Weather in Ecuador in March

 The weather in Ecuador in March is warm and often rainy, especially on the coast and in the Amazon. In the Andes, you’ll get cooler temperatures with occasional sun between showers. Galápagos trips are popular this time of year, with active marine life and decent water visibility for snorkeling. In Quito and other highland towns, the mix of clouds and sun keeps things green. It’s not the driest month, but it’s still a good time to move between regions and see Ecuador’s range of landscapes without peak-season prices.

Ecuador in March at a glance

March brings heavy rain and thick humidity, especially in the Amazon and on the coast. The highlands get a mix of sun and showers, while the Galápagos is at its warmest—and most biodiverse.

• The Galápagos sees highs from 86°F to 90°F (30°C to 32°C), with calm seas and water temps around 79°F (26°C). The coast and Amazon sit between 80°F and 88°F (27°C to 31°C), while the Andes stay mild at 60°F to 68°F (16°C to 20°C).
• Despite the rain, it’s a brilliant month for nature lovers. Sea turtles hatch, marine iguanas mate, and underwater visibility is top-notch for snorkeling and diving.
• It’s still low season on the mainland, meaning cheaper stays and fewer crowds. Galápagos trips should be booked early—March is peak time for wildlife enthusiasts.

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What is the weather like in Ecuador in March?

The weather in Ecuador in March depends entirely on where you go. The coast and the Amazon are hot and wet, with rainfall often hitting hard in the afternoons. Rain totals can reach up to 180 mm in these areas. In the Andes, days are cooler, and rain is lighter and more scattered.

Galápagos trips are still great this month, with warm seas and plenty of marine life. Roads on the coast can get muddy, and storms sometimes delay transport, so it’s not the best time for beach trips. That said, if you stick to the highlands or island-hopping, you’ll have a solid mix of experiences. The weather in Ecuador in March is unpredictable but manageable if you plan regionally. This can be a great time to plan your Ecuador itinerary.

Average daily temperatures in March

March in Ecuador feels different depending on where you are. In the high-altitude capital Quito, days average 66°F (19°C), and nights drop to 48°F (9°C). Along the coast in Guayaquil, it’s much warmer, with highs around 88°F (31°C) and lows of 74°F (23°C).

The Amazon basin stays hot and humid, averaging 86°F (30°C) by day and 72°F (22°C) at night. March is one of the rainier months on the coast, with frequent afternoon storms. The Pacific Ocean sits at about 77°F (25°C), and the Galápagos Islands are similar at 76°F (24°C), making water activities appealing.

Days are reliably 12 hours long. In the highlands, bring layers for cool nights. On the coast or in the jungle, pack for heat and humidity. 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.

• 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 March, Ecuador strikes a nice balance between tourist numbers and travel costs, making it an appealing time to visit. While it's not as crowded as the peak months, popular spots can see a moderate influx of visitors—especially in the second half of the month—creating a lively yet manageable atmosphere.

Prices for accommodation and entertainment generally stay reasonable, offering solid value. Although you might see slight increases in tourist areas, the overall cost is still favorable compared to the high season. If you're traveling with the whole family, see our guide to traveling in Ecuador with kids.
 

Where to go in Ecuador in March

Ecuador in March gives you a bit of everything. The country’s small size means you can hop between beach, mountain, and rainforest in a single trip, and this month lets you do it with fewer crowds and better prices in many places. Here are some of the best places to visit in Ecuador.

Puerto López

Puerto López is quiet in March, which works in your favor. The big whale-watching season hasn’t started yet, so the town is mellow. You’ll get wide beaches, simple seafood joints, and day trips to Isla de la Plata without many other tourists around (some of the best beaches in Ecuador). You can snorkel, spot blue-footed boobies, or hike through Machalilla National Park. Nearby Los Frailes Beach often feels empty, and the dry forest trails are at their most walkable. You won’t find luxury here, but you will find space.

Ibarra

Ibarra flies under the radar, especially in March. Set in the northern highlands, the town sits below volcanic peaks and feels like a slower, more local alternative to Otavalo. Spring starts to show in the surrounding countryside. You can stroll the colonial center, try the handmade helado de paila in the plaza, or take a scenic train ride through the hills to Salinas. Fewer tourists mean quieter hikes, clearer lake views, and more space in the markets.

Chimborazo Reserve

Chimborazo looks otherworldly in March. Skies often clear between showers, giving you views of the snow-covered volcano rising out of the high plains. You can’t summit without a guide, but day hikes to Refugio Carrel are doable and offer great photo ops. The air is thin, the landscape is wide open, and wild vicuñas roam the slopes. It feels remote, but that’s part of the draw. Just go slow and bring warm layers.
 

What to do in Ecuador in March

Ecuador in March is green, lively, and full of possibilities. You’ve got a bit of rain, sure, but it keeps the waterfalls roaring and the landscapes lush. You can bike through cloud forests, climb colorful city hills, or take a weaving class in the Andes. It’s a great month for doing, not just seeing. Here are some of the best things to do in Ecuador.

Bike the Baños waterfalls route

Rent a bike in Baños and coast downhill toward the Amazon. The route takes you past a string of waterfalls, including the massive Pailón del Diablo. You can stop to zipline, hop in a cable car, or just admire the views. It’s mostly downhill, so it’s doable even if you’re not super fit. At the end, catch a bus back with your bike—no need to pedal uphill.

Climb Santa Ana Hill in Guayaquil

Start early, while it’s still cool, and climb the 444 steps up Santa Ana Hill. The stairs are lined with colorful houses, murals, and lookout points. At the top, there’s a lighthouse with views over the city and Guayas River. It’s one of the safest and most scenic ways to see a different side of Guayaquil. Go at sunrise for quiet streets, or time it for sunset.

Take a weaving workshop in Gualaceo

Just outside Cuenca, Gualaceo is known for its weaving cooperatives. In March, workshops are buzzing as locals prep for Easter. You can spend a day learning how alpaca wool gets dyed with plants and turned into patterned textiles using backstrap looms. You might not make a masterpiece, but it’s a great way to understand Andean traditions without just shopping at the market. For more advice, see our Ecuador travel tips.
 

Planning your trip to Ecuador in March

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).