Guayaquil Weather & Climate Guide: Seasons & Daily Patterns

Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and primary port, is defined by a tropical savanna climate where the seasons are dictated by rainfall rather than temperature. Situated at just 2 degrees south of the equator on the banks of the Guayas River, the city maintains a consistent warmth year-round, though the atmospheric "feel" shifts dramatically between its two primary seasons.

Typical Weather Patterns

The climate is broadly divided into a hot, wet season (January–May) and a milder, dry season (June–December). During the wet season, the city experiences tropical monsoon-like conditions with frequent, heavy afternoon thunderstorms. In contrast, the dry season is dominated by stable air and significantly less rainfall, though it is often surprisingly overcast due to the influence of the cold Humboldt Current.

Seasonal Trends

• The Wet Season (January to May): This is Guayaquil’s true tropical experience. March and April are typically the hottest months, with temperatures reaching 31°C (88°F). Humidity levels are at their peak (often above 80%), creating an "oppressive" feel. Torrential downpours are common in the late afternoons, often causing localized flooding, but they are usually brief and followed by clear skies.
• The Dry Season (June to December): Locally referred to as verano (summer), this period is characterized by cooler temperatures and almost no rain. August is the coolest month, with highs around 28°C (82°F) and lows dipping to 21°C (70°F). Despite being the "dry" season, the sky is frequently covered in a gray, hazy layer of clouds known as garúa, which limits sunshine but keeps the heat manageable.

How the Climate Behaves Throughout the Day

Guayaquil’s daily cycle is very predictable. In both seasons, the mornings start relatively clear or hazily bright. By midday, the heat peaks, often feeling several degrees hotter than the thermometer suggests due to the humidity. In the wet season, clouds build rapidly in the early afternoon, leading to intense thunderstorms by 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM. In the dry season, the hazy afternoon cloud cover often stays constant, providing a natural shield against the equatorial sun.

What the Weather "Feels Like"

Temperature alone does not tell the story of Guayaquil. The Heat Index is the critical factor; in the wet season, a 30°C (86°F) day can easily feel like 38°C (100°F) because the high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating. Local residents describe the air as "heavy" or "thick." During the dry season, the breeze from the Guayas River and the marginally lower humidity make the warmth feel "toasty" rather than exhausting.

Historical Context and Phenomena

Guayaquil is highly sensitive to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). During El Niño years, the ocean temperatures rise, leading to catastrophic rainfall and flooding that can last for months. Conversely, La Niña years bring even drier and slightly cooler conditions. The city sits at sea level within a delta, meaning the combination of high tide and heavy rain can occasionally result in the Guayas River pushing water back into the city’s drainage systems.

Local Experience and Adaptation

Locals, or Guayaquileños, adapt to the heat by shifting their activity to the early morning and late evening. The city’s architecture reflects this with "portales" (covered walkways) that provide shade and protection from sudden rain. Air conditioning is a staple of indoor life, and it is common for residents to "escape" to the nearby coastal towns of Salinas or Playas during the hottest wet-season months to catch the ocean breeze.