The Best Time to Visit the Galapagos

March 11 • 2024

The incredible rich wildlife found in the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands offer a travel destination like no other. From giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies to enchanted lava tunnels and verdant highlands, the scenery and wildlife here are second to none.

As many of the archipelago’s highlights are situated outdoors, you might be worried about being at the whim of the weather during your trip. If you’re wondering when the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is, this article offers a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know.

What are the Seasons in the Galapagos Islands?

If you’re asking what is the best time of year to visit the Galapagos Islands, the truth is that it is a genuine year-round destination. Having said that, we can effectively divide the year into two seasons, primarily determined by the trade winds.

The warm and (slightly) wet season runs from January until June. The climate in the Galapagos Islands becomes more tropical during these months. Short bursts of rain are common but are unlikely to impact your plans. Air and water temperatures are at their highest during this period, and make this a great time for snorkelling.

The dry season in the Galapagos Islands, also referred to as the garúa season, occurs from July to December. During this time, temperatures start to decrease as the cool waters from the Antarctic peninsula move northward, transitioning the climate from tropical to subtropical. This season is characterised by increased sightings of marine mammals, fish, and birds. This is attributed to the Humboldt Current, which brings nutrient-rich water and plankton, attracting a variety of wildlife to the area.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Galapagos Islands?

Now you’re familiar with the seasons, it’s time to delve into the question of what is the best month to visit the Galapagos Islands. Your experience in the archipelago can vary depending on the month of your visit. This not only influences the weather but also determines the wildlife you’ll encounter and the activities available to you.

January - March are perfect months for snorkeling and scuba diving in the Galapagos

January to March

January to March is often hailed as the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands. While the rainfall and humidity reach their peak towards the end of this period, the days are sunny and warm with average figures of 26°C.

While the showers can be heavy, they also tend to be short. This means that they rarely interfere too much with daily activities. With sea and air temperatures pleasantly high during this period, this is a good time to go snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking. Those looking to explore marine life will also be treated to calmer waters and increased visibility.

Visitors in January and March also have the pleasure of seeing the desert landscapes come to life and flourish with verdant vegetation. Visitors are treated to unique wildlife experiences during these months, such as witnessing the transformation of adult marine iguanas on Española Island.

In January, these iguanas display striking colours such as green, red and black. Additionally, visitors can observe green turtles arriving at beaches during this time to lay their eggs.

In February, the greater Flamingos begin nesting on Floreana, Bahama pintail ducks start their breeding season, Galapagos dove nesting season reaches its peak and the penguins return to the cooler waters of Isabela and Fernandina.

March is the warmest month in the Galapagos and also offers incredible wildlife encounters. This month is when marine iguanas nest on Fernandina, male frigates inflate their dazzling red throat sacs and waved albatrosses return to Española.

With so many spectacular and unique wildlife encounters on offer between January and March, it is certainly one of the best months to visit the Galapagos Islands.

Is January to March the Best Time of Year to Visit the Galapagos Islands?

January to March is one of the best times of year to visit the Galapagos Islands for those who are prone to seasickness as well as those who are keen snorkellers, scuba divers and kayakers. This is because the waters are calmer and warmer during these months. January to March is also a sensational time to visit for wildlife lovers.

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April to May

Signalling the end of the rainy season, April to May is also often seen as the best time of the year to visit the Galapagos Islands. You can expect fewer showers during this period, while the landscapes remain lush.

Temperatures are warm, hovering around 26°C. The conditions are great for snorkelling and scuba diving during this period as the waters are warm and calm. April also has lots to offer in terms of wildlife. It marks the end of hatching season for giant tortoises, hatching time for land iguanas and hatchling season for sea turtles.

The birdlife is also active as many avian species feast on the thriving plant life and their seeds. May marks the shoulder season between the warm and cool seasons in the Galapagos Islands.

This transitional period brings an incredibly dynamic wildlife scene. Sea turtles hatch on Gardner Bay, waved albatrosses begin to lay their eggs and marine iguanas hatch on Santa Cruz. One thing to bear in mind is that April to May falls under Spring Break and Easter Holidays. If you are looking to visit during these months, try to book your holiday to The Galapagos early to secure availability.

Is April to May the Best Time of Year to Visit the Galapagos Islands?

When asking when is the best time of year to visit the Galapagos Islands, you will likely be met with the answer of April or May. This is because of the sheer abundance of wildlife experiences on offer during these months. Considering the wealth of unique species you can see between April and May, this is definitely one of the best times to go to the Galapagos Islands for animal lovers.

June and July are amazing months for whale spotting around the Islands

June to July

The cold Humboldt Current comes in from Antarctica in June and July, bringing cooler but still warm conditions to the Galapagos Islands as the archipelago moves into its garúa season. Temperatures sit between 20°C and 25°C over these months, perfect for guests who don’t like intense heat but still want to explore The Galapagos Islands and wildlife.

Expect cloudy morning skies that gradually clear throughout the day into clear blue skies. The weather is also slightly windier, stirring up stronger sea currents. The wildlife scene is very exciting during these months, one of the highlights being the blue-footed boobies beginning their courtship on North Seymour.

This elaborate spectacle sees the males put on displays to attract the females. They tip their beaks, whistle and strut their blue feet. A fascinating sight to see, this experience alone drives many to view June to July as two of the best months to visit the Galapagos Islands.

The cooler climate also brings lots of plankton and nutrients to the coast of the Galapagos. These nutrient-rich waters attract sea birds such as albatrosses and penguins. The archipelago’s underwater creatures also put on a show during these months.

Humpback whales migrate up to the Galapagos in June. Whale sharks and dolphins are also often seen during this period. The active marine life makes June to July a great time to come to the Galapagos for snorkelling and scuba diving.

Is June to July the Best Time of Year to Visit the Galapagos Islands?

June to July is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands for those who are particularly excited about marine animals. You’ll be able to spot humpback whales, dolphins and sharks a-plenty during this period.

It is also a great time of year to go to the Galapagos Islands for bird lovers who will be able to tick off albatrosses, penguins and even the high-stepping strut of the blue-footed boobies during this period.

Adorable Sealion pups are best seen August - October in The Galapagos

August to October

August is one of the cooler months in the Galapagos Islands. Average temperatures sit at 21°C which will perfectly suit guests who want to avoid the hottest months, while the water temperature is pleasant around 19°C. The animals are very active both on land and under the sea during this time of year.

One of the best things about going on a holiday to the Galapagos Islands between August and October is that this marks the sea lions’ pupping season. You’ll come across adorable baby pups all over the islands during this period.

Another exciting highlight of coming to the Galapagos Islands over these months is that the penguins are especially active on Bartolomé. You’ll be able to catch them dramatically torpedo-diving into the water. In October, the blue-footed booby chicks can be seen on Española and Isabela Islands.

The pleasant, cooler temperatures make August to October a fantastic time to go hiking in the Galapagos. Isabela Island is a brilliant island to explore on foot. You can walk to Sierra Negra – one of the primary active volcanoes in the archipelago.

Bartolome is another great place for hiking in the Galapagos Islands. Here, you can trek to Pinnacle Rock viewpoint and be treated to glorious views over the archipelago. Do keep in mind that August can be a busy time to visit the Galapagos Islands as it coincides with the school holidays.

For this reason, you should try to book further in advance if you’re planning to visit during this month. Things begin to quieten down by September, as the children return to school.

Is August to October the Best Time of Year to Visit the Galapagos Islands?

August to October is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands for those looking to go hiking. The cooler temperatures offer ideal conditions for trekking across the archipelago’s extraordinary landscapes.

See Marine Iguanas and blue-footed boobies

November to December

The archipelago begins to transition back into its hot warm season in November and December. You can expect calmer winds, low humidity levels and warmer waters. Sea temperatures tend to sit between 19°C and 27°C.

This provides great conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving. In terms of wildlife, you can witness the adorable sight of blue-footed boobies raising their chicks in Isabela in November.

You’ll also be able to see several species of jellyfish and sea lion pups playing at Champion Islet. This month also falls under mating season for sea lions, green sea turtles, brown noddies and band-rumped storm petrels. There are also lots of wonderful animal sightings on offer in December.

You can see giant tortoise eggs and hatchlings, along with the first young waved albatrosses fledge. However, December is a peak travel period in the Galapagos Islands, particularly over Christmas and New Year. Make arrangements far in advance if you are hoping to visit during this month.

Is November to December the Best Time of Year to Visit the Galapagos Islands?

November to December is one of the best times to visit the Galapagos Islands for those who are eager to witness the newborns of the islands’ most iconic wildlife species including blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises and sea lions.

Summary

Determining the best month to visit the Galapagos Islands often hinges on personal preferences. Whether you’re an avid diver or particularly thrilled about observing newborn animals, your interests play a crucial role in deciding the ideal time of year for your visit.

However, given the abundance of spectacular creatures inhabiting this unique archipelago, you really cannot go wrong with a holiday in the Galapagos Islands, no matter the month.

Thinking about a holiday to the Galapagos Islands? Take a look at our wonderful range of itineraries available in this magnificent archipelago that take you everywhere from the lush landscape of Santa Cruz to the rocky volcanic terrain of Isabela.