Ecuador Amazon Weather
When is the best month to visit Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest?
The short answer is that there is no “best” or “worst” month. But it’s also true that Ecuador Amazon Weather patterns change throughout the year. The Amazon Rainforest is a fabulous year-round destination, but variations in Ecuador Amazon weather are an important consideration during trip planning.
The good news: there are no weather extremes to worry about here. No snow or frost, no hurricanes, nor extreme hot or cold temperatures.
What the Amazon does promise is rain, and often lots of it. It is, after all, the frequent precipitation that maintains the lush, green paradise that is the Amazon Rainforest.
Whilst Ecuador Amazon weather conditions vary on any given day, month, or year, there are predictable patterns for visitors to understand. The Ecuadorian jungle has 3 different climate seasons: wet, dry, and in-between. Which season is best for travel? There is no “best” time to visit per se, as each season has pros and cons to consider. It all really comes down to personal taste.
So, let’s learn more about what to expect in each season, so you can decide which one you prefer.
Keep reading for everything you need to know about Ecuador Amazon weather & climate. We’ll discover the differences between each climate season, with statistics about average rainfall and daily temperature to back us up. In short, we’ll cover everything you need to decide when is the best time for your Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest adventure.
Where is Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Amazon weather, let’s discover where Ecuador’s rainforest is located.
Ecuador’s Amazon region is found to the east of the Andean mountain range which slices the country down the middle. Every drop of water that falls on this side of the Andes works its way into the Amazon River basin, eventually flowing out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Within Ecuador’s Amazon, there are different areas to explore. In this blog, we’ll cover the 2 principal deep Amazon areas that are popular with visitors. The first is Yasuni National Park and the surrounding area, accessible from the town of Coca. The second is Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, accessible from Lago Agrio.
Ecuador Amazon Weather: A Tale Of 3 Seasons
The Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador is a tropical region that crosses the Equator. So, it should come as no surprise that the climate is typically humid, with a mix of strong sun and heavy rains.
While that may work as a general rule of thumb, there are some important differences in temperature and rainfall each month, and also regional variations to consider.
In the description of each weather season, I will discuss first the typical patterns for Yasuni and its surroundings, then the possible climate differences at Cuyabeno Reserve.
1. RAINY SEASON
Months of year: March to July.
Average High Temperature: 28 Celcius (82.4 Fahrenheit).
Average Monthly Rainfall: 5.32 inches, 16 rainy days.
Average Humidity: 86%.
Water Level: High.
Cuyabeno Rainy Season Variation: February to April
In some ways, the name “rainy season” is misleading as it does actually not rain all day every day. What is true though is that this time of the year receives more rainfall than other months.
Is it miserable to travel to the Amazon in the rainy season? Not at all. In fact, some would say, this is the best season to see the pristine rainforest in all its glory.
The plants and vegetation are lusher, and the forest truly comes alive. Some animal species are also more active during this season, as courtship and nesting begins.
Amazon temperatures and humidity drop a little during the rains, making days more comfortable for travel and exploration. Of course, the flip side is that visitors should go prepared to get wet during showers.
Another advantage in the rainy season is that water levels are higher in the rivers, which makes exploration of smaller tributaries easier by canoe.
2. DRY SEASON
Months of year: December to February.
Average High Temperature: 30 Celcius (86 Fahrenheit).
Average Monthly Rainfall: 4.55 inches, 13.4 rainy days.
Average Humidity: 80%.
Water Level: Low.
Cuyabeno Rainy Season Variation: May to October.
Although there isn’t really such a thing as a totally dry season in the Amazon Rainforest, the driest months run from December through to February / March.
During dry season the forest receives less rainfall and temperatures soar up to 95 or even 100 degrees Fahrenheit. From time to time there are rain showers which temporarily alleviate the heat and humidity.
The big pro of visiting Ecuador’s Amazon during the dry season is that the rain is less likely to disrupt your activities, and you’re less likely to get soaked through.
The downside is that river levels typically drop, making canoe navigation more complicated. But the trails are open and less muddy, so it’s time to explore the jungle on foot.
