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Best time to visit Galápagos Islands
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Best time to visit Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 24-30°C, warm and humid, with short afternoon showers. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Rainfall increases throughout the month. | |
| February | 24-30°C, very warm and humid, with occasional brief showers. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Hottest month, can be quite humid. | |
| March | 24-30°C, warm and humid, with afternoon showers becoming less frequent. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Transitioning towards the cooler season. | |
| April | 23-29°C, pleasant and warm, with sunny days and minimal rain. | low | low |
⚠ A sweet spot between wet and dry seasons. | |
| May | 23-28°C, mild and dry, with sunny days and comfortable temperatures. | low | low |
⚠ Water temperatures start to cool slightly. | |
| June | 22-27°C, cooler and drier, with increased marine life activity. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Water temperatures are at their coolest. | |
| July | 21-26°C, cool and dry, with consistent cloud cover and occasional mist. | high | high |
⚠ Peak tourist season due to Northern Hemisphere summer holidays. | |
| August | 21-26°C, cool and dry, with overcast skies common. | high | high |
⚠ Still part of the peak season. | |
| September | 21-26°C, cool and dry, with abundant marine life. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Water remains cool and nutrient-rich. | |
| October | 22-27°C, mild and dry, with sunny spells. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Transitioning back to warmer, wetter conditions. | |
| November | 23-28°C, warm and humid, with increasing rainfall. | low | low |
⚠ Beginning of the warmer, wetter season. | |
| December | 24-29°C, warm and humid, with short afternoon showers. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Holiday season sees an increase in visitors. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
February
Galápagos Day
Celebrates the creation of the Galápagos National Park with local events and activities.
February
Carnival
While not as large as mainland Ecuador, some islands have parades and festivities.
April
Waved Albatross Arrival
The iconic waved albatross return to Española Island for their breeding season.
May
Sea Lion Breeding Season
Mating season for sea lions, with increased activity observed.
August
Independence Day (Ecuador)
National holiday with some local celebrations on the islands.
December
Green Sea Turtle Nesting
Green sea turtles begin to come ashore to lay their eggs.
Insider timing tips
- •The Galápagos has two distinct seasons: the warm/wet season (December-May) and the cool/dry season (June-November). Neither is 'bad', but they offer different wildlife viewing and comfort levels.
- •June to September is influenced by the cool Humboldt Current, making water temperatures colder but marine life more abundant and active, ideal for diving and snorkeling.
- •The 'warm' season (December-May) offers higher air temperatures and more sunshine, with increased chances to see nesting and hatching activities for turtles and iguanas.
- •While July and August are peak tourist months due to international school holidays, they coincide with excellent opportunities to see penguins and boobies.
- •The shoulder months of April-May and September-October often provide the best balance of pleasant weather, lower crowds, and competitive prices.
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