The Andes
June to September is generally drier in the Andes. Nights remain cool and mountain weather can change quickly. Outside this period, keep mountain outings flexible.
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Festival and seasonal calendar
Choose when to travel through Ecuador’s celebrations, landscapes and four worlds. Confirm movable feasts and local programmes for your travel year; seasons describe broad patterns, not guaranteed weather.
01 / January
Diablada de Píllaro
From 1 to 6 January, masks and dances fill Píllaro. In the south, Mangahurco’s guayacán blossom depends on the first rains: wait for local confirmation rather than relying on a fixed date.
02 / February
Carnival: February or March
Guaranda’s Carnival is a major celebration in Bolívar. Its date moves between February and March. Confirm celebration dates before booking your stay.
03 / March
The warm season in Galápagos
The archipelago’s warm season generally continues until May, with showers possible. If travelling around Carnival, check its movable dates and availability too.
04 / April
The Amazon at the rivers’ pace
Rain is part of Amazon travel throughout the year. In April as in other months, plan with your host: water levels affect boat trips and walks.
05 / May
Corpus Christi: May or June
In Cuenca, Septenario brings devotion and traditional sweets together. Corpus Christi and its octave celebrations in Pujilí follow a movable calendar: local programmes give the actual dates.
06 / June
Inti Raymi and the start of whale season
June’s Inti Raymi celebrations offer insight into Andean cultures, notably in Imbabura; programmes vary by community. On the coast, whale-watching season generally begins in June.
07 / July
Whales and Andean scenery
June to September is a useful window for coastal whale watching, notably from Puerto López, without guaranteed sightings. These months are generally drier in the Andes, though mountain weather remains changeable.
08 / August
Virgen del Cisne pilgrimage
In August, the pilgrimage connects El Cisne with Loja via Catamayo. It offers insight into an important provincial religious tradition; consult the annual programme for stages and times.
09 / September
September’s Mama Negra
In Latacunga, September’s celebration is linked to the Virgin of La Merced and market communities. It differs from November’s civic celebration: choose the occasion that suits your journey.
10 / October
Garúa and cultural visits
In Galápagos, October generally falls within the cooler garúa season. On the mainland, museums, markets and workshops in Quito or Cuenca make flexible additions between nature outings.
11 / November
Cuenca festivities and Mama Negra
Around 3 November, Cuenca’s independence festivities celebrate art, music and crafts. In Latacunga, November’s Mama Negra is a civic celebration; its parade does not necessarily fall on independence anniversary day.
12 / December
Pase del Niño Viajero
On 24 December, Cuenca celebrates the Pase del Niño Viajero, a major procession of costumes, music and devotion. Plan accommodation and transport with this busy day in mind.
Seasons across the four worlds
The Amazon
The Amazon can be visited year-round, with heat, humidity and rain in every season. River levels affect boat trips and walks: confirm the programme with your host shortly before departure.
The Pacific Coast
December to May is generally warmer and wetter on the coast; June to November is often drier and cooler, with overcast days possible. Conditions differ between the humid north and the southern coast.
Galápagos
January to May generally brings the warm season, warmer water and showers. June to December is cooler, with garúa mist possible in the highlands. Seasonal transitions vary between years.