When is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos islands is a dream destination for many people around the world. Its amazing natural scenery, paradisiacal beaches with crystal-clear waters, and its unique wildlife attract the attention of any adventurous travelers willing to have experiences they will remember for the rest of their lives. Expedition Ecuador has the best travel advice so you can make your dream trip a reality!

Before planning your vacation, you should be clear about what you want to do, because there are better times than others depending on your expectations. If you want to see certain types of animals or do certain activities, you should consider the date of your trip. Keep reading the blog to have more clarity about all this.

So, when is the best time to visit the Galapagos islands? There are two seasons (Warm & Cool) which are relative since temperatures are always quite warm. In case you would like to see specific species, we are happy to recommend specific months and places with more probabilities. Luckily, you can be sure that the enchanted islands will never disappoint you!

The truth is that the Galapagos is an amazing destination all year round, as they are located on the equator and the weather does not change significantly throughout the year. Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve ere the busiest weeks, so if you plan to visit the islands on those dates it is better to book at least 6 months in advance.

Galapagos Warm or Rainy Season

The Galapagos Islands weather from December through May ranges from the 70’s to upper 80’s Fahrenheit (21 -26 Celsius). This brings sunny hot days and some rains. The rainy season in Galapagos brings the desert landscape to life with lush green leaves providing an abundance of food for terrestrial animals.

During this warmer season, the Galapagos weather is more tropical, and the ocean temperature is warmer for swimming and snorkeling. If you are a snorkeling lover, these are the perfect months for you. Find out the best places to do snorkeling in the Galapagos islands here. There are also great possibilities to observe many species around the islands such as marine iguanas, sea turtles, land iguanas, flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, masked boobies, marine iguanas, albatross, and blue-footed boobies.

Galapagos Cool or Dry Season

The average temperature from June through November ranges from the mid 70’s Fahrenheit (21 Celsius) to the low 60’s Fahrenheit (16 Celsius). This means there will be cooler days and a persistent misty fog known as “Garua”. This is the best season to view penguins, dolphins, whales, and other large marine animals.

You will also be more likely to see giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, cormorants, oystercatchers, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, masked boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and sea lions. Keep in mind that due to the water temperature, this is the perfect time for diving, and wetsuit may be required for underwater activities. Check out a great option to do scuba diving here. This is one of the best-reviewed scuba diving tours on TripAdvisor.

General conclusion

The Galapagos Islands is a destination that you can visit any month of the year knowing that you will have an unforgettable experience. You will always find a temperate weather pattern and will be able to see different species that are mating or giving birth.

As you can see, there is really no best time to visit Galapagos. The final decision is up to you, and it will depend on what you want to do and see. Consider all the information we leave you on this blog and start planning your trip! Follow us for more tips.