Climate and Weather
Though Ecuador is named for being on the equator it encompasses the
snow-capped mountains of the Andes, the tropical rainforests of the Amazon
and the pleasant marine climate found in the Galapagos Islands making for
a wide range of temperatures and climates. Quito can be surprisingly
cool and misty with temperatures ranging from 55º to 75º Fahrenheit, but
in general the highlands are usually sunny and quite hot by midday.
The following are details on some of Ecuador's major climate zones:
The Andes
Temperatures in the Andes Mountains range from 50º to 75º Fahrenheit
between 9,000 to 10,000 feet where you will find Quito. Generally
speaking, the higher the elevation the cooler the temperature. It
tends to be drier from June to September and wettest from January to
May.
The Amazon Rainforest Basin
Like it's name it is hot, humid and rains frequently, but the rain can
cool things off and clear to produce some glorious skies. April thru
September tends to be the wettest, but the jungle is a rain making machine
that can produce heavy showers by mid afternoon at other times of the
year. The average year round temperature is 80º
Fahrenheit.
The Coast
Very similar to the Galapagos from December through May range from the
low 70ºs to the low 90ºs. From June to November temperature cool
to the mid 60ºs to the high 70ºs. Sun, the Equator and Altitude
Sea breezes in the Galapagos make for a marvelous climate, but don't be
fooled into lying out in the sun without full protection. What you can
easily get away with in the southern United States you will pay for on the
equator in the form of a painful sunburn. Please heed this advice:
Always wear sun protection including a hat to shield the top of your head
and face as well as sunglasses and light loose clothing. Use
waterproof sunscreens with SPF rating of at least 15, higher if you burn
easily. Bring a full bottle and remember to apply it everywhere including
less obvious places like the tops of your feet and ears. We also
suggest bringing a bottle of high quality aloe vera gel. All these
recommendations also apply to the Ecuadorian mainland including the Amazon. Being at altitude can also contribute to terrible sunburn so
please bring plenty of sunscreen.
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The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands have a subtropical climate regulated by the cold
Humboldt Current and the warm El Niño Current. December through May
is the warmest time of the year, with highs in the upper 80ºs (31º
degrees Celsius). Although the islands receive slightly more
rainfall during this time, the lower elevations of the islands where you
will spend most of your entire trip typically offer blue skies and
sunshine with occasional haze. The sea is at its warmest and is
usually calmer at this time of the year.
The drier garua season lasts from June to November. The Garua
mist that forms in the highlands of the Islands. Ironically, the
garua season provides more moisture at the upper elevations of the islands
than the so-called wet season. There is plenty of sunshine during
the day, but it is less intense with cloudier skies. Air temperature
is lower, with highs in the upper 70's or mid-80's (25º-30º
Celsius). The strong Antarctic Humboldt Current, coming from the
south, affects the climate at this time of year. The water
temperature, therefore, is at its coolest, about 68º Fahrenheit (20º
Celsius). During some years the infrequent El Niño Current may cause a
much greater flow of warm waters, making the surface warmer and rainfall
increase.
Sun Protection in the Galapagos
Galapagos National Park rules require that all visits to the islands happen during
daylight hours. Visitors to the Galapagos will have multiple land visits each day as
well as panga rides and swimming and snorkeling opportunities. The island's flora
provides little shade and visitors will find themselves exposed to the sun for many hours
each day.
The FDA has provided a guideline to sun care protection known as SPF levels. The
higher the SPF level the more sun protection is offered. In the Galapagos it is
important not only to use a product with a minimum SPF 15 level but also to apply the product
properly. You should apply sun block to dry skin before exposing your skin to the
sun. Apply a liberal amount of lotion and make sure to cover all areas including
your nose, ears, back of hands, and feet. Putting on less sun block or missing areas
lessens the protection you will receive. Remember it is important to reapply
sun block after swimming, showering or extensive perspiration. There is nothing worse
than missing part of your trip due to a bad sunburn or sun poisoning.
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