BROWSE GALÁPAGOS TRIPS
GalÁpagos ISlands
The Best Time to Visit the Galápagos Islands
When Is the Best Month to Travel to the Galápagos?
A destination as diverse as the Galápagos means that every moment of the day—and even of the year—brings a different wonder. We offer multiple Galápagos tours timed to the rhythm of the islands’ wildlife. Whether you’re drawn to penguins or land iguanas, warmer snorkeling waters or cooler, wild-life rich seas, we have a journey for you.
The best time to visit the Galápagos is during the warmer and wetter months of December to June, when seas are calmer and temperatures are more comfortable for snorkeling. But when it comes to weather, the archipelago’s placement on the equator means little variation in temperature. The months of July through November are slightly cooler and drier, but you’ll find pleasant, mild weather throughout the year. Unlike other destinations with high and low visitation seasons, the Galápagos’ ebbs and flows are slight.
The Galápagos are a year-round wonder—you simply can’t go wrong no matter what time you decide to visit. And, depending on the time of year, cap off your adventure with an extension to Machu Picchu, the highlands of Ecuador, or the Amazon.
Galápagos Weather
| Climate in Baltra | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
   | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Air Temperature | 77° | 78° | 83° | 83° | 77° | 76° | 75° | 70° | 70° | 71° | 73° | 74° |
| Water Temperature | 76° | 77° | 77° | 77° | 76° | 73° | 71° | 70° | 71° | 72° | 73° | 74° |
| Rainfall | 2.4″ | 4.6″ | 4.0″ | 3.0″ | 0.6″ | 0.2″ | 0.3″ | 0.2″ | 0.2″ | 0.2″ | 0.2″ | 0.3″ |
Warm Season in the Galápagos:
December-June
The warmer season, also known as the Galápagos rainy season, runs from December through June and is the most popular time of year to visit. Seas are calmer for boat travel, and warmer water temperatures, around 75-85°F, make snorkeling more comfortable. And the “wet” season just means intermittent rains—the occasional brief afternoon shower rather than all-day weather events. During these months you’ll also find sea lion pupping and waved albatross nesting seasons, giving wildlife enthusiasts opportunities to see these incredible creatures up close.
December
December is the best time for exciting wildlife experiences.
Weather: The end of the year is when the region’s rainy season usually kicks off, which features sunny, warmer days punctuated by light, short spells of rain. Due to the holiday season, our December departures are usually the first to sell out, so book early!
Wildlife: There’s plenty of wildlife to see in the Galápagos during December: young albatrosses learning to fly, sea turtles mating, giant tortoise eggs hatching, and land birds engaging in courtship rituals.
January
January is the best time for warming waters.
Weather: While January is considered the rainy season, in the Galápagos that means long stretches of sunshine marked by light showers, often in the late afternoons. Along with warmer air, warmer water in the high 70°s makes for perfect conditions for snorkeling and sea kayaking, highlights on all four of our adventures!
Wildlife: Finches and flycatchers start nesting in January, while giant tortoises migrate from the highlands to the coast as vegetation blooms. Land iguanas on Española Island transform from black to green and red to prepare for mating season. The famed waved albatrosses begin to migrate away from the islands this month.
February
February is the best time great snorkeling.
Weather: Similar to January, warm days in the high 70°s with occasional drizzles continue, making for sunny and clear days of adventure, and epic sunsets from aboard WT’s yachts. These months feature ideal snorkeling conditions, with active marine life and great visibility.
Wildlife: The wildlife spectacles continue into February, with sea turtles nesting and marine iguanas entering peak mating season and attracting mates through dazzling color changes and dances. Land birds like Nazca boobies and flamingos can be spotted performing theatrical courtship rituals and nesting.
March
March is the best time for lush landscapes and baby animals.
Weather: As the “rainy season” comes to a close, the islands are awash in color—from both their flora and fauna. March is often the hottest time of the year, averaging 83°F with higher humidity, but these are pleasant conditions when you’re traveling by water aboard the Passion and Coral II.
Wildlife: This month is also an excellent time to spot baby animals, especially newborn seal pups frolicking about the beaches. On the island of San Cristobal, we’ll spot frigate birds showing off their red pouches during courtship, while on Española and Isabela, waved albatrosses and penguins begin returning.
April
April is the best time for calm waters and penguins.
Weather: Landscapes blanketed in flowers, beaches dotted with newborn animals, and warm and humid weather extends into April. Calmer waters allow for smoother Zodiac expeditions and tranquil days aboard WT’s small sailing ships. Add on an eight-day extension to Machu Picchu to beat the start of the landmark’s peak season.
Wildlife: The islands’ famed waved albatrosses make their way back to Española Island, blue-footed boobies show off their aqua feet to attract mates, and penguins can be seen diving off Isabela and Fernandina.
May
May is the best time for water visibility and albatross.
Weather: While ocean temperatures start to drop, clear water conditions make for excellent snorkeling. On land, meanwhile, temperatures cool slightly, with average highs in the 70°s. The transition to the dry season starts this month, resulting in less rainfall and humidity, and more wind.
Wildlife: On land, wildlife continues to be active. You’ll find hatching land iguanas and sea turtles, while blue-footed boobies and waved albatrosses perform mating dances.
