Best Time to Visit Galapagos (Weather, Events, & More)

Planning your dream trip to the Galapagos Islands? Figuring out the best time to visit Galapagos is key to making the most of your adventure. Whether you're eager to snorkel with playful sea lions, observe the nesting behaviors of sea turtles, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the islands, timing is everything. Let's dive into what you need to know to choose the perfect time for your visit.

Best Overall Time to Visit Galapagos

Deciding on the best time to visit Galapagos really depends on what you're looking to get out of your trip. Generally, the months between June and November offer cooler temperatures and a chance to see unique marine life, like migrating whales and dolphins. However, if you're more interested in warmer waters and active wildlife on land, December to May might be ideal for you. This period also boasts calmer seas and clearer skies, perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Visiting the Galapagos during the low season, which runs from September to November, has its pros and cons. On the upside, you'll benefit from fewer crowds, which can make your experience more intimate and your photos less cluttered. Additionally, prices for tours and accommodations can be significantly lower. On the downside, the weather can be a bit unpredictable with occasional showers and overcast skies, and some wildlife may be less active or harder to spot during these months.

Monthly Overview of Galapagos

Detailed Monthly Analysis

Here’s what to expect in Galapagos in each month of the year:

Galapagos in January

Visiting Galapagos in January is a treat for nature lovers, as it marks the beginning of the wet season. The islands are warmer and the waters are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. While there might be some rain, it typically doesn't last long and often clears up quickly, giving way to sunny skies and lush, vibrant landscapes.

• Average Temperature: 24°C / 75°F
• Days of Rainfall: 15 days
• Season: Wet season
• Cost: High
• Activities: Snorkeling with penguins, watching the green sea turtles lay eggs, observing land iguanas starting to breed

Galapagos in February

Visiting Galapagos in February is a treat for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike. The islands are warm and the waters are at their clearest, making it a perfect time for snorkeling and swimming. While it's the wet season, the rain is sporadic and usually doesn't disrupt the myriad of activities available, from wildlife watching to relaxing on sunlit beaches.

• Average Temperature: 28°C / 82°F
• Days of Rainfall: 15 days
• Season: Wet season
• Cost: High
• Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, wildlife tours (especially sea lions and marine iguanas), visiting breeding centers for giant tortoises

Galapagos in March

Visiting Galapagos in March is a vibrant experience, as the islands are in the midst of the wet season. This time of year is characterized by warmer temperatures and frequent, albeit brief, rain showers that refresh the archipelago without disrupting too many outdoor activities. The landscape is particularly lush, and the wildlife is active, making it a fantastic time for nature lovers to explore.

• Average Temperature: 30°C / 86°F
• Days of Rainfall: 15 days
• Season: Wet season
• Cost: High
• Activities: Snorkeling with penguins, watching sea turtles hatch, observing the courtship displays of blue-footed boobies

Galapagos in April

Visiting Galapagos in April is a treat for nature lovers. The weather is warm and the islands are transitioning from the wet to the dry season, offering a unique blend of both lush greenery and emerging arid landscapes. April is also a fantastic time for wildlife viewing, as many species are active during this period.

• Average Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
• Days of Rainfall: 8 days
• Season: Transition from wet to dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Snorkeling with sea lions, watching the hatching of giant tortoises, observing the courtship displays of blue-footed boobies

Galapagos in May

Visiting the Galapagos in May is a delightful experience as you're catching the tail end of the wet season. The weather is pleasantly warm and the islands begin to dry out, making it ideal for wildlife spotting and hiking. The seas are calm, which is perfect for snorkeling and diving, allowing you to see an amazing array of marine life.

• Average Temperature: 24°C / 75°F
• Days of Rainfall: 8 days
• Season: Transition from wet to dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Snorkeling with sea turtles, watching blue-footed boobies, visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station

Galapagos in June

Visiting the Galapagos in June is a treat for nature lovers, as the islands begin to transition from the wet to the dry season. The weather is mild and the seas are calm, making it perfect for exploring both on land and underwater. You'll witness the unique breeding behaviors of many endemic species, adding an extra layer of excitement to your wildlife encounters.

