The best time to discover the Enchanting Islands
The Galapagos Islands, located about 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador, with minimal temperature variation and few rainfall, offer as an ideal destination for travel year-round.
This doesn’t mean that every month is the same as the other; on the contrary, some months offer better opportunities for certain activities than others.
The warm season, from December to May, for example, provides ideal sea conditions for snorkeling and diving (it is also suitable for those who suffer from seasickness because the sea is generally calm), while the cold season, from June to November, offers excellent opportunities for hiking and snorkeling thanks to the nutrient-rich currents that populate the waters.
The behaviors of animals and weather patterns vary throughout the year, making each month a unique and ever-changing adventure. Let’s explore the advantages of each month to help you find the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands.
The seasons in the Galapagos Islands – Warm and Wet / Dry and Cold
The Galapagos Islands experience two distinct seasons, the “warm and wet” season from December to May and the “cold and dry” season from June to November. Despite these labels, temperatures remain consistently warm throughout the year, and temperature fluctuations are relative, with the islands never truly getting cold.
- Warm and wet season: This season usually runs from January to May and is characterized by higher temperatures, increased humidity, and rainfall. This period offers calm seas and excellent water visibility, making it the perfect time for snorkeling and other water activities.
- Cold and dry season: This season is also colloquially known as the “Garua” season, which occurs from June to November. This season is characterized by cooler temperatures, foggy mornings, and rare rainfall. The water cools down, usually requiring the use of a wetsuit for snorkeling, and nutrient-rich ocean currents attract an abundance of marine life, offering exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities. Even land animals are quite active.
If you want to avoid the crowd
If you want to avoid the crowd the best times to visit the Galapagos are at the beginning of December before the holidays, at the beginning of January after the holidays, and in September after the summer period. The visit reaches its peak during Christmas, Easter, spring break, and summer holidays, leading to higher prices and the need to book trips to the Galapagos well in advance, especially if opting for a cruise.
December and January in the Galapagos Islands
The months of December and January represent the transition from the cold season to the hot one. The average temperatures increase and it might rain. The islands begin to turn green. During this period, the reproduction season starts for many species.
Marine turtles start nesting on the beaches, while land birds, marine iguanas, penguins, and sea lions are quite active. The water temperature is warmer and the seas are calmer, making these months ideal for those who want to travel by cruise but are afraid of seasickness.
Weather and sea conditions
In December, the Galapagos Islands start entering the hot season. During this transitional climate period, the islands become lush.
Galapagos temperatures typically range from 21°C to 29°C, providing a pleasant environment for exploration. Expect afternoon rains, but generally these do not compromise planned activities. Water temperatures range from 22°C to 24°C, rising in January.
The animals
In January, land birds, such as finches and mockingbirds, begin nesting, while mating rituals can be observed among thrushes and finches. On Fernandina Island, hawks feed on young marine iguanas. The marine iguanas of Española maintain their vibrant colors, green sea turtles lay eggs, and it may be possible to see some on the shore. The land iguanas of Isabela begin their mating season.
February and March in the Galapagos Islands
The months of February and March are the hottest and most humid of the year. Despite being in the heart of the rainy season, these two months record the highest precipitation, with usually sunny days, clear skies, and warm water.
Weather and sea conditions
In February, the islands record an average water temperature of about 24°C. During this period, the climate is usually pleasant, with average temperatures hovering around 30°C, which can increase in March, up to 31°C, and an average minimum of around 23.8°C. These temperatures make these months ideal for water activities such as swimming and snorkeling.
The animals
Around February, penguins begin to return to Isabela and Fernandina, while flamingos and marine iguanas of Santa Cruz begin the nesting season. In March, frigates and marine iguanas begin mating seasons, albatrosses begin to return to Española, and penguin sightings become more frequent at Isabela and Fernandina.
April and May in the Galapagos Islands
The months of April and May mark the end of the “hot season,” with temperatures ranging between 22°C and 30°C. The sea maintains a comfortable temperature of around 25°C, ideal for water activities such as snorkeling. The islands’ landscape is rich in colors as the plants are in full bloom. This period coincides with the mating season of many unique species, such as albatrosses and marine iguanas.
Weather and sea conditions
During this period, average temperatures fluctuate between 21°C and 30°C. Precipitation generally begins to decrease in these months, especially in May. In April, the water reaches high temperatures, averaging around 25°C, making it ideal for water activities such as snorkeling and diving. In May, water temperatures decrease slightly but remain around a comfortable 24.5°C.
