The Galapagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador, are probably the most distinctive locations to go to in South America. The beautiful islands are sometimes thought of a yr spherical vacation spot, with preferrred climate and situations for varied actions. Nonetheless, when you’re planning a visit to Ecuador, then you definately’ll doubtless wish to know when is one of the best time of yr to go to Galapagos.
The local weather within the Galapagos Islands might be damaged down into wet season and dry season. Nonetheless, you’ll discover varied benefits of touring at any time to the islands, relying on what you wish to see and do while you get there.
After spending time within the Galapagos Nationwide Park and Marine Reserve ourselves, we’re going to interrupt down what sort of climate you’ll be able to anticipate whereas visiting the Galapagos Islands in each month of the yr.
Lovely day within the Galapagos Islands
What’s the Most Standard Time of the 12 months to Go to the Galapagos?
The Galapagos Islands sit proper on the equator, making the climate variations all year long fairly minimal. This implies you’ll be able to go to the islands all yr spherical and nonetheless take pleasure in one of the best of what they’ve to supply.
Nonetheless, when you’re making an attempt to plan a visit in Ecuador and want to go to Galapagos Islands, then you definately may wish to know when the height and low seasons are for vacationers. This could impression how far prematurely you may have to ebook and the costs of excursions and lodging.
Peak Seasons
The Galapagos seasons are fairly complicated. There’s not only one peak season, however a few totally different occasions all year long that appeal to a crowd. Many individuals go to the Galapagos Islands over the New 12 months’s vacation season from mid-December to January. That is thought of the excessive season when it comes to costs, but additionally coincides with the start of the moist season.
The second excessive season interval is from June till mid-September, which is the primary a part of the dry season. This can be a standard time for households to journey and it may be tough to safe lodging. It is usually thought of the greatest time to go to Galapagos to look at the marine life which turns into extra lively with the cooler ocean temperatures.
Shoulder Season
The shoulder season within the Galapagos coincides with the months both facet of the height seasons: December, February, Could and September into early October are all thought of shoulder seasons. Nonetheless, these months might be one of the best time of yr to journey to Galapagos Islands due to the decrease customer numbers. Sounder season is our favorite time to go to the Galapagos, because it provides good wildlife interactions and, largely, nice climate.
Low Season
October, November and late February till early Could are thought of the off-season. These are the months when fewer vacationers are coming from the mainland. Nonetheless, this doesn’t all the time imply it’s a nasty time for visiting Galapagos Islands. February to Could is commonly hotter, however can also include some rain. The common temperature is sort of scorching and it’s the good time to go swimming and diving. Then again, October and November are on the finish of the dry season, when air temperatures are starting to heat up once more.
Plus, you’ll get to benefit from the islands at their quietest, with some very low cost offers available.
Sunny day in April on San Cristobal island
What are the Warmest Months within the Galapagos Islands?
When you’re searching for hotter climate, then one of the best time to journey to the Galapagos Islands is from December by way of to Could. Nonetheless, these scorching months within the Galapagos Islands additionally coincide with the wet season. The temperatures vary between 24-31 ºC (75-87 ºF), however you can too anticipate much more tropical rain showers.
It drizzles virtually each day throughout these months, however often only for a short while. Principally, you’ll expertise hotter temperatures each within the air and within the sea. It’s also possible to admire the lush inexperienced vegetation and unbelievable land animals and birds who come out to nest and mate throughout these months.
In the case of water temperatures, December to Could is the perfect season to go swimming and snorkeling. Even within the a lot cooler western and central islands, it’s nonetheless nice to be within the water with calmer seas. This additionally makes it an ideal time to do a Galapagos cruise, with much less probability of getting seasick.
When are the Cooler Months within the Galapagos Islands?
The cool season, which can also be the dry season, runs from June till November. It’s typically referred to regionally because the garúa season. You’ll be able to anticipate common temperatures ranging between 21-26 ºC (69-78 ºF), with clearer skies and a extra snug local weather in Galapagos Islands for mountaineering and exploring.
That is when the Humboldt Present makes its manner as much as the Galápagos from the southern tip of South America. The present brings cooler temperatures, and with it, nutrient-rich waters that appeal to marine life and sea birds. When you’re eager to courageous the colder water temperatures, this is without doubt one of the greatest occasions to go scuba diving within the Galapagos.
If you’re planning to hitch a Galapagos cruise, it is very important understand that the cooler months carry rougher seas and thus rougher sailings. It’s a very stunning time to get out and see some marine life you probably have a powerful abdomen.
The seas usually are not all the time tough within the Galapagos
When is the Finest Time to Go to the Galapagos Islands for wildlife?
It doesn’t matter what time of yr you journey to Galapagos, you’ll have the ability to admire its extremely numerous wildlife. However understand that wildlife sightings vary all year long, so some months are higher for sure animal sightings than others.
The heat season from December to Could is a nice time to identify land animals and watch mating rituals on the shoreline. It’s the principle breeding season for land birds. Marine iguanas and land iguanas additionally begin their mating season on the finish of January, and might be seen in abundance on Española Island and Isabela Island.
