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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	Weather	Crowds	Prices	Highlights
January	24-30°C, humid with short, intense showers	moderate	moderate	• Sea turtle nesting season begins • Lush green landscapes ⚠ Rain can make some trails muddy.
February	24-30°C, humid with short, intense showers	moderate	moderate	• Marine iguana breeding season • Pink flamingos nesting ⚠ Still within the rainy season.
March	24-30°C, warm with scattered showers	moderate	moderate	• Peak of marine iguana mating season • Good visibility for snorkeling
April	23-29°C, less rain, more sunshine	moderate	moderate	• Sea lion pups start appearing • End of the rainy season
May	22-28°C, pleasant with occasional clouds	moderate	moderate	• Albatross courtship displays begin on Española • Transition to the cooler, drier season
June	21-27°C, cooler, drier, often overcast with mist	high	high	• Start of the garúa (mist) season • Whale shark migration season • Active marine life due to nutrient-rich currents ⚠ Increased demand due to school holidays.
July	20-26°C, cool, dry, misty mornings	high	high	• Peak of the garúa season • Penguins are more active • Sea lions are very active ⚠ Peak tourist season.
August	20-26°C, cool, dry, misty mornings	high	high	• Continued active marine life • Sea lion pups are common • Good time for birdwatching ⚠ Still a busy period.
September	20-26°C, coolest and driest month	moderate	moderate	• Peak of marine activity • Sea lion pups are abundant • Excellent snorkeling and diving conditions
October	21-27°C, transition to warmer, wetter weather	moderate	moderate	• Sea lion pups are still visible • End of the cooler garúa season
November	22-28°C, warming up with increasing humidity	moderate	moderate	• