Best Time To Go To Galapagos
A Year Round Wildlife Adventure
The Galapagos Islands are a one of a kind destination where you can experience wildlife, marine life and landscapes like nowhere else. The archipelago has a subtropical climate and so many different species of wildlife that it’s a year round destination, but understanding the Galapagos seasons, weather and wildlife cycles will help you decide when to go to Galapagos for your adventure. Whether you want to see blue footed boobies or take a dip in the cooler waters with playful sea lions, every time of the year is special. Let’s get into the details of the best time to visit Galapagos and why you should visit the Galapagos Islands.
Introduction
The Galapagos Islands are a unique and fascinating destination, known for their incredible biodiversity and untouched natural beauty. Located off the coast of Ecuador, the islands are home to an array of endemic species, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies. With its subtropical climate, the Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests and preferences. Whether you’re an avid bird watcher, a marine life enthusiast, or simply looking to bask in the natural splendor, the Galapagos Islands offer something special in every season.
Galapagos Weather and Seasons
The Galapagos Islands have two distinct seasons: the warm and wet season, and the cool and dry season. Each season brings its own unique weather patterns and wildlife activities, making the islands a dynamic destination no matter when you visit.
Warm and Wet Season (December to May)
The warm and wet season, also known as the “garúa” season, runs from December to May. During this time, the islands experience a warm and humid climate, with average air temperatures ranging from 77°F (25°C) to 86°F (30°C). This season is characterized by frequent but short showers, with the sun shining brightly on most days. The warm waters of the Panama Current bring an abundance of marine life, making it an ideal time for scuba diving and snorkeling. The lush vegetation and vibrant landscapes during this season also add to the islands’ allure, making it a picturesque time to visit.
Cool and Dry Season (June to November)
The cool and dry season, also known as the “dry” season, runs from June to November. During this time, the islands experience a cooler and drier climate, with average air temperatures ranging from 68°F (20°C) to 77°F (25°C). This season is characterized by a persistent misty fog, known as “garúa,” which can make the islands feel cooler than the actual temperature. The cooler waters of the Humboldt Current bring a different set of marine life, making it an ideal time for spotting sea turtles and marine iguanas. The nutrient-rich waters during this season attract a variety of marine species, offering incredible opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.
Wildlife Highlights throughout the year
The Galapagos Islands are home to an incredible array of wildlife, and the best time to see certain species depends on the season. Each month brings unique opportunities to witness different behaviors and life cycles, ensuring that no matter when you visit, you’ll be treated to unforgettable wildlife encounters.
December to May: Warm Season and Breeding Time
During the warm season, the Galapagos Islands are a hub of activity, with many species breeding and nesting. This is the best time to see:
Sea turtles nesting on the beaches
Marine iguanas basking in the sun
Blue-footed boobies performing their mating dances
Land iguanas roaming the islands
Galapagos penguins breeding and nesting
The warm waters of the Panama Current also bring an abundance of marine life, making it an ideal time for scuba diving and snorkeling. The vibrant underwater world during this season is teeming with colorful fish, rays, and other marine creatures, providing a spectacular experience for divers and snorkelers alike.
Galapagos Weather and Seasons
The Galapagos Islands have two main seasons: the warm and wet season (December to May) and the cool and dry season (June to November). Despite these two seasons, the islands are near the equator, so the temperatures are relatively stable. The variations are more due to ocean currents and altitude than latitude, with the average air temperature ranging from 70°F (21°C) to 85°F (29°C) throughout the year.
Warm and Wet Season (December to May)
The Galapagos warm season is characterized by warm air and water, lush vegetation, and tropical rains. During this time, the average air temperature ranges between 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F), with the warmest months being February and March. The water temperatures are between 21°C to 26°C (70°F to 79°F), making it the best time for underwater activities like snorkeling or scuba diving as the sea is calm and visibility is excellent.
The warm season is the best time to see the islands at their greenest. The rainy season brings short and intense showers, but these quickly give way to sunshine, making it a good time to visit.