• Average Temperature: 24°C / 75°F
• Days of Rainfall: 4 days
• Season: Transition from wet to dry season
• Cost: High
• Activities: Snorkeling with sea lions, watching blue-footed boobies dance, observing giant tortoises and the beginning of the whale shark season

Galapagos in July

Visiting the Galapagos in July is a unique experience as you're right in the middle of the dry season. The climate is cooler and the seas are a bit choppier, but it's a fantastic time for wildlife viewing. You'll see seabirds, especially the famous blue-footed boobies, actively engaging in their mating dances. It's also a great time to spot whales and dolphins around the islands.

• Average Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
• Days of Rainfall: 4 days
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: High
• Activities: Snorkeling with penguins, watching blue-footed boobies, whale watching

Galapagos in August

Visiting the Galapagos in August is a unique experience as it falls during the dry season. The climate is cooler and the islands are less crowded, making it a perfect time for wildlife enthusiasts to observe some of the archipelago's unique species in their natural habitats.

• Average Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
• Days of Rainfall: 4 days
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: High
• Activities: Snorkeling with penguins, observing sea lion pups, whale watching

Galapagos in September

Visiting the Galapagos Islands in September is a unique experience as it's part of the dry season. The weather is cooler and the seas are a bit choppier, but it's a fantastic time for wildlife viewing. You'll see fewer tourists compared to the high season, making it a great month for a more tranquil visit.

• Average Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
• Days of Rainfall: 2 days
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Medium
• Activities: Snorkeling with penguins, observing sea lion pups, bird watching (especially the Blue-footed Boobies)

Galapagos in October

Visiting the Galapagos in October is a unique experience as it's the transition time between the cool, dry season and the warmer, wet season. The islands begin to warm up, but the waters are still cool, offering a last chance for some of the best snorkeling and diving experiences with abundant marine life before the warmer waters arrive.

• Average Temperature: 24°C / 75°F
• Days of Rainfall: 5 days
• Season: Transition from dry to wet season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Snorkeling with penguins, observing blue-footed boobies and albatrosses, last chance to see whales and dolphins before the season ends

Galapagos in November

Visiting the Galapagos in November is a unique experience as it marks the transition from the dry season to the warmer, wetter season. The islands begin to bloom with new life, both flora and fauna, making it a vibrant time for nature lovers. The weather is mild and the waters are at their calmest, ideal for snorkeling and diving.

• Average Temperature: 24°C / 75°F
• Days of Rainfall: 5 days
• Season: Transition from dry to wet season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Snorkeling with sea lions, observing the beginning of the breeding season for many bird species, diving with hammerhead sharks

Galapagos in December

Visiting Galapagos in December is a unique experience as it marks the beginning of the warm season. The islands start to warm up, and the waters become clearer, making it perfect for snorkeling and diving. While there might be some rain, it's generally light and won't disrupt most activities, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant wildlife and lush landscapes comfortably.

• Average Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
• Days of Rainfall: 5 days
• Season: Transition from dry to wet season
• Cost: High, due to holiday travel
• Activities: Snorkeling, diving, watching the start of the sea lion breeding season, observing giant tortoises

Special Events in Galapagos to Look Out For

Galapagos Day

• Date: February 12th
• Description: Celebrating the anniversary of the establishment of the Galapagos as a national park and the foundation of the Charles Darwin Foundation, this day features various local festivities, educational events, and conservation initiatives across the islands.

Fiesta de San Cristóbal

• Date: Late July to Early August
• Description: Held on San Cristóbal, one of the Galapagos Islands, this festival honors the patron saint, St. Christopher, with parades, music, dancing, and traditional food, showcasing the vibrant culture of the local community.

Fiesta de Santa Cruz

• Date: April 22nd
• Description: Celebrated on the island of Santa Cruz, this event marks the founding of the island with beach parties, sports competitions, and cultural performances, reflecting the island's history and traditions.

Fiesta de San Pedro y San Pablo

• • Date: June 29th
• Description: A religious and community celebration on the island of Isabela, honoring Saints Peter and Paul with processions, folk dances, and various festivities that bring together residents and visitors.

