One of the many fabulous aspects of the Galapagos is that it is a great place to visit all year, but the best time to visit will depend partly on the activities you want to do. Although there are a few species that do migrate, most are discoverable throughout the year. There are two seasons: January to June is warmer and wetter and July to December marks the cooler dry season.
Best time to go diving in the Galapagos Islands
There is no dive season in the Galapagos – it is possible to dive year-round in the archipelago. Most divers choose to explore this underwater world between June and September during the cool and dry season, but there are advantages of the warm and wet season too. The “best time” to dive here really depends on your tolerance for the water temperatures and what you want to see most.
The holiday crowds start to thin out as the rainy season begins and the air and water temperatures start rising. The Galapagos becomes green as the dry zones start to flourish. This is an ideal time to visit for snorkelers as the water gets warmer, as well as bird watchers, with Darwin finches and yellow warblers starting their mating rituals.
Green sea turtles start arriving at the beaches to begin the egg laying season.
The marine iguanas on Espanola acquire a vivid array of greens, reds & black to attract females.
A great time of year if you are into scuba diving; the waters are clear and the days are warm and humid. The consistent calm waters make it perfect for putting on a pair of fins or taking a trip on a glass-bottomed boat to see what wildlife you can underwater. On land, marine iguanas start to nest on Santa Cruz and there are less penguin sightings on Bartolome Island with many having followed the cooler, western waters.
Visit Cormorant Point on Floreana to witness greater Flamingos begin their nesting season.
Nazca (masked) boobies on Espanola are at the end of their nesting season so you may be able to spot newly hatched chicks.
On the Galapagos Islands during March you can expect the highest temperatures and also higher periods of precipitation. Periods of rain can be expected on most days, but also hot temperatures making it feel tropical. The warmer waters mean that sessions in the water can last longer.
Disembarking at certain areas like Puerto Egas, Gardner Bay and Bartolome can be challenging.
The summer equinox on March 21st signals the arrival of the waved albatross to Espanola. This is great for bird lovers as Suarez Point is the only nesting site for Galapagos albatrosses and can be seen conducting courtship displays.
The snorkelling around Isabela and nearby islands is excellent in March, where you can expect to see plenty of penguins and tropical fish.
The rainy season begins to come to an end in April and the wildlife is busy feasting on an abundance of fruit and seeds making it a popular time for tourists.
Giant tortoises are reaching the end of their hatching season so you may see baby giant tortoises around.
Land iguanas and green turtles start their hatching season and several baby green sea turtles can be seen on Floreana and Isabela Island.
May is a shoulder season for the Galapagos with the cooler period ahead; it is a great time to visit before the summer travellers arrive. Marine iguana eggs are busy hatching on Santa Cruz and you can see small iguana hatchlings strolling along the shores.
Visit North Seymour Island to check out the comical blue-footed boobies who will be starting their courtship displays.
Dip your toe in the water around Bartolome and see penguins zipping around underwater.
Marking the beginning of the Garua season you can expect more mist and fog at either end of the day. However, there will still be plenty of sunshine around during the day for you to enjoy your visit. Cooler southern currents are driving the fall in temperatures and south east trade winds can make the sea less settled and pods of humpback whales start to arrive in the Galapagos.
Male magnificent frigate birds start their breeding season on North Seymour Island and see them puff out their red pouches.
Giant tortoises on Santa Cruz begin their migration from the highlands, seeking nesting sites to breed.
Throughout July, the islands are cool and occasionally drizzly while still holding on to the sunshine and clearer skies of the warm and wet season – however it is also one of the windiest months. In the cool and dry season, the sun is less intense, light tropical rains can fall and the increase in wind brings choppier seas.
Lava lizards begin to initiate mating rituals, which continue through to November and this is the ideal time to witness the four nesting stages of blue-footed and Nazca boobies, from eggs and chicks to juveniles and sub-adults.
Flightless cormorants perform their beautiful courtship rituals and nesting activities on Fernandina Island.
Sightings of whales and dolphins are more likely, especially off the western coast of Isabela Island.
Throughout August, strong currents mean waters become increasingly choppy and surges can be expected on southern and western shores.
Galapagos hawks start their courtship rituals, mating and raising chicks on Espanola Island.
Sea lion pupping season begins and sightings on the western and central islands are likely.
Throughout September, the peak of the cool and dry season hits the Galapagos Islands and the summer crowds start to filter out. While it is the coldest month in the archipelago, the days are still pleasant and the nutrient-rich waters make for remarkable underwater sightings – just be sure to wear a warm wetsuit! Around the north-western islands, whale sharks and humpback whales can be seen migrating.
Galapagos penguins frolic with swimmers and snorkelers both above and below the ocean surface off the coast of Bartolome Island providing unforgettable encounters.
On the western and central islands, harem-gathering male sea lions are constantly barking and fighting as females are reaching mating season again.
Throughout October, it is possible to witness some of the archipelago’s most stunning sunrises from the western islands and volcanic summits are clear even though low-lying fog covers the shorelines. This moist and cold fog is present on all islands in the archipelago, but in the western islands this mist tends to burn off and result in brighter days.
Blue-footed boobies begin raising their chicks all over Espanola Island and Isabela Island.
Herons start to nest, which continues through to March.
Throughout November, which lies at the very end of the cool and dry season (just before the warm and wet season begins), the high amounts of plankton in the Humboldt Current means visibility is not at its peak, but it also means that the marine life are at their most active and snorkelling can bring memorable encounters. Whale sharks can be seen in the far northwest of the islands.
Sea lion pupping season continues and these nimble three-to-four-month-olds are playful and curious with swimmers and snorkelers (you might even find one nibbling at your fins).
Green sea turtles are beginning their mating season.
Throughout December, which lies at the very start of the warm and wet season, the western islands remain dry and sea temperatures begin to gradually rise.
Baby giant tortoises begin hatching and continue through to April.
The first chicks of Galapagos albatrosses shed their brown down to dress in white and grey plumage.
Drag the slider to see monthly temperature and rainfall.
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