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Frigatebird in the Galapagos Islands

When is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands?

The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands depends on the wildlife you want to see. The waved albatross, for example, can only be observed between April and November.

As for climate, the seasons in the Galapagos split roughly into two: cool and dry (June to November), and warm and wet (December to May). August and September see the coolest temperatures and choppiest conditions, but many cruises still operate at this time and our specialists will select a vessel with increased stability if you have concerns about motion sickness.

The warmer season is better if you want to go diving, because the water will have calmed down and the visibility will have improved. There are also more sea turtles around.

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Month-by-month guide for traveling in the Galapagos Islands

Waved albatross, Galapagos Islands

Visiting the Galapagos Islands in January - February

The land and sea temperatures in the Galapagos are warming. Despite this being the wet season, the months from January to May are also the sunniest, with the rain usually only manifesting itself in short periods of drizzle. Land birds begin unusual courtship rituals that are fascinating to watch, sea turtles are nesting and marine iguanas become brightly colored.

Sea lions, Galapagos Islands

Visiting the Galapagos Islands in March - May

As the rains begin to cease, flowers begin to blossom on the islands, making for some colorful landscapes. Sea turtles and land iguanas are hatching, and playful young sea lions are easy to spot on the beaches.

Frigatebird, Galapagos Islands

Visiting the Galapagos Islands in June

June marks the beginning of the seasonal change in the Galapagos, with the Humboldt Current bringing cooler conditions. In reality, heavy rain is rare — the main difference as the season progresses will be cloudier skies, more wind and cooler waters with more waves. The wildlife remains prolific, with seabirds becoming particularly active and penguins enjoying the cool waters and plentiful fish.

Blue-footed boobies, Galapagos Islands

Visiting the Galapagos Islands in July

A great month to witness the fascinating mating ritual of the blue-footed booby. The seabird activity does not end here however; the bright red pouches of frigatebird can be seen on North Seymour, flightless cormorants perform mating and nesting rituals on Fernandina and waved albatross are already arriving on Española.

Sea lion pup, Galapagos Islands

Visiting the Galapagos Islands in August

The winds are beginning to reach their strongest, but European and North American school vacations still bring plenty of visitors to the islands. Giant tortoises begin returning to the highlands after their migration to the lowlands in June, and sea lion pupping season has begun in earnest, so look out for their playful offspring.

Masked boobies on Espanola Island, Galapagos Islands

Visiting the Galapagos Islands in September

September is the quietest month to visit the Galapagos, and some cruise operators take advantage of this to prepare their vessels in dry dock for the next season. Those who do visit at this time can observe particularly active sea lions in the western and central islands, as well as plenty of activity at seabird nesting sites.

Sea lion, Galapagos Islands

Visiting the Galapagos Islands in October - November

The winds gradually begin to calm at this time of year. Blue footed boobies are raising their chicks on Española and Isabela, and sea lion pups play in the water.

Giant tortoise, Santa Cruz Island

Visiting the Galapagos Islands in December

The warmer weather begins in earnest, wildlife is abundant and the islands are becoming green. South American vacation season begins and as Christmas approaches, booking early is absolutely essential if you wish to travel at this time.

Galapagos Islands Climate Guide

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Punta Espinosa (Isla Fernandina) 30°C 51mm 31°C 47mm 31°C 50mm 31°C 54mm 29°C 24mm 27°C 32mm 27°C 35mm 26°C 38mm 26°C 52mm 26°C 38mm 27°C 11mm 29°C 17mm
Playa las Bachas (Isla Santa Cruz) 28°C 92mm 30°C 77mm 30°C 79mm 30°C 85mm 28°C 41mm 26°C 44mm 25°C 54mm 24°C 48mm 24°C 61mm 25°C 48mm 26°C 31mm 27°C 54mm
Puerto Villamil (Isla Isabela) 29°C 52mm 31°C 50mm 31°C 63mm 31°C 58mm 29°C 21mm 27°C 19mm 26°C 24mm 25°C 24mm 25°C 33mm 26°C 22mm 27°C 12mm 28°C 23mm

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Travel advice

Practical tips for traveling to the Galapagos Islands, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest Government of Canada travel advice.

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