3. IN-BETWEEN SEASON
Months of year: August to November.
Average High Temperature: 31 Celcius (88 Fahrenheit).
Average Monthly Rainfall: 3.46 inches, 13.5 rainy days.
Average Humidity: 77%.
Water Level: Varied.
Cuyabeno Rainy Season Variation: November to January.
Also known as shoulder season, Ecuador’s In-between Amazon weather season covers the remaining months of the year.
What should visitors expect from the “In-between” climate season? In a nutshell, unpredictable weather patterns.
These are the months of the year when the rainforest is in the process of changing from wet to dry, so you should expect a mix of both rain and sun, with variable temperatures.
River water levels are also varied during this changeable season but should be less extreme than during other seasons.
Ecuador Amazon Weather by Month
Let's take a look at the month-by-month charts for Ecuador's rainforest weather, for both Yasuni and Cuyabeno.
Yasuni Ecuador Weather - Average High Temperature By Month
Yasuni Ecuador Weather - Average Rainfall By Month
Cuyabeno Ecuador Weather - Average High Temperature By Month
Cuyabeno Ecuador Weather - Average Rainfall By Month
When is the Best Season to Visit the Amazon in Ecuador?
Taking into account the subtle differences between the seasons of Ecuador's Amazon weather, it’s fair to say that there is no right or wrong time to plan your trip. It all comes down to personal preference.
Do you prefer high temperatures and less rain, or a cooler & comfortable climate but with a higher risk of showers?
Sometimes planning goes out of the window anyway due to the fickle nature of Amazon weather. Heavy rain during the dry season? Hot sun during the wet season? Sure, it can easily happen! The Amazon will always have the final say.
The big lesson I believe is to travel prepared. In all seasons bring good rain gear and sun protection. That way, whatever the weather, it won’t ruin your day
Go Prepared For Ecuador Amazon Weather
- Packing List – be sure to plan ahead and pack carefully because there are no shops in the jungle. Check out our handy Amazon packing list blog for packing tips.
- The most important items to remember for all types of Ecuador Amazon Weather are: inpermeable rain jacket, cap or hat, sun block, and insect repellent.
- Go prepared for different jungle activities including: canoe rides, forest treks, community visits, piraha fishing, canopy birdwatching, and swimming.
Other Practicalities For Visiting Ecuador’s Jungle
- Recommended Vaccinations to travel to Ecuador’s Amazon region are yellow fever and tetanus.
- Malaria medication is recommended, although it’s best to consult with your doctor before you travel. Bug spray is a must to prevent mosquito bites in the first place, and most lodges provide mosquito netting over beds.
- Most lodges will provide rubber boots and rain ponchos for jungle activities. Life jackets are also available on canoe trips.
- A camera with a good zoom lens and/or binoculars is highly recommended to catch the best Cuyabeno wildlife views. A dry bag is also a good idea to keep electronics, passports, and money dry.
- Tipping of guides and lodge staff is expected. Check out our detailed Ecuador tipping blog for guidelines.
- Bar tabs can be used at most lodges, usually payable in cash on the final night of your trip.
- All lodges provide potable water, so take along your own bottle to refill. Don’t drink water from the bathroom tap (faucet), it’s not filtered or safe to drink
If you need help planning your Ecuador or Galapagos Vacation, then just drop us a line. We will be happy to help you choose the perfect month for your trip and send over a FREE TOUR QUOTE to get the ball rolling.
Happy Gringo Travel has over 18 years of experience as the trusted choice in Ecuador & Galapagos travel and has been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 7 consecutive years. We specialize in Rainforest Lodge tours, Amazon cruising, Galapagos Cruises, Galapagos land tours, and customized Ecuador itineraries.
In conclusion, when is the best time to visit the jungle based on typical Ecuador Amazon Weather patterns? Every month is amazing in the rainforest! Yes, there are differences in average temperature and rainfall, but it really comes down to personal preference. There is no bad month to travel to the Amazon, and the wildlife action never disappoints.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and come on over, we guarantee the Amazon Jungle vacation of a lifetime!
