Weather in Ecuador in February

 The weather in Ecuador in February depends on where you go. It’s rainy in the Andes and the Amazon, while the coast stays hot and humid. The Galápagos sees warm temperatures and calm seas, which makes this a solid month for snorkeling and wildlife spotting. If you’re covering a lot of ground, you’ll want to pack for a bit of everything.

Ecuador in February at a glance

February in Ecuador is steamy and festive. Expect humid days, surprise showers, and countrywide Carnival chaos:  water balloons, foam spray, and plenty of dancing. Cities like Guaranda and Ambato are the heart of the action.

• Temperatures along the coast range from 80°F to 88°F (27°C to 31°C), while the highlands hover between 57°F and 68°F (14°C to 20°C). The Galápagos stays warm and humid, with highs up to 88°F (31°C) and water temperatures around 77°F (25°C).
• It’s a good time to experience local traditions, especially if you’re up for getting wet. The Amazon is green and active, and the Galápagos is a solid choice for seeing nesting birds and sea turtles.
• Book ahead for Carnival weekend, as prices spike and accommodations fill fast. Outside the vacation rush, things are relatively calm and affordable across most regions.

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What's the weather like in Ecuador in February?

The weather in Ecuador in February varies significantly across its diverse regions. The coastal areas, including cities like Guayaquil, typically experience warm temperatures averaging around 79°F (26°C). Meanwhile, the highlands, such as in Quito, are cooler with averages of 59°F (15°C). At the same time, the Amazon region is warmer and more humid.

Rainfall in February can be quite pronounced, especially along the coast and in the Amazon. The coast sees around 200 mm (7.9 inches) of rain, while the highlands receive about 100 mm (3.9 inches).

This makes February one of the wetter months to visit Ecuador, particularly in the coastal and Amazon areas. This can impact outdoor activities and transportation plans.

February falls in the high season for the Galápagos Islands due to the wildlife viewing opportunities. However, for the mainland, it's more of a shoulder season because of the rain, though the Carnival season can see a spike in local tourism. This can be a great time to plan your Ecuador itinerary.

Average daily temperatures in February

February temperatures in Ecuador vary a lot depending on where you are. In Quito, which sits at 9,350 feet (2,850 meters), daytime highs usually reach around 66°F (19°C), while nights can dip to 48°F (9°C). Down on the coast in Guayaquil, it’s much hotter and more humid, with daytime highs around 88°F (31°C) and muggy nights hovering near 75°F (24°C). The Amazon stays consistently warm, with highs close to 86°F (30°C) and lows around 70°F (21°C).

February falls during the rainy season for both the coast and the Amazon, so you’ll likely get afternoon showers even if the mornings are warm and clear. In the highlands, the weather shifts more often. You might get some rain, but temperatures generally stay mild.

Ocean temperatures in the Pacific reach about 79°F (26°C), which makes swimming and surfing pretty comfortable around places like Montañita, even with the occasional shower.

Because Ecuador sits on the equator, daylight stays steady all year. Expect around 12 hours of sun each day, with sunrise around 6:15 AM and sunset around 6:15 PM. Between the warmth and the rain, February tends to be green and lush across the country. For more tips see our guide to how to plan a trip to Ecuador.

Is February a good time to visit Ecuador?

February brings a mix of conditions across Ecuador, so it really depends on where you’re going. On the coast, it’s one of the warmest times of year. Expect long beach days, good surf conditions, and a lively atmosphere, especially in places like Montañita. Just know that Carnival falls in February, which means things can get busy (and loud).

In the highlands, including Quito and the Andes, the rainy season is in full swing. Mornings are usually dry and pleasant, but afternoon showers are common. It’s still a good time to explore cities or visit markets; just keep a rain jacket handy and build in some flexibility.

In the Amazon, February is part of the wet season. Trails may be muddy, and you’ll probably get rained on, but the forest is alive with birds, insects, and howler monkeys. If you’re okay with getting a bit wet, it’s a good time for wildlife and one of the best times to visit Ecuador.

• Warm ocean temperatures and active wildlife in the Galápagos
• Dry mornings and rainy afternoons in the Andes
• Good beach and surf conditions along the coast
• Lower tourist numbers in mountain towns
• High activity levels in the Amazon despite the rain

What about crowds and costs?

In Ecuador, February sees moderate crowds, striking a balance between the bustling high season and quieter times. The Carnival season brings a burst of color and celebration, drawing both local and international visitors: lively, but not overwhelming.

