Editing Geography of Ecuador (section)

== Climate ==

{{Main|Climate of Ecuador}}
[[File:Koppen-Geiger Map ECU present.svg|thumb|300px|Ecuador map of Köppen climate classification zones]]
[[Image:Ecuador ParamosnearAmbato.JPG|thumb|Paramo meadows near Ambato, Ecuador]]

Each region has different factors that affect its climate. The Costa is influenced primarily by proximity to warm or cool ocean currents. By contrast, climate in the Sierra varies more as a function of altitude. The Oriente has a fairly uniform climate that varies only slightly between the two subregions. Climate in the Galápagos Islands is both moderated by the ocean currents and affected by altitude. Throughout Ecuador variation in rainfall primarily determines seasons. Temperature is determined by altitude. With each ascent of {{convert|200|m|ft|0|sp=us}} in altitude, temperature drops {{convert|1|C-change}}. This phenomenon is particularly significant in the Sierra.

=== The Sierra ===

Temperatures in the Sierra do not vary greatly on a seasonal basis; the hottest month averages {{convert|16|°C|1}} and the coolest month, {{convert|13|°C|1}} in the upper elevations. Diurnal temperatures, however, vary dramatically, from cold mornings to hot afternoons. The almost vertical sun and the rarefied air in the higher Sierra region allow the land to warm quickly during the day and lose heat quickly at night. Mornings typically are bright and sunny, whereas afternoons often are cloudy and rainy. In general, rainfall amounts are highest on exposed locations at lower altitudes. Rain can also vary on a local basis. Sheltered valleys normally receive {{convert|500|mm|in|1|sp=us}} per year, whereas annual rainfall is {{convert|1500|mm|in|1|sp=us}} in Quito and can reach {{convert|2500|mm|in|1|sp=us}} on exposed slopes that catch rain-bearing winds. On a seasonal basis, the driest months are June through September.

The climate in the Sierra is divided into levels based on altitude. The tropical level ({{convert|400|to|1800|m|ft|0|sp=us|disp=sqbr}}) has temperatures ranging from {{convert|20|to|25|°C|°F|1}} and heavy precipitation. The subtropical level ({{convert|1800|to|2500|m|ft|0|sp=us|disp=sqbr}}) has temperatures from {{convert|15|to|20|°C|°F}} and moderate precipitation. The temperate level ({{convert|2500|to|3200|m|ft|0|sp=us|disp=sqbr}}) has a year-round temperature in the range of {{convert|10|to|15|°C|°F}} and an annual rainfall of {{convert|1000|mm|in|1|sp=us}}. The temperate level experiences rainstorms, hailstorms, and fog. Winter, or the rainy season, lasts from January through June, and the dry season or summer from July through December. Most rain falls in April. There also is a short rainy period in early October caused by moisture penetrating the Sierra from the Oriente. Quito and most other populated areas in the Sierra are located at this temperate level. The cold level extends from the temperate zone to {{convert|4650|m|ft|0|sp=us}}. Here, average temperatures are {{convert|3|to|9|°C|°F|1}}, and the precipitation often appears in the form of rain, hail, and thick fog. Above {{convert|4650|m|ft|0|sp=us}} is the frozen level, where peaks are constantly capped with snow and ice, and temperatures range from below {{convert|0|to|3|°C|°F|1}}. Precipitation frequently is in the form of snow, fog, and rain.

=== The Oriente/Amazon ===

The eastern lowlands in the Oriente experience abundant rainfall, especially in the Andean Piedmont, sometimes exceeding {{convert|5000|mm|in|1|sp=us}} per year. Temperatures average {{convert|25|°C}} in the western parts of this region. The jungle-covered plains of the Eastern lowlands register high levels of rainfall and temperatures surpassing {{convert|28|°C|1}}.

Being located on the equator, the Galápagos Islands would have an equatorial climate were it not for the modifying effects of the [[Humboldt Current|Peruvian Current]]. Instead, climate on the islands follows a pattern more like that of the Sierra than the Costa. At sea level, the land is desertlike with temperatures of {{convert|21|°C|1}}. The eight summer months experience no precipitation, whereas the winter months of January through April have some fog and drizzle. Above sea level to an altitude of {{convert|450|m|ft|0|sp=us}}, the islands have a mixture of tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates. In general, temperatures are around {{convert|17|°C|1}}. There is constant fog and drizzle in the summer and rain in the winter. The cold level above {{convert|450|m|ft|0|sp=us}} has temperatures below {{convert|14|°C|1}}. It is cool along the tropical coast.