Best time to visit the Galapagos Islands

In one sentence: Overall, if you prefer warmer weather and calmer seas, visit between
December and May. If you’re more interested in marine life and don’t mind cooler
temperatures, June to November is ideal.

No matter when you can travel, you will always find something interesting to do or see in
the Galapagos Islands. It is a year-round destination with minor changes in weather
patterns. Any time of year offers incredible experiences and opportunities to explore the
unique Galápagos archipelago. Most of the wildlife stays in the archipelago throughout the
whole year.

Each tourist season offers unique wildlife experiences, but peak times tend to be more
crowded and expensive, while shoulder seasons offer a nice balance of good weather and
fewer tourists.

Peak Season (High)

•  December to January: Holiday season brings many tourists, with great weather and wildlife activity.
•  June to August: Summer vacation in the Northern Hemisphere also draws more visitors. It’s the cooler, dry season with nutrient-rich waters that attract marine wildlife.

Shoulder Season

•  April to May: The weather is warm and pleasant, the seas are calmer, and there are fewer crowds than during peak season.
•  November: A quieter period with good weather and wildlife sightings, before the December holiday rush.

Low Season

•  February to March: While still warm and sunny, this time is quieter after the holiday crowds leave.
•  September to October: These are the coolest months, and the waters can be choppy. However, it’s a great time for marine life enthusiasts due to high nutrient levels in the water. For more Information about The Galapagos Islands and how to travel, please check out our very extensive Blog : WHAT TO EAT IN ECUADOR

The two main seasons: hot versus dry season

Hot Season (January to June)

A warmer and more humid climate.
Warmer water temperature to go snorkeling.
More wildlife activity on land.
Presence of dense and lush flora.
Intermittent showers on the islands.

Dry Season (June to December)

Humboldt Current brings in nutrient-rich waters.
Cooler overall temperatures.
More active marine life.
Relatively pleasant climate for hiking due to greater cloud cover.

In addition to the two main seasons, the Galápagos Islands experience transition periods in
December (from hot to dry) and June (from dry to hot). During these months, you’ll notice
changes in sea currents, which lead to significant shifts in the archipelago’s vegetation,
either flourishing or drying out.

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS WEATHER

AVERAGESS TEMPERATURE AIR & WATER AND RAINFALL PER MONTH

When is the best time to see wildlife in the Galapagos?

On land

Many consider the hot season the best time for close-up encounters with
Galápagos flora and fauna. While the dry season offers more comfortable hiking
conditions, the hot season brings more wildlife activity due to the flourishing vegetation,
which provides a richer food supply. For instance, during the hot season, marine and land
iguanas display their most vibrant colors for mating, and Galápagos giant tortoise eggs
begin to hatch at breeding centers on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal islands.
When planning your visit, keep in mind that certain birds, like the Waved Albatross, are
migratory and may only be seen in the Dry Season and is primarily found on Española
Island. Observing some of these unique species can depend on the timing and location of
your visit.

In the water

Snorkeling is the perfect way to explore and interact with the magical world
beneath the waves. While the months between July and December may be cooler, they
offer an incredible variety of active sea life, making this period particularly special for
underwater adventures.
For scuba diving, the prime time is between June and October, when the chances of
encountering whale sharks are significantly higher. During this period, you’ll also witness
larger schools of hammerhead sharks and a general explosion of marine life. However, if
your only option is to dive between December and May, don’t hesitate—Galápagos is one
of the most unique destinations on the planet, both on land and underwater. No matter
when you go, you’ll have an incredible experience. But if your focus is on seeing the big
marine life, plan your trip for June through September and take a special diving cruise to
the far away and famous islands Darwin and Wolf.

Galapagos month-by-month

January

Avg Air (range) 72 – 86F / 22 – 30C
Avg Ocean Temperature 76F / 24,5C
Avg Rainfall 1,0in / 2,5cm
January usually marks the start of the warm and wet season in the Galápagos. While it
begins the rainy season, showers are typically brief and occur in the late afternoon or
evening, leaving most of the day sunny. The wet season brings blooming vegetation, which
supports a richer bird population and increased insect activity. Birds begin nesting and
singing, seeking mates as the food chain flourishes with the rains. Land iguanas become
more visible as they prepare for mating, with males displaying bright colors to attract
females. During this time, fights often break out between competing males.
This is an important period for sea lions, as they engage in various activities, including
intensive diving for food. Newborn pups can also be observed, as the breeding season
spans the year, with most births occurring around October and November. However,
January still offers the chance to see very young pups alongside their mothers.
Green turtles start laying their eggs, although this activity usually takes place at night, when
the National Park is closed to visitors. But you might spot the tell-tale signs of flipper trails
leading up to the dunes.