The animals
In April, albatrosses, blue-footed boobies, and frigates begin the mating season. Marine turtles begin laying eggs. In May, albatrosses begin laying eggs, and the eggs of green sea turtles begin to hatch.
June and July in the Galapagos Islands
In June and July, the Galapagos Islands officially enter the cold and dry season, offering a different but equally fascinating experience.
It is an important period for wildlife, as it marks the beginning of the nesting season for numerous bird species, including blue-footed boobies. Despite the drop in temperatures and the possibility of cloudier skies, these months are exceptional due to the liveliness of the animals, which are very active due to the cooler temperatures.
Weather and sea conditions
Temperatures begin to drop and hover around 26°C. The water temperature during this period is around 23°C. This period marks the beginning of the cooler season, with ocean temperatures dropping to about 23°C in June and further to 22°C in July. The Humboldt Current, known for its cooler and nutrient-rich waters, makes snorkeling very exciting and abundant with sightings.
The animals
During these months, migratory birds return to the Galapagos Islands, giant tortoises enter the mating season, whales pass through the waters of the islands, and if participating in a diving cruise, there is the possibility of swimming alongside whale sharks. It is not uncommon to see dolphins during this period.
Galapagos Islands in August and September
Between August and September, the Galapagos Islands experience the peak of the dry season, commonly known as “garua.” The cooler temperatures characterize these months, with average highs around 24°C and lows dropping to about 18.5°C.
Many people mistakenly think these are the worst months to visit the islands, but you will be surprised to know that this time of year is perfect for observing marine fauna.
The nutrient-rich waters attract numerous marine creatures, especially whales and dolphins. The overcast skies and light drizzle do not diminish the charm of the islands; in fact, they add a certain beauty to the landscapes of these magical islands.
Weather and Sea Conditions
During this period, the islands enjoy pleasant weather, with temperatures usually ranging between 18°C and 24°C. The sea is usually choppy.
The average air temperature in September is around 23°C. Cloudy skies characterize these months. The sea is at its coldest point during this time of year, with temperatures hovering between 20°C and 21°C, the lowest of the year.
Despite the cooler temperatures, this environment attracts a wide range of marine species, making it a perfect time for snorkeling activities (a wetsuit is recommended).
Wildlife
In these months, flamingos begin their courtship rituals, the eggs of boobies and frigatebirds continue to hatch, and penguins start moving towards the central islands. The period is excellent for seeing red-footed boobies on Genovesa. In September, the penguin mating season begins, and sea lions are very active with their newly born pups.
October and November in the Galapagos Islands
In October and November, the Galapagos Islands experience a cool, dry season characterized by fog and lower temperatures. Average highs are around 25°C, while lows can drop to about 20°C.
In November, the climate in the Galapagos becomes slightly warmer, with average highs reaching 26°C. Although this season is part of the dry season, occasional rainfall can occur, especially in higher areas.
Weather and Sea Conditions
In October, water temperatures hover around 22.5°C. Despite the lower temperatures, you will experience excellent snorkeling opportunities with a great diversity of marine life. In November, water temperatures slightly change, dropping to around 22°C. Air temperatures remain pleasant during this period, with highs around 26°C and lows around 21°C.
Wildlife
During these months, the sea lion mating season begins, and you can see the pups starting to take their first steps in water (they are born in August but November marks the start of their journey towards independence). This is also the nesting season for boobies (blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca) and the reproduction season for frigatebirds and flamingos in November.
Best Time to Visit the Galapagos Islands (depending on what you want to experience during the trip)
While it is always wonderful to travel to the Galapagos Islands because the archipelago offers unique wildlife sighting experiences throughout the year, it is important to know where to find the species of interest. A travel advisor can provide you with more information and recommendations.
In January, green sea turtles arrive on the beaches to lay eggs, in February the nesting season begins for flamingos and marine iguanas, in March marine iguanas nest on Fernandina Island, in April the hatching season starts for green sea turtles and land iguanas, in May waved albatrosses begin egg-laying, in June the giant tortoises start nesting, in July seabirds begin the breeding season, in August the sea lion birthing season starts, in September the Galapagos penguins show remarkable activity, in October blue-footed boobies raise their chicks, in December giant tortoise eggs start hatching and northward migratory birds begin their journey south.
For snorkeling and diving, the period with the best water visibility is from December to May during the warm season. However, during the cold season from June to November, you can observe more intense underwater marine activity and a rich variety of animals. You will need a wetsuit to enter the water.
This is why there is no best or worst time to visit the Galapagos Islands, but the period will depend on the experience you wish to have.