The hotter months are additionally the nesting season for inexperienced sea turtles and the mating season for large tortoises and sea lions. You may even see child sea lions and turtles in direction of the later a part of the season.
Hotter months coincide with the mating season for large tortoises
The cool season from June to November is extra about sea birds and underwater life. The colder sea temperatures carry a larger abundance of fish and plankton, which in flip attracts a bunch of birds, together with the waved albatross and Galapagos penguins. The cool season can also be the major breeding season for flightless cormorants.
That is additionally the greatest time to go to the Galapagos for whale watching. There have been over 20 totally different species of whales noticed off the coast of the Galapagos, together with blue whales, sperm whales, humpback whales, and pilot whales. The western facet of the archipelago is one of the best place to identify whales, particularly close to Isabela Island and Fernandina Island.
Flightless cormorant fishing for octopus
Climate within the Galapagos: Month by Month Breakdown
When you’re making an attempt to work out when to go to the Galapagos Islands, the under ought to assist. We’re going to interrupt down the climate month by month so you’ll be able to decide when one of the best time to go to the Galapagos Islands is for you.
Climate within the Galapagos in January
January is the busiest time to go to the Galapagos. That is peak season, with many individuals touring to the Galapagos Islands in quest of solar and sand. If you’re planning to journey to the Galapagos in January, be sure you ebook your Galapagos excursions and Galapagos cruise and lodging effectively prematurely.
January marks the starting of the nice and cozy season. Anticipate periodic tropical rain showers and heat solar. Common temperatures are between 21-29° C (70-84°F), with water temperature within the 20s. It’s a preferred time to go snorkeling or diving.
January is a well-liked time to go snorkeling within the Galapagos
Wildlife Sightings in January
The primary rains of the yr sign to land birds and marine and land iguanas that it’s nesting and mating time. You’ll be able to see marine iguanas of their shiny colors, particularly on Española Island. Land iguanas start breeding on Isabela Island.
Inexperienced sea turtles start to reach onshore right now to put their eggs, so it’s an excellent time to view them as they arrive to the coast.
January is the beginning of breeding time for land iguanas within the Galapagos
Climate within the Galapagos in February
Galapagos climate in February may be very heat, with temperatures reaching effectively into the 30°C (80-90°F). Which means even with the elevated rain, you’ll nonetheless take pleasure in loads of solar when you go to the Galapagos Islands in February
The water is mostly very calm right now and the underwater visibility is at its clearest, making it good for kayaking and snorkeling.
Wildlife Sightings in February
Nesting and breeding exercise continues into February. A few of the birds nesting throughout this time embrace the Nazca boobies and the Galapagos dove. Marine iguanas start their nesting to Santa Cruz Island.
February provides nice visibility for snorkeling within the Galapagos
A pair of Galapagos doves in February
Climate within the Galapagos in March
March climate within the Galapagos Islands might be intense. It’s the peak of summer time and moist season, with scorching temperatures, frequent downpours and excessive humidity. Nonetheless, it’s not all dangerous, because it’s a nice time to benefit from the seashores.
The water is at its warmest, and you’ll go swimming even on the far western facet of the archipelago. March can also be thought of to be the off-season and a quiet time to go to the Galapagos Islands.
Wildlife Sightings in March
March is a pleasant time for birdwatching. Mid-March often indicators the arrival of the albatross on Española Island for the mating season. Frigate birds additionally start their breeding season on San Cristobal Island and Genovesa Island. You’ll be able to witness the male frigates inflating their crimson throats to draw females. Flamingos additionally begin their mating season in March.
March is a superb time to take pleasure in seashores within the Galapagos
Climate within the Galapagos in April
The vegetation is extraordinarily inexperienced and luxurious by April, with wildflowers starting to bloom throughout the islands. The rains additionally begin to ease throughout this month and by the top of April, temperatures start to chill.
April is a stunning time to go to and it’s nonetheless off-season so you’ll be able to snag some good offers. You’ll additionally doubtless have some nicer climate, because the seasons begin to change.
Wildlife Sightings in April
April is the month to see the courtship ritual of the waved albatross on Española and blue-footed boobies on North Seymour Island, which is without doubt one of the unbelievable wildlife points of interest of the Galapagos. This runs by way of April and Could, making it one of the best time to go to the Galapagos Islands to see these distinctive birds.
April can also be the beginning of the hatching season for a lot of animals, together with big tortoises, inexperienced sea turtles and land iguanas.
Lush greenery within the highlands of Floreana Island within the Galapagos in April
Blue footed boobies start their mating season in April
Climate within the Galapagos in Could
Could is without doubt one of the most underrated occasions to go to the Galapagos Islands. It’s the transition time between the moist and dry seasons, so you’ll be able to expertise one of the best of each. The climate is heat, however not too scorching, with temperatures round 22-28°C (72-82°F). It’s additionally among the best months for wildlife recognizing.
It’s simply earlier than the following excessive season begins in June, so the islands are nonetheless very quiet. In truth, some individuals would argue Could is definitely one of the best month to go to Galapagos.