February

Avg Air (range) 75 – 86F / 24 – 30C
Avg Ocean Temperature 76F / 24C
Avg Rainfall 2,0in / 5cm
February’s climate is perfect for those chasing the sun, featuring warm days and sea
temperatures ideal for snorkeling.
Many species of birds, iguanas, turtles, and giant tortoises are starting to breed. This flurry
of mating activity makes for some interesting wildlife encounters.
A major highlight is the nesting of marine iguanas. They dig burrows near visitor trails to lay
their eggs and become more territorial during this period. You might witness some
aggressive displays by males defending their mates.
Red-footed boobies are tending to their nests and eggs on Genovesa Island, while on
Fernandina Island, baby flightless cormorant chicks are being carefully cared for by their
parents. It marks the beginning of flamingo nesting season. Flamingos gather in groups to perform an elaborate dance and show off their bright pink primary feathers as part of their
mating ritual.

March Best for: sea bird mating season, marine iguana nesting and hiking

Avg Air (range) 75 – 88F / 24 – 31C
Avg Ocean Temperature 77F / 25C
Avg Rainfall 3,0in / 7,5cm
The Waved albatross starts to arrive back on Española after several months away. It can
only be found on Española Island. Albatrosses mate for life and have tender reunions back
on land.
Galapagos sea lions are particularly playful, with pups often seen on the beaches, both
marine and land iguanas are visible, some still in mating colors. Newborn Galapagos giant
tortoises may start to emerge
Frigate birds are amid their mating season, so keep an eye out for males with their bright
red pouches puffed up in their nests. This striking display is meant to attract females flying
overhead, as they assess their potential mates.
The Galapagos penguins meet on Isabela Island and are easily seen on the black lava
rock.
Rest assured, Galápagos marine species are still easily spotted in March, despite the
warmer seas having fewer nutrients. In fact, some species thrive in the warmer tropical
waters—hammerhead sharks and manta rays, for instance, gather in large numbers
around the Galápagos during this season.

April

Avg Air (range) 75 – 88F / 24 – 31C
Avg Ocean Temperature 77F / 25C
Avg Rainfall 1,5in / 3,8cm
April signals the start of the dry season and while there might be an odd shower here and
there, they don’t last for long. This is a good month for bird-watching.
Our favorite is the captivating courtship dance of blue-footed boobies. Keep your camera
ready—this is one of the most impressive displays of the year. Male boobies flaunt their
blue feet, which are colored by pigments from their diet of sardines, to impress potential
mates. To win over a female, they perform the famous booby dance, strutting and lifting
their feet, pointing their beaks skyward, and whistling. If the female is impressed, she joins
in the dance.
Waved albatross have also completed their migration during this time. The couples
tenderly clack their beaks together and circle one another in a more romantic ritual than the
blue-footed boobies. They are also preparing their nests ready to lay their clutch of eggs.
The first green sea turtle hatchlings begin to emerge. At night, you can witness hundreds of
tiny turtles crossing the beach. Pacific green sea turtles are commonly found on Isabela
and Fernandina islands.

May

Avg Air (range) 72 – 82F / 22 – 28C
Avg Ocean Temperature 76F / 24,5C
Avg Rainfall 0,75in / 2cm
May in the Galapagos is the beginning of the transition, characterized by a delightful mix of
sunny days punctuated by occasional rain showers, which helps maintain the islands’ lush
vegetation. With the return of the southern trade winds and cold waters from Antarctica, the cooler
ocean current brings nutrient-rich waters closer to the surface, enhancing marine life
visibility.
Several bird species are laying their eggs, confident that the rich waters will provide ample
food for their young. Enjoy observing the nesting and hatching of Frigatebirds, Flamingos,
Storm Petrels, Blue-footed Boobies, and Waved Albatrosses.
Visiting the Galapagos in May is an excellent choice for those who enjoy mild weather,
fewer crowds, and active wildlife.

June

Avg Air (range) 70 – 79F / 21 – 26C
Avg Ocean Temperature 73F / 23C
Avg Rainfall 0,15in / 0,6cm
June  brings the best of the dry and wet seasons together; pleasant days are balanced by
cooling waters, lush landscapes, and an abundance of wildlife. The garua mist begins to
descend over the highlands. It is around this time of year that giant tortoises begin their
annual migration to the lower, arid regions of the island.
This month, the Galapagos welcomes migratory birds, whales, and whale sharks to Darwin
& Wolf Islands, drawn by the cooler, nutrient-rich waters. The whale-watching season
begins, but only possible to observe them on a cruise, the Bolivar Channel between
Isabela and Fernandina being a prime spot. Diving with whale sharks is a top Galapagos
experience, best enjoyed on liveaboard scuba cruises.
June also sees nesting activity of the Galapagos penguins. Only on Fernandina the
Flightless cormorants are preparing to mate.