Cool and Dry Season (June to November)
From June to November the Galapagos dry season brings cooler temperatures, dry conditions and rich marine life due to nutrient rich ocean currents. During this time the average air temperature drops slightly between 19°C to 26°C (66°F to 79°F) and the water temperature between 18°C to 23°C (64°F to 73°F). The ocean currents are stronger during this time so you’ll see more marine life like sharks, rays and whales.
Although the cooler temperatures might not be ideal for swimming, wildlife lovers will find this the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands to see unique wildlife like Galapagos penguins, waved albatross and blue footed boobies.
Wildlife Highlights throughout the year
One of the main reasons people visit Galapagos Islands is to see the incredible wildlife, both on land and in the water. The Galapagos Islands have rare species so any time of the year is great for wildlife spotting. But knowing when the nesting season, mating season or hatching season is will make your experience even better.
December to May: Warm Season and Breeding Time
If you want to see green sea turtles and their nesting behavior the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is during the wet season. Green sea turtles arrive on the beaches in January and February to lay their eggs. These months are also great to see marine iguanas basking on the rocks and land iguanas starting their mating rituals. The frigate birds also start their mating displays in the warm season, puffing up their red throat pouches to attract a mate.
Marine life is also more active during the wet season with marine animals like sea turtles, sea lions and marine iguanas more visible and easier to see. Sea lions give birth from November to May so it’s a great time to see playful sea lion pups with their mothers.
This is also the time when the blue footed boobies start their famous mating dance where the males show off their blue feet to attract a mate. On Española Island visitors can see the waved albatross return to breed from April to December with May being the peak of their activity. Galapagos hawks and flightless cormorants can be seen around Santa Cruz Island and other central islands.
June to November: Cool Season and Rich Marine Life
Although the cooler season brings cooler temperatures, this is the best time to visit the Galapagos for scuba divers. The water temperature drops but the nutrient rich currents bring more marine life, hammerhead sharks, manta rays and whale sharks. It’s the perfect time for marine life lovers especially those who want to have great underwater visibility during Galapagos cruises.
The Galapagos penguins are most active during the cooler months and you can see them swimming through the water on Isabela Island or resting on the shores. The land birds start to nest and you can see many bird species like Galapagos hawks, frigate birds and flightless cormorants.
Sea lions can be seen all year round but during the cooler season you can also see them in breeding season. These playful creatures are often seen on the shores and swimming with them is a highlight for many travelers.
Best time for Galapagos Cruises
Many tour operators offer Galapagos cruises all year round, each season has its own experiences. The warm season (December to May) is great for calm seas and good weather, perfect for those who want smooth sailing and easy access to snorkeling and diving sites. The cool season (June to November) although a bit rougher in terms of seas brings the richest marine life, it’s favorite for divers and those who want to see incredible wildlife encounters.
Marine Life and Ocean Currents
The currents around the Galapagos Islands are key to determining the best time to visit. The Humboldt Current from the south brings cooler, nutrient rich waters that support an abundance of marine life like dolphins, whales and sharks. This current is strongest during the dry season so it’s the best time to see active marine life.
During the wet season the Panama Current brings warmer waters to the region making it great for swimming and snorkeling for travelers. This is the perfect time for visitors who want to explore the underwater world of the Galapagos without a wetsuit. The warmer waters also support more marine life like colorful fish, green sea turtles and rays.
When to Go to the Galapagos
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands, or the ideal time to visit Galapagos, depends on what you want to experience. If you are focused on wildlife and don’t mind cooler waters, the cool season is the way to go. If you prefer warmer temperatures and calm seas, the warm season is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and wildlife spotting.
Some travelers prefer to visit during the transition months like May or December, where you can experience a mix of Galapagos seasons—warmer seas with a surge of marine life activity and breeding or nesting of land and marine animals.
For wildlife lovers, there is no such thing as a bad time to visit. But planning your trip around specific events like green sea turtles nesting or blue-footed boobies mating can make it even more special.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re diving with marine iguanas, watching land birds nest or swimming with sea turtles the Galapagos Islands are an adventure any time of the year. The best time to go to Galapagos is up to what you want to see and experience but one thing is for sure—whenever you go the unique ecosystems, rich marine life and breathtaking landscapes will leave you speechless. So pack your gear, choose your season and get ready to explore these enchanting islands!