Weather in Esmeraldas

Find out what weather awaits you in Esmeraldas right now to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Below, you will find up-to-date reports, forecasts, and useful charts regarding climatic changes.

Esmeraldas, located on Ecuador's picturesque coast, welcomes travellers with a mild tropical climate. Thanks to its proximity to the equator and the influence of the ocean, an atmosphere of eternal summer reigns here. Air temperature is surprisingly stable throughout the year: average figures confidently stay at a comfortable mark around 25–26 °C, and nights remain warm, rarely cooling below 23 °C, making the city an excellent place for a holiday in any month.

Instead of the usual change of seasons characteristic of temperate latitudes, the climate here is defined by rainfall patterns. The first half of the year, especially from January to May, is considered a wetter period with a large number of overcast and rainy days. However, even at this time, precipitation is often short-lived, refreshing the air and maintaining the region's lush greenery.

The driest and sunniest season falls in the second half of the year, especially from August to November, when the number of days with precipitation drops to a minimum. The main feature of the weather in Esmeraldas is the absence of sharp temperature fluctuations: there is no exhausting heat or sudden cold spells here, which allows tourists to comfortably plan a trip, focusing only on their preferences regarding the number of sunny days.

The temperature regime of Esmeraldas is characterised by phenomenal consistency. Monthly averages are fixed within a very narrow range: from 25.2°C in August to 26.0°C in April and May. Thanks to the equatorial climate, there is virtually no seasonal temperature spread here, and the difference between the warmest and relatively cooler period is less than one degree, which is completely imperceptible to travellers.

During daytime hours, the air warms up evenly regardless of the calendar month. Maximum values fluctuate in the range from 27.5°C to 28.4°C, creating ideal conditions for those who do not like extreme heat but appreciate stable warmth. The concept of "winter" is inapplicable to this region: even in those months when cold sets in at other latitudes, the weather in Esmeraldas remains mild and favourable for a beach holiday.

The daily amplitude is also small, which eliminates sharp changes when the time of day changes. After sunset, the thermometer drops quite insignificantly, remaining within comfortable limits of 22.7°C – 24.0°C. Such warm nights allow for walks by the ocean in light clothing, enjoying the warmed tropical air around the clock.

In Esmeraldas, located on the coast of Ecuador, precipitation falls exclusively as rain thanks to the stably warm climate. The character of the weather here has its own peculiarities: the year can be conditionally divided into a wet period, which lasts from the beginning of the year to the end of spring, and a drier season in the second half of the year. Even on rainy days, precipitation is often short-lived or drizzling, which is typical for this region.

The wettest time of the year is considered the period from January to May. The peak frequency of precipitation falls in January, when up to 27 rainy days are recorded. Despite such high regularity, the total volume of falling moisture remains small (about 7–10 mm per month), indicating a prevalence of light rains rather than prolonged tropical downpours. February also stands out as the month with the highest amount of precipitation by volume.

If you prefer drier weather, it is better to plan your trip for autumn. The driest months are September, October, and November, when the number of rainy days decreases to 9–11, and the precipitation level drops to minimal values of 1 mm. This is the most favourable time for walks and beach holidays, as the probability of getting caught in the rain is significantly lower than at the beginning of the year.

Esmeraldas welcomes travellers with a warm tropical climate all year round, so the basis of your wardrobe should consist of light items made from natural breathable fabrics. Give preference to cotton and linen: T-shirts, shorts, loose trousers, and summer dresses will be most appropriate. Since the air temperature here stably holds in the range of +23...+28°C, you will hardly need warm clothing, however, a light long-sleeved top or a thin windbreaker may come in handy for evening walks by the ocean or trips in air-conditioned transport.

Special attention should be paid to protection from moisture and sun. Given the large number of rainy days, especially in the period from January to May, be sure to pack a compact umbrella or a light rain poncho that will not take up much space. The equatorial sun in Ecuador is very active even in cloudy weather, so a hat, high-quality sunglasses, and cream with a high protection factor (SPF 50+) are mandatory attributes of a trip at any time of year.

For comfortable movement around the city and excursions, choose comfortable, worn-in footwear: sandals for a beach holiday and light breathable trainers for walking the streets. Do not forget swimwear to enjoy the coast, as well as insect repellent, which will be useful during evening outings or trips to nature. If you are planning a trip in the drier season (from August to November), the set of items will remain the same, but the raincoat may be needed less often.