Weather in Ecuador in November

Prepare for your perfect trip with our guide to the weather in Ecuador in November. Find out what this colorful month presents in terms of rainfall, temperature, and unique experiences, so you're all set for an unforgettable adventure.

Ecuador in November at a glance

November is a mixed bag: a bit drier than October in most regions, but with warmer temps returning. It’s one of the best months for avoiding crowds while still catching decent weather.

• Expect 77°F to 84°F (25°C to 29°C) on the coast, 57°F to 68°F (14°C to 20°C) in the Andes, and 82°F to 86°F (28°C to 30°C) in the Galápagos. Water temps rise to about 75°F (24°C).
• It’s a great time to explore cloud forests, surf the coast, or spot sea lion pups in the Galápagos. Weather is a little unpredictable, so plan flexible days.
• November’s low tourist numbers mean more space and better prices. If you're after a quieter Galápagos trip, this is your window.

What is the weather like in Ecuador in November?

The weather in Ecuador in November is fantastic. On the coast, in places like Guayaquil, you'll find ideal conditions for enjoying beach vacations and water activities.

In the high Andean highlands, including Quito, nature has its own peculiarities, with cool temperatures and the onset of the rainy season. The Amazon rainforests experience periodic rains and humidity, which helps paint the scenery in vibrant green colors.

In November, The Galapagos Islands, a year-round wonder, enjoy comfortable temperatures, making it one of the best times to explore the unique wonders of the islands. This month is a great one to plan your Ecuador itinerary.

Get the most out of your travels with itineraries built by our Ecuador local experts.

Average daily temperatures in November

Ecuador’s landscape creates clear differences in temperature from one region to another. In the highlands, daytime temperatures hover around 65 to 70°F (18 to 21°C) and drop to about 50 to 55°F (10 to 13°C) at night. The mild climate makes November a good time for walking tours in Quito or hiking along the Avenue of Volcanoes.

On the coast, including Guayaquil and Manta, days are warm at 80 to 86°F (27 to 30°C), with nights cooling only slightly to around 70 to 75°F (21 to 24°C). The Pacific Ocean stays close to 75°F (24°C), so it’s a comfortable time for swimming and other water activities.

In the Amazon, it’s consistently hot and humid, with daytime highs around 80 to 88°F (27 to 31°C) and nights rarely dropping below 70°F (21°C). The Galápagos Islands see steady, pleasant weather too. Daytime temperatures average 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C), and nights range from 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C). The water sits at about 72°F (22°C), which is warm enough for snorkeling without a wetsuit. Expect around 12 hours of daylight throughout the month. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Ecuador.
 

Is November a good time to visit Ecuador?

November is one of the best times to visit Ecuador if you're looking to beat the December crowds but still want good weather across most of the country. It falls right in the shoulder season, so things tend to be quieter and a bit more affordable.

In the Galápagos, November brings calm seas, clear skies, and loads of wildlife activity. It’s sea lion pup season, and blue-footed boobies are doing their mating dances. Conditions are great for snorkeling, and the boats aren’t as full as they get in December.

Up in the highlands, cities like Quito and Cuenca see mild days around 64 to 70°F (18 to 21°C), with the occasional afternoon shower. It’s a nice time to walk around town or hike in the Avenue of Volcanoes without too much rain.

The Amazon is still hot and humid, but November tends to get a little less rain than other months. Trails are more accessible, and boat rides through the flooded forest are easier to manage.

On the coast, the rainy season is just starting. You’ll get more humidity and some afternoon showers, but beach towns like Salinas and Montañita still see sun between the rain.

Why November is a good time to visit:

• Great time for Galápagos wildlife with fewer tourists around
• Comfortable hiking weather in the Andes
• The Amazon is easier to explore than in peak rainy months
• Local festivals like Day of the Dead (November 2) are worth seeing
• Better availability and lower prices before the December rush
   

What about crowds and costs?

November in Ecuador strikes a favorable balance between lower tourist numbers and reasonable prices. Falling just after the peak season, this period brings fewer visitors, meaning you can enjoy popular attractions with a bit more breathing room.

With reduced demand, accommodation and entertainment tend to be more budget-friendly. A real bonus if you’re exploring Ecuador with kids, when affordability and less crowded spaces can make all the difference.