Wildlife Sightings in Could
Waved albatrosses and frigate birds start laying their eggs throughout Could, whereas sea turtles and marine iguanas are hatching. That is often the greatest time to see sea lion pups on the shoreline as effectively.
It’s a good time to look at the mating rituals of blue-footed boobies on North Seymour Island. Because the climate cools, the Galapagos penguins additionally begin to grow to be extra lively on Bartolome Island.
Sea lion pups might be incessantly noticed within the Galapagos in Could
Climate within the Galapagos in June
The beginning of the dry season brings cooler temperatures to the Galapagos Islands. Anticipate misty mornings and hotter afternoons. With the arrival of the cooler currents, underwater visibility begins to fade and seas can grow to be uneven.
Regardless of the change in climate on the Galapagos Islands, mid-June marks the beginning of the second standard season to go to, with many households selecting to journey to the Galapagos in the course of the holidays.
Wildlife Sightings in June
Big tortoises migrate to the lowlands on Santa Cruz Island to seek out nesting locations after the mating season. That is additionally when most of the migratory birds and whales make their manner as much as the Galapagos from additional south.
Big tortoise sighting at Urbina Bay, Isabela Island
Climate within the Galapagos in July
The climate on Galapagos Islands in July continues to chill off. Day temperatures are nonetheless within the low 20s, so it’s nice for exploring the islands on foot. The underwater world is exploding with an abundance of fish and marine life, however the cooler water temperatures implies that you’ll want a wetsuit.
July additionally coincides with summer time holidays within the Northern hemisphere and thus is the peak vacation month for households touring to the Galapagos.
Wildlife Sightings in July
July is a well-liked nesting time for flightless cormorants on Fernandina, the blue-footed boobies, and oystercatchers. Migratory birds are additionally fairly frequent across the islands, making it a very good month for birdwatching.
The mating season for lava lizards, which continues till November, begins in July.
Birds within the Galapagos Islands
Lava lizard within the Galapagos Islands
Climate within the Galapagos in August
The busy vacation season concludes in August, so the islands start to decelerate once more in direction of the top of the month. It’s nonetheless a very cool and dry time to go to, with the water temperature dropping to under 19° C (66° F). Currents and winds are likely to make the seas notably uneven in August.
Wildlife Sightings in August
Galapagos hawks start their courtship rituals on Santiago Island and Española. That is additionally one of the best time to go to the Galapagos to see sea lions and their pups, notably on the western and central islands.
Galapagos Hawks start their courtship rituals in August
Climate within the Galapagos in September
September is the begin of the off-season within the Galapagos. But, the Galapagos Islands local weather right now sees little rain and funky climate.
It’s the greatest time to go to the Galapagos Islands for diving and snorkeling, as marine life is especially lively throughout September. Be ready to courageous need to courageous the chilly water!
Wildlife Sightings in September
A spread of marine life is greatest seen in September, together with whales, sea lions, dolphins, penguins and Galapagos fur seals.
September is one of the best month for diving within the Galapagos
Climate within the Galapagos in October
The off-season within the Galapagos is characterised by cool and dry situations. Day temperatures are round 18-25° C (64-77 °F).
The cool currents are nonetheless dominating the ocean so the water is just preferrred when you’re equiped with moist fits. Nonetheless, October might be the greatest time to go to the Galapagos Islands, in case you are touring on a funds. Many lodges, tour and cruise operators provide reductions on their packages throughout this time of the yr.
Wildlife Sightings in October
Because of cooler waters, marine animal sightings are nonetheless at their peak in October. Sea lions and fur seals are notably lively. It’s also possible to begin to see blue footed booby chicks round Española and Isabela Islands.
Fur seal on the Galapagos Islands
Climate within the Galapagos in November
Come Novemeber, Galapagos islands climate is beginning to change. You’ll be able to anticipate hotter air temperatures within the mid-20s. Water temperatures begin to heat up and visibility begins to clear once more so snorkeling and diving might be enjoyable, particularly with the playful marine life.
Wildlife Sightings in November
Sea lion pups are actually lively right now, so it’s a good time to get into the water. Some birdlife is lively too, with sightings of Nazca booby chicks, storm petrels nesting and brown noddy’s breeding.
Younger sea lion within the Galapagos
Climate within the Galapagos in December
The starting of the Galapagos wet season and hotter climate, late December marks the begin of the height season for the vacations. There’s nonetheless low rainfall although, so it’s a good time to make the most of the nice and cozy local weather of the Galapagos Islands.
Wildlife Sightings in December
Big tortoise eggs start to hatch and proceed to take action effectively into April. The younger waved albatrosses take off from the nest round December because the birds depart Española till later within the season.
Child tortoises on the breeding centre within the Galapagos Islands
The reality is, Galapagos Islands might be visited any time of the yr. The air tempertaure isn’t too chilly or too wet and the fluctuations within the ocean temperations carry their very own execs to any snorkeling or diving fans. There may be wildlife exercise on the islands by way of the yr and a chance to see the highest Galapagos animals irrespective of while you select to go to.