Best time to travel to Galapagos Islands
The best travel period for visiting the Galapagos Islands is not to divide into months, but depends on what you would like to see. For example, in the Galapagos Archipelago there are hot and cold sea currents, which cause different wildlife in different times of the year.
In short:
- The warm, wet season; from the end of December to June
- The cool, dry season; end of June to December
Each season has its own advantages and the best time to travel to the Galapagos Islands depends on what you want to see.
Best time to travel to Galapagos Islands
The climate of the Galapagos archipelago is dry and temperate and is also classified as subtropical. This makes the islands easy to visit all year round. Generally, the weather on the islands can be divided into two main seasons, the warm wet season and the cool dry season. The weather is also influenced by the water currents that converge around the islands. Each season has its own advantages.
The warm, wet season
- This season runs from the end of December to June
- The average temperature during these months is between 27°C and 32°C
- Not only does the air temperature rise, but the water temperature is also higher. It can rise up to 25°C
- Underwater visibility is very good, ideal for snorkeling and diving
- March and April are generally the wettest seasons
- You can expect the downpours mainly in the afternoon
The colder, dry season
- This season runs from the end of June to December
- The temperature fluctuates around 25°C these months
- The water temperature is about 22°C
- Due to the blooming of the plankton, visibility under water is less, but this is the moment when the whale sharks are present.
- Because of the lower temperatures, this is also the breeding period for many sea and coastal birds.
Throughout the year
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January
- Snorkeling with penguins
- Good visibility under water
- Green sea turtles are nesting
- Warm temperatures
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February
- Giant turtles lay eggs in the wild
- Best visibility under water
- Sunny and long days
-
March
- The mating season of land iguanas begins
- High water temperature, good for swimming and snorkeling
- The highlands are at their greenest
- There's a good chance of rain
-
April
- Start breeding season flamingos
- High water temperature, good for swimming and snorkeling
- The highlands are at their greenest
- There's a good chance of rain
-
May
- Temperatures are decreasing
- The Galapagos albatross arrives to breed
- Humboldt current gets stronger, nutrient-rich water attracts marine life
-
June
- Start breeding season cormorants
- Lots of marine life, ideal for snorkeling
- Pleasant temperature and long days
- You can expect rain in the highlands
-
July
- The breeding season of the California sea lion starts
- The breeding season of the red-legged Gannet also starts
- Chance of spotting dolphins and whales increases
-
August
- The blue footed boobie is nesting
- Breeding season of the red footed boobie starts
- Chance of spotting dolphins and whales increases
-
September
- Best month for whale and dolphin spotting
- Frigate bird starts mating
- Ideal month for snorkeling
- Galapagos albatross is nesting
-
October
- Giant turtles lay eggs in the wild
- Albatross is nesting
- Many young sea lions ashore
-
November
- Green sea turtles are nesting
- Breeding season of the Galapagos penguin starts
- Active underwater life, good for diving and snorkeling
-
December
- Official start of the warm season
- Humboldt current decreases in strength, water heats up
- Incubation period masked boobies
- Start and end of breeding season, which ensures a lot of active wildlife
Visit Galapagos Islands
Would you like to visit the Galapagos Islands yourself and are you curious about the possibilities? Then take a look at the travel itineraries that we have put together for inspiration. You can book these trips directly, but we are also happy to create a personal programme based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an e-mail to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We are happy to help.