Ecuador — Sea Water Temperature and Annual Ranges
Up-to-date sea water temperatures for the coasts of Ecuador. Learn about today’s conditions, monthly averages, and how the surrounding seas and oceans vary by season. We find every place where you can swim and show you the water temperature there today and throughout the year.
Sea Water Temperature Along the Coast
Chart of Average Temperature Changes Over the Last 60 Days
Places with the Warmest Sea Water Today
The Most Popular Seaside Places
- Galapagos Islands27°C
- Puerto Ayora27°C
- Monteverde25°C
- Atacames Canton28°C
- San Cristóbal26°C
- Manta26°C
- Santa Cruz27°C
- Mompiche28°C
- Las Peñas28°C
- Salinas26°C
- Pedernales28°C
- Puerto Villamil26°C
- Durn27°C
- Plata Island26°C
- Sua28°C
- Puerto Baquerizo Moreno27°C
- Guayaquil27°C
- Cojimíes28°C
- Same28°C
- Valdez29°C
- Playas28°C
- Esmeraldas28°C
- Canoa27°C
- Machala29°C
- Muisne28°C
- Valdivia25°C
- Montañita25°C
Coastal Seas and Oceans
Water Temperature and Swimming Overview
Regions and Map
Water Temperature Trends
Ecuador’s Pacific coast and the nearby Galápagos Islands experience relatively warm tropical to subtropical sea temperatures, but they vary with season and ocean currents. Along the mainland coast, water temperatures typically run about 19–28 °C (66–82 °F) across the year: the warmer season from roughly November to May often brings surface temperatures in the mid-20s °C (around 24–28 °C, 75–82 °F), while the cooler season from June to October, influenced by the Humboldt Current, can lower coastal waters to about 19–24 °C (66–75 °F). The Galápagos show a stronger seasonal swing: the warm, wet season from December to May commonly yields 24–29 °C (75–84 °F) at the surface, whereas the cool season from June to November drops temperatures to roughly 18–23 °C (64–73 °F) in many areas due to upwelling.
Swimming Conditions
Swimming and recreational water use are widely permitted and popular at many Ecuadorian beaches, but conditions and precautions vary. Tourist beaches such as Salinas, Manta and parts of Esmeraldas are frequented for bathing and surfing during the warm months, while the Galápagos attracts snorkelers and divers year-round; a light wetsuit is often recommended in the cooler months or for extended swims. Hazards include strong currents, rip tides, fluctuating visibility, and occasional rough surf, and some coastal zones near rivers, ports or during heavy rains can have poorer water quality. In protected areas like the Galápagos, access and activities may be regulated to protect wildlife, so swimmers should follow local guidance, observe safety flags and heed lifeguards or park rules.