July

Avg Air (range) 68 – 79F / 20 – 26C
Avg Ocean Temperature 72F / 22C
Avg Rainfall 0,50in / 1,3cm
You still have the best chance during a cruise to see whales and dolphins in the
Galapagos. They are more easily spotted off the west coast of Isabela. 24 species of
dolphin and whale call the Galapagos home, including Orca, Blue Whale and Bottlenose
Dolphin.
The adorable Galapagos Waved Albatross chicks are hatching. These fluffy white
hatchlings depend on their parents to fish and bring food back to the nest. The parents
continue this feeding process until December, when the family ventures out to open waters
for better feeding grounds. Other marine bird chicks, including Frigatebirds and Blue-footed
Boobies, are also hatching this month. The Galapagos sealion mating season starts on the
beaches.
Cooler water temperatures bring nutrients, which means wildlife is very active at this time
of year. Sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, penguins and tropical fish can easily be spotted
around dock areas.

August

Avg Air (range) 66 – 79F / 19 – 26C
Avg Ocean Temperature 71F / 21,5C
Avg Rainfall 0,25in / 0,6cm
The surrounding oceanic currents foster a rich marine environment, making it a prime time
for observing underwater life and engaging in marine activities like snorkeling and diving. Rain is scarce, often replaced by ‘la garua,’ a signature mist that can obscure the otherwise
clear sky. If you’re heading out for aquatic activities, expect slightly choppier seas due to
moderate winds.
In August, catch a glimpse of adorable newborn sea lion pups, who rely on their mothers
for milk and protection. While they’re great photo subjects, keep your distance as mothers
can be aggressive. This month also sees the growing of Blue-footed Booby and Frigatebird
chicks, with parents alternating between fishing and caring for their young.
The Galapagos Hawk, the largest and most prolific bird of prey in the archipelago, sits at
the top of the food chain, preying on lava lizards, iguanas, tortoise hatchlings, and sea
turtles. In August, their breeding season begins, and you can spot hawks on Española,
Santiago, and Fernandina islands.

September

Avg Air (range) 66 – 79F / 19 – 26C
Avg Ocean Temperature 72F / 22C
Avg Rainfall 0,50in / 1,3cm
Galapagos Penguins, migrating from Isabela Island after the wet season to Bartolome
Island, begin their courtship. They can be seen around Pinnacle Rock, diving from cliffs
and darting among snorkelers and playful sea lions in their search for food. At Bartolome,
the penguins also begin their courtship. They lay only 1 or 2 eggs per clutch, with parents
diligently keeping the eggs shaded from the intense equatorial sun.
On Santa Cruz Island, the famous giant tortoises begin their slow migration from the coast
to the lush highlands. This journey, a modest trek of less than 4 miles (6 km), can take 2 to
3 weeks as they move slowly uphill. These tortoises, which once fascinated Darwin with
their leisurely pace, are frequently seen ambling along the path.
North Seymour, Plazas, and Santa Fe Islands are lively with sea lion activity. Males fiercely
guard their harems, protecting the newborn pups and their mothers. The curious pups often
playfully interact with snorkelers, adding to the island’s vibrant atmosphere.

October

Avg Air (range) 68 – 79F / 20 – 26C
Avg Ocean Temperature 73F / 23C
Avg Rainfall 0,25in / 0,6cm
Galapagos weather in October is slightly warmer than in September but it is still relatively
cool compared to the rest of the year.
A special treat is the chance to see young Blue-footed Booby chicks, either recently
hatched or very young. Their small size makes for charming photographs. This month is
also significant for Lava Herons, which begin their nesting season on some islands. You
might catch them in the midst of their building process. The Galapagos penguin courtship
continues, and the Sea lion pups play along the shore. Fur seal breeding begins in October
and continues through to December. You’ll find groups of them on Fernandina, Isabela and
Santiago.

November Best for:

Avg Air (range) 70 – 79F / 21 – 26C
Avg Ocean Temperature 73F / 23C
Avg Rainfall 0,50in / 1,3cm
Average temperatures remain steady for the month of November, but water temperatures
are getting warmer. November is a great time to observe sea lions in the Galapagos, you’ll find playful pups in
nurseries and learning to swim in the shallows. With some luck, a curious pup might even come close while you’re snorkeling.
In the water, Galapagos Sea turtle mating season is just beginning. You’ll often see them
coupling up in the sea. This is also one of the last chances to spot hammerhead sharks before they migrate.

December

Avg Air (range) 72 – 81F / 22 – 27C
Avg Ocean Temperature 72F / 22,5C
Avg Rainfall 0,50in / 1,3cm
December’s warmth and moisture bring vibrant wildlife activity. Weather conditions are
back to their sunny best in December and the temperature climbs again.
In December, the Española Island Albatross colony departs for the open ocean, seeking
better feeding grounds. It’s a poignant moment as fledglings leave for the first time and
won’t return until they’re ready to mate. Albatrosses left behind by the end of the month
may be stranded due to dying winds.
Bird watchers should visit the highlands of Santa Cruz or other islands. The arrival of the
first rains boosts activity among Galapagos land birds, such as Darwin’s Finches, Short-
eared Owls, and Flycatchers, as they start preparing their nests for the breeding season.
This increased activity continues into January with more frequent rain showers.
Water visibility is still high, making snorkeling a popular activity.