Galapagos Marathon

• Date: August 3rd
• Description: An annual marathon that attracts runners from around the world to compete in one of the most unique settings on Earth. The race offers stunning views of the archipelago's landscapes and wildlife.

Darwin Day

• Date: February 12th
• Description: Coinciding with Galapagos Day, this day commemorates Charles Darwin's contributions to science and his connection to the Galapagos Islands. Events typically include academic presentations, exhibitions, and nature excursions focused on conservation and natural history.

Pro Tips for Traveling to Galapagos

• Cash Over Cards: Always have cash on hand in the Galapagos, as many small vendors and local businesses do not accept credit cards.
• Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is customary and appreciated; consider leaving 10% at restaurants and a few dollars for tour guides and boat crews.
• Drink Bottled Water: It's advisable to drink bottled water throughout your trip to avoid any health issues.
• Respect the Ecosystem: Follow all naturalist guide instructions, stay on marked trails, and maintain a safe distance from wildlife to protect the unique ecosystem.
• Try Local Cuisine: Sample local specialties like ceviche and encocado (seafood in coconut sauce) to experience the flavors of the islands.
• Be Prepared for Limited Internet: Internet service can be spotty or unavailable, especially on smaller islands, so prepare to disconnect.
• Use Water Taxis: For island hopping, rely on water taxis. Always agree on the fare before departure.
• Learn Basic Spanish: While many tour operators speak English, knowing some Spanish phrases can enhance your interactions with locals.
• Pack Sun Protection: The equatorial sun is strong; bring high SPF sunscreen, a hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Stay Eco-Friendly: Use eco-friendly products, including reef-safe sunscreen, and always dispose of trash properly to help preserve the environment.

Galapagos Travel FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit the Galapagos Islands?
If you're planning to visit the Galapagos, you'll need to have an Ecuadorian visa, as the islands are part of Ecuador. For many nationalities, a visa isn't required for stays of up to 90 days. However, you should check the latest visa requirements specific to your country before traveling.

What currency is used in the Galapagos Islands?
The currency used in the Galapagos Islands is the US Dollar. It's handy to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases, as not all places may accept credit cards, particularly in more remote areas.

What should I pack for a trip to the Galapagos Islands?
Pack lightweight and comfortable clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Include a hat, sunglasses, and strong sunscreen to protect against the sun. Don't forget your swimsuit, a camera with extra batteries, and comfortable walking shoes. Also, consider environmentally friendly toiletries and a reusable water bottle to help preserve the unique ecosystem of the islands.

Do I need to speak Spanish to visit the Galapagos Islands?
While the official language in the Galapagos Islands is Spanish, many of the tour guides and locals involved in tourism speak English. Knowing some basic Spanish phrases can enhance your experience, but it's not strictly necessary for communication in most tourist areas.

Is it safe to visit the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands are generally safe for tourists. The main concerns are natural elements, such as strong sun and rough seas. Always follow local guidelines and respect wildlife regulations. Petty crime is rare, but always take standard precautions with your belongings.

How accessible are the Galapagos Islands for travelers with disabilities?
Accessibility can be challenging in the Galapagos Islands due to the natural terrain, which includes uneven paths and limited wheelchair-accessible facilities. Some boats and tours may not be equipped to handle certain disabilities, so it's advisable to check with tour operators in advance regarding specific needs.

What type of electrical outlets are used in the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands use the same type of outlets as mainland Ecuador, which are type A and B (the same as used in the United States). The standard voltage is 110V. If you're coming from a country that uses a different standard, you might need a voltage converter or plug adapter.

What else should I know before visiting the Galapagos Islands?
Remember that the Galapagos Islands are a protected area with unique ecosystems. Follow all local guidelines and rules, such as not touching or feeding the wildlife, staying on marked paths, and not taking anything from the natural sites. Always travel with a certified guide when visiting national park areas. Additionally, there's a Transit Control Card and a park entrance fee that you'll need to pay upon arrival.