Costs stay fairly reasonable, though you might notice slight price bumps in tourist areas due to the festivities. Still, accommodation and tours remain affordable, making Ecuador a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers. If you're traveling with the whole family, see our guide to traveling in  Ecuador with kids.
 

Where to go in Ecuador in February

Not sure where to go? February looks different across Ecuador, so here are a few of the best places to visit in Ecuador.

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

The wet season means flooded trails, but that’s exactly what makes Cuyabeno so unique. Explore by canoe, gliding silently through mirror-like waterways. This remote Amazon reserve bursts with life in February: squirrel monkeys chatter overhead, caimans lurk along riverbanks, and if you're lucky, you’ll spot pink river dolphins. Lodges are rustic but immersive, with guided night walks and shamanic visits giving you a deeper look at rainforest life. Yes, it’s humid. Yes, you’ll get wet. But you’ll also get a raw, unforgettable Amazon experience that feels completely removed from the outside world.

Montañita

If you're craving sun, sand, and a party, Montañita brings it. February is peak season here, and the town doesn't hold back. Think full-moon beach raves, DJs spinning until sunrise, and a carefree crowd from across the globe. Surf’s up too: waves are solid this time of year, and surf schools are everywhere. But there’s more than mayhem. Head just outside town for quieter beaches or coastal hikes (some of the best beaches in Ecuador). Stay in the thick of it, or retreat to hilltop hostels for a sea-view detox. Just don’t expect peace and quiet. This town comes with a built-in baseline.

Zaruma

Not many travelers make it to Zaruma, which makes it all the more rewarding. Tucked into the southern highlands, this old gold-mining town feels like stepping back in time. Wooden balconies hang over cobbled streets, and cafes serve thick coffee with a view. February’s light rains keep the hills lush, and you’ll likely have hiking trails all to yourself. Explore abandoned mines, or hit the nearby Bosque Petrificado Puyango, filled with ancient fossilized trees. It's a great detour if you're road-tripping between Cuenca and Machala and a welcome change of pace from Ecuador's more hyped-up stops.

What to do in Ecuador in February

Not sure where to go? February looks different across Ecuador, so here are a few places that work well this time of year, depending on what kind of trip you're after. Here are some of the best things to do in Ecuador.

Celebrate Carnaval in Guaranda

Forget orderly parades—Carnaval in Guaranda is pure chaos, and that's the point. Held just before Lent, it’s a raucous mix of Indigenous and Catholic traditions, where the entire town becomes a battleground of water fights, foam spray, and canned paint. Locals embrace the madness with music, dancing, and endless shots of canelazo, a hot cinnamon-and-booze drink. Expect to get soaked, covered in flour, and maybe even blessed by a dancing devil or two. 

Raft the Río Pastaza

February's rains crank up the flow of the Río Pastaza, turning it into a wild ride for white-water rafting. Based out of Baños, you’ll tackle Class III and IV rapids through jungle-lined gorges with expert guides. There’s a serious adrenaline buzz, but also calm stretches where you can soak in the scenery — steep cliffs, waterfalls, and tropical birds flashing overhead. You don’t need experience, just a willingness to get drenched and paddle hard. Combine it with a soak in the nearby hot springs for the ultimate waterlogged day.

Take a cacao tour near Vinces

Skip the standard chocolate stores and go straight to the source. Near Vinces, in Ecuador’s coastal lowlands, you can tour old plantations where cacao trees grow in sticky, tropical soil. February is harvest time, so you’ll see the full process — from pod to bar. Try raw cacao fruit (surprisingly tangy), learn how beans are fermented and dried, and finish with rich, handmade chocolate. Some tours include horseback rides or canoe trips through river-fed farmland. It’s a sweet escape from the usual highland loop — and a great way to taste Ecuador’s world-class chocolate at its roots. For more advice, see our Ecuador travel tips.

Planning your trip to Ecuador in February

Our Ecuador itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as starting points — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to match your own pace.

• Ecuador in 7 days: Wander Quito’s colonial streets, take a selfie at the equator, then spend a few days hiking and ziplining around Baños. If there’s time, squeeze in Cotopaxi or the cloud forest in Mindo.
• Ecuador in 10 days: Same vibe, more depth. After Quito and Baños, head to the Amazon for jungle treks and night safaris. Then cut through the highlands to Cuenca—think relaxed plazas, Inca ruins, and good food.
• Galapagos itinerary: Spend a week or more island-hopping. Snorkel with reef sharks, go birdwatching on Genovesa, or kayak past sea turtles. Cruises cover more ground, but land-based trips give you more flexibility (and let you sleep in).