June
June is the best time for diverse marine life.
Weather: The Humboldt Current arrives from Antarctica and brings cooler temperatures and an influx of nutrients. Sunny skies and calm coasts give way to cloudier days and choppier waters.
Wildlife: The Humboldt Current makes wildlife more active and attracts a diverse array of marine life, including humpback whales, manta rays, and hammerhead sharks, making this one of the best times to snorkel and sea kayak. You can even spot humpback whales on their migratory route from aboard the Passion.
Trips to Book During the Galápagos Islands Warm Season
We run all four of our Galápagos itineraries during the archipelago’s warmer, wetter season. Galápagos Adventure Aboard the Passion is a 10-day journey on a former private yacht that visits either the Eastern Islands or the Western Islands, depending on which itinerary you book. On Ultimate Galápagos Aboard the Passion, you’ll stay on the same luxury yacht but visit both Eastern and Western islands over the course of a little over two weeks. On our Galápagos Adventure Aboard the Coral II you’ll spend 10 days seeing the Galápagos’ greatest hits aboard a comfortable small ship. And with our Galápagos Private Journey, you can choose your own group and your own dates to spend a week cruising the Enchanted Isles.
During these months we also recommend adding on an extension to a hacienda in the Ecuadorian Highlands or to the Amazon Rainforest’s Napo Wildlife Center while the weather is warmer and the vegetation more lush.
Cool, Dry Season in the Galápagos:
July-November
The cool, dry season is a favorite among serious wildlife, photography, and underwater enthusiasts. The Humboldt Current brings nutrient-rich cold water that draws marine life like whale sharks, hammerheads, and dolphins for dramatic underwater encounters. On land, expect blue-footed bobby courtship displays and Galápagos penguin activity, while the cooler, drier air makes hiking more comfortable.
July
July is the best time for migratory birds and whales.
Weather: July in the Galápagos is when cooler and drier weather begins, with daytime temperatures in the mid 70°s and the arrival of southeast trade winds bringing a pleasant breeze and sometimes choppier waters.
Wildlife: Dancing lava lizards, gathering migratory birds, and waters filled with dolphins and whales are just a few of the dazzling wildlife events this month.
August
August is the best time for peace seekers.
Weather: This month marks the start of the coolest period in the Galápagos, with days in the low 70°s. The winds and waves can be quite strong this month, so be prepared for choppier ocean excursions (those who suffer from seasickness should avoid this month).
Wildlife: You’ll have plenty of bird-watching chances this month, including seeing the islands’ famed flamingos in courtship mode. Sea lion pupping is also in full swing, and August is prime time for penguins as they spend more time near the islands due to the cooler ocean temperatures.
September
September is the best time for experienced divers.
Weather: September is the quietest time across the islands due to high winds and rougher waters. Travelers who are less affected by these conditions should consider traveling this time of year, when it’ll feel like you have the Galápagos to yourself. But those who suffer from seasickness should avoid August and September.
Wildlife: If you can handle the rougher conditions, you’ll be rewarded with the active start of sea lion breeding and penguin mating seasons.
October
October is the best time for underwater activity.
Weather: The winds and waves start calming down in October, while high visibility still makes it a good time for snorkelers or divers. October also marks the start of warmer weather, with daytime temperatures in the low 70°s.
Wildlife: Various mating (fur seals!) and nesting (lava herons, Galápagos hawks, flamingos) seasons are in full swing. October is also when blue-footed booby chicks hatch and start fledging.
November
November is the best time for playful sea lion pups.
Weather: In November the days continue to warm as air and water temperatures rise into the mid 70°s. This shoulder month sees fewer visitors but plenty of incredible wildlife rites of passage.
Wildlife: November is when the Galápagos transform into a playground for sea lion pups, who can be spotted lounging on the beaches, frolicking on shore, and curiously approaching snorkelers. It’s also a good time to see Nazca and blue-footed booby chicks.
Trips to Book During the Galápagos Islands Dry Season
During the more temperate, drier season in the Galápagos we don’t run our small group trips—however, since the Galápagos are a year-round destination, we run our Galápagos Private Journey every month of the year. You’ll pick from either the 14-guest Passion or the 16-guest Beluga, booking out the whole yacht for your own group of friends or family on the dates of your choosing.
The dry season is a perfect time for a post-trip extension to storied Machu Picchu—spend seven days exploring Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Incas, culminating in a journey to the ancient citadel in the mountains. This is also still an excellent time for extensions to the Ecuadorian Highlands or the Amazon Rainforest, when weather is warm and dry and wildlife in the Amazon becomes easier to spot.
Small Group Adventure
Galapagos Adventure aboard the Passion
Ecuador
Level 1+
10 Days
From $10,295
Small Group Adventure
Ultimate Galapagos aboard the Passion
Ecuador
Level 1+
17 Days
From $16,595
Small Group Adventure
Galapagos Adventure aboard the Coral II
Ecuador
Level 1+
10 Days
From $7,895
Private Journey
Galapagos Private Journey
Ecuador
Level 1+
8 Days
From $90,000
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Talk to an Expert
Our Latin America Specialists know every detail about our Galápagos trips. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!