shrouded with mist. Weather is generally better in the mornings.
The temperature range of Quito: Jan min 8°C max 22°C, Jul min 7°C max 22°C

Oriente or Amazon
The eastern rainforest it is hot and wet throughout the year, driest in January wettest in July.
The temperature ranges from 23-26 °C