Best time to travel to Galapagos

February is one of the warmest months of the year to visit the Galapagos. February falls within the warm season, which runs from around December – May when the seas are generally calm. Although this is the wet season, it’s also the sunniest time of year.

In February, marine iguanas begin to nest on Santa Cruz Island. There are few penguins at Bartolomé Island because they follow cooler waters west.

March is one of the warmest months of the year to visit the Galapagos. March falls withing the warm season, which runs from around December – May when the seas are generally calm.

In March, the waved albatross begin to arrive on Española Island.

April is one of the warmer months of the year to visit the Galapagos. It falls withing the warm season, which runs from around December – May when the seas are generally calm and the weather is sunny.

The hatching season for giant tortoises ends in March. The eggs of sea turtles begin to hatch.

May falls towards the end of the warmer season in the Galapagos, which runs from around December – May . These are the warmest and sunniest months of the year to visit the Galapagos and seas are generally calm. June marks the start of the ‘garua’ season, when the weather is cooler (though still comfortably warm) and the weather is more overcast.

In May, blue-footed boobies begin courting.

June marks the beginning of the cooler and drier ‘garua’ season, when the Humboldt current brings in cooler climes. This season lasts from around June-November. It is uncommon for rain. Rather, the shift in season sees overcast weather with cloudier skies and choppier waters due to prevailing winds. The wind-chill factor means it’s worth brining warmer clothing for the late afternoon and evenings on deck. Sea temperatures are colder during these months for snorkelling – cruises will provide (or rent) wetsuits.

June, and the cooler season in general, still offers an incredible array of wildlife watching, as good as any other time of year. In June, sea birds are more active and penguins take advantage of the cooler waters. Giant tortoises begin nesting season. There are many magnificent frigate birds visible on North Seymour island.

July falls in the cooler season in the Galapagos, which runs roughly from June-November. The weather is still comfortably warm though the wind can be stronger and seas choppier. It’s advisable to have layers when on your cruise deck in the afternoon and evenings.

In July, sea bird communities are very active and perform courtship activities. This is the most likely time you’ll see whales and dolphins, especially off west coast of Isabela Island. July is also a great time to watch the mating ritual of the blue-footed booby.

August falls in the cooler season in the Galapagos, which runs roughly from June-November. The cooler season tends to see choppier waters. Nonetheless, the wildlife watching opportunities are as good as any other time of year and European and North American school holidays make August a particularly popular time of year to visit.

In August the pupping season (birth) of playful sea lions begins. Migrant shore birds begin to arrive to the islands and giant tortoises similarly begin to return to the highlands after migrating to lower lands in June.

September falls in the cooler season in the Galapagos, which runs roughly from June-November. September is one of the quietest months of year in terms of visitor numbers, and cruises take advantage of this to put some of their vessels in dry dock and prepare them for the next season.

In September, the galapagos penguins are very active on Bartolomé. Sea lions and sea birds are also very active during this time.

October falls in the cooler season in the Galapagos, which runs roughly from June-November. The winds begin to calm down from October.

In October, sea lions begin their mating period. Blue-footed boobies raise chicks on Española and Isabela Islands.

November falls at the end of the cooler season in the Galapagos, which runs from roughly June-November. The weather begins to warm up.

Some species of jellyfish can be spotted around the islands and sea lion pups are playful in November.

December – May is the warmest and sunniest time of year to visit the Galapagos. December is one of the most popular times of the year to visit as it coincides with holidays like Christmas and New Year. Booking well in advance is absolutely essential if you would like to travel at this time of year. We usually recommend booking around one year in advance for peak holiday periods.

Giant Tortoise eggs begin to hatch in December.