The Galápagos Islands are on every nature traveler’s bucket list due to the many unique species found there, and the ability to experience up-close wildlife encounters like nowhere else. Having evolved in the absence of humans and other large predators, many Galápagos animals are less fearful of humans, allowing visitors an unprecedented chance to encounter nature in an up close and personal way. Moreover, one feels a part of history in Galápagos, which inspired a young Charles Darwin in 1835 to elaborate his Theory of Evolution and Natural Selection.
If you are considering a Galapagos cruise, you may be wondering: what is the best time to visit Galapagos? Well, we’ve got you covered!
A wild Galápagos giant tortoise on Santa Cruz Island. Galápagos tortoises can be seen year round. © Roderic Mast
What is the Best Time to Visit Galapagos?
The simple truth is that the best time to visit Galápagos is whenever you can fit it into your schedule.
The Galápagos archipelago lies about 1,000 km (600 miles) from the coast of Ecuador, and comprises some 13 major and 7 smaller islands, with countless more rocks and islets surrounding them. Wildlife is abundant all year long, and since the archipelago straddles the equator, the weather and climate remain relatively stable throughout the year with idyllic conditions for landscape and wildlife photography.
However, there are some nuances to the seasons that can affect the weather, water temperature, and prominence of particular animal species, and that may be important to consider in your planning. Here is our broad strokes breakdown on the best time to visit Galapagos according to preference.
Abundant Wildlife All Year Round
Like it was for Darwin, the main draw of the Galápagos archipelago is undoubtedly its unique wildlife, with many species that are found nowhere else in the world, such as the Galápagos giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and Darwin’s finches.
The combination of rich volcanic soil on land, and the confluence of ocean currents, with the cold Humboldt Current flowing north from Antarctica, the warmer Panama Current flowing south from Central America, and the nutrient-rich Cromwell current that upwells from the west, make for a special blends of climatic conditions different from anywhere else: sea lions, sea turtles, giant tortoises, terrestrial and marine iguanas, over two-dozen cetacean species, and a wide range of bird species such as penguins, albatross, and boobies can be found in the archipelago.
Two Galápagos sea lions rest side-by-side. Sea lions are seen year round, with newborn pups mostly from March to May. © Roderic Mast
Thankfully, the best time to visit the Galapagos for wildlife is any time of the year. However, whether you prefer land-based or water-based excursions will vary slightly depending on average climatic patterns.
The (Warmer) Rainy Season: January to May
While the warm season can bring occasional showers and high temperatures, seas are actually at their calmest and warmest (averaging around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit), thereby creating excellent water visibility and conditions that are perfect for snorkeling and diving.
The Galápagos provides ample opportunity to swim not only with abundant tropical fish, but also with larger marine animals. Snorkelers will see countless sea lions, sea turtles, and marine iguanas, and on a lucky day maybe even have a face-to-face encounter with a Galapagos penguin.
On land, relatively frequent showers also mean that warm season vegetation is at its lushest (the warm season is also known as the “green season”), and the greenery creates breathtaking vistas.
Air temperatures are similar to the water, typically in the mid-70s to 80s, and the sun can be harsh, which can catch travelers off guard. The equator is the closest spot on Earth to the sun, so be sure to protect yourself from UV radiation with a hat, sunglasses, long sleeves, and liberal use of a reef safe sunscreen.
Frigatebirds are known for their impressive mating displays. © Roderic Mast
All kinds of wildlife can be seen across seasons in the Galapagos, including the remarkable Magnificent Frigates, whose nesting season on Genovesa (Tower) Island peaks between December and May, when male frigates build their nests and inflate their bright red throat pouches like balloons in an attempt to court females.
Towards the end of this season (late-March to early April), Waved Albatross, the largest birds in Galapagos with an 8-foot wingspan, begin nesting on Española (Hood) Island (from January to March they can only be seen in flight.) The birds will be present on Española through December.
The Dry (Cooler) Season: July to November
The dry season is defined by cooler weather, brought on by the Humboldt Current which brings nutrient and plankton rich water up from Antarctica, along with abundant fish, which serve as prey for numerous species of seabirds. While waters are cooler and with poorer visibility than the warm season, the dry season is perfect for hiking and bird watching. Days tend to be more gray, and this season is also known as the “garúa” season, garúa being the local word for mist. Light drizzle will often fall for an hour or so daily, keeping foliage in the highlands green. Temperatures range about 10 degrees lower (mid 60s to 70s Farenheit) than during the warm season.
This time of year is also great for seeing Waved Albatross, with adults and chicks present on Española (Hood) Island through December. The nutrient-rich waters also attract 24 species of whales and dolphins (including Byrde’s whales, blue whales, orcas, bottlenose dolphins, and many more), though spotting them is unpredictable. Visitors are most likely to see them during August and September.
Common dolphins are one of around 24 marine mammal species found in the Galápagos.
October is the best time of year to see newborn Galápagos fur seal pups, commonly seen bounding across rocky and sandy shores, or swimming among snorkelers.
For diving enthusiasts, October is also a great time to take the plunge. Visibility during this month is good, and this also coincides with the migration of whale sharks—the world’s largest fish—through the Galapagos (June – October). Galapagos is considered one of the best places to dive with whale sharks, but doing so typically requires a specialized dive trip that visits remote Darwin Island. (For other places to swim with whale sharks, see our guide)
The Shoulder Months: June and November
This is the best time to visit the Galapagos to avoid the crowds. Galapagos is a popular destination. While visitation is well-managed by local authorities and things will not feel overly crowded at any time of year, if you are looking to go at a quieter time, the months of June and November are ideal. The shoulder months offer the best of both seasons: great weather, idyllic ocean conditions, and fewer people.
Water starts to warm up in November and December, but can still be quite cold locally, especially in the west. Snorkelers are recommended to use at least a 3 mm full-length wetsuit (wetsuit rentals included with your cruise in most cases) to assure comfort in the water and to protect from the equatorial sun. The shifting Humboldt Current can also stir up new food sources, drawing activity from numerous marine animals feeding on plankton and fish.
In June, many bird species, such as the Waved Albatross, are nesting, which continues throughout the dry season.
And if avoiding the crowds is your top priority, avoid the western traditional holiday season (late December through early January).
Galapagos is home to many wonderful birds, like these Waved Albatross. © Wayne Sentman
Cruise the Galapagos with Oceanic Society
Hopefully you’ve come away with a better understanding of the weather and wildlife of the Galápagos Islands and the seasonal variations that you may want to consider when planning your trip. The bottom line is that there is no bad time to go: the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is whenever you can make the trip!
Our Galápagos cruises are organized in collaboration with local sustainable eco-tourism partners, and offer two routes that are available to book throughout the year, according to your preference. Additionally, when you book with Oceanic Society, you directly sponsor the removal of 200 pounds of ocean plastic pollution, and support our global conservation efforts. No matter what your choice, each route includes diverse daily activities such as hiking, bird watching, beach snorkeling, and kayaking. Travelers will have opportunities to snorkel or observe penguins, sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, giant tortoises, iguanas, albatross, and many other species found nowhere else.
If you have questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us—we’ll be happy to help! For information about our Galapagos Cruises including itineraries, photos, extensions on to the Amazon, Machu Picchu, and more, click here.