All in all, November is a smart choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for a more relaxed experience without sacrificing what makes Ecuador so exciting.
 

Where to go in Ecuador in November

November is a good time to take advantage of Ecuador’s range of climates. It’s a shoulder season month, which means you can move around more easily without big crowds or peak-season prices. Depending on what kind of trip you’re after, here are some of the best places to visit in Ecuador in November.

Zumbahua

Just past Quilotoa, the town of Zumbahua holds one of Ecuador’s most vibrant Indigenous markets every Saturday. In November, the surrounding hills are green, and harvest season brings an extra energy. It’s a riot of colors: women in felt hats and embroidered shawls selling corn, wool, and guinea pigs. There’s barely a tourist in sight. Combine it with an early morning hike to the crater rim, then roll into town for fried dough, strong coffee, and the best people-watching in the country. 

Playas

Less flashy than Salinas, but just as beachy, Playas gets warm and dry in November. It’s a family favorite for Ecuadorians, but midweek it’s almost empty. This is where you go to eat seafood every day: shrimp encocados, grilled fish, and giant crab platters. The beach is broad and apartment, ideal for long walks or lazy swims. Stay in a no-frills guesthouse, chat with local vendors, and enjoy beach life without Instagram expectations. 

Ibarra

Surrounded by lakes and volcanoes, Ibarra is at its best in November when the skies are blue and the weekend crowd hasn’t kicked in yet. The town’s known for its colonial architecture, helado de paila (hand-stirred ice cream), and mellow vibe. Base yourself here to explore Lago Yahuarcocha or the Afro-Ecuadorian community of Salinas de Ibarra. If you like slow mornings, mountain views, and exploring without an itinerary, this is your kind of place. 

What to do in Ecuador in November

With weather patterns shifting across the regions, November gives you a good mix of things to do around Ecuador. You can spend time outdoors without too much rain in the highlands or the jungle, and there’s plenty happening culturally too. It’s also one of the last quiet months before the vacation rush starts in December.

Celebrate Día de los Difuntos

November 2nd is a solemn, fascinating day across Ecuador, where families honor the dead with graveside picnics, prayers, and food offerings. Try colada morada (a thick purple drink made with fruit and spices) and guaguas de pan (bread shaped like babies) — they’re everywhere. The best places to observe the tradition respectfully include Otavalo, Cuenca, and Quito’s San Diego Cemetery. Don’t expect loud music. This is about memory, family, and connection and travelers are welcome if they come with respect. 

Take a river safari in Cuyabeno

November is shoulder season in the Amazon, which means fewer tourists but still high water levels, ideal for canoeing into Cuyabeno’s blackwater lagoons. Join a river safari with expert guides who can spot an anaconda from 30 meters away. You’ll glide past squirrel monkeys, toucans, and caimans, with silent sunrises and nights full of frog choruses. Don’t expect five-star luxury. This is mosquito-net, flashlight, jungle-style immersion. And it’s brilliant. 

Cycle the Cuenca countryside

The rural valleys around Cuenca are patchworked with farms, eucalyptus groves, and stone bridges and November’s mild weather is ideal for cycling through it all. Rent a bike and follow trails toward San Joaquín or Baños, stopping at cheese stores or rural churches along the way. It’s quiet, scenic, and surprisingly close to the city. And with clear skies and cooler temps, it beats sweating uphill in the high summer sun.

Planning your itinerary

If you're heading to Ecuador in November, it's worth thinking through your route. The country packs a lot into short distances, but weather and altitude can change fast between regions. Here are a few Ecuador itineraries: 

• Ecuador itinerary 7 days: Spend a couple days in Quito’s old town, then head to Cotopaxi for hikes and fresh air. Wrap up with hot springs and canyon trails around Baños.
• Ecuador itinerary 10 days: Start in Quito, day trip to Otavalo’s market or Cotopaxi’s trails, then travel south through Baños and Riobamba to colonial Cuenca. Fly out of Guayaquil.
• Galápagos itinerary: Fly from Quito or Guayaquil. Spend your time on Santa Cruz and Isabela, or take a short cruise. Snorkeling, sea lions, and volcanic hikes fill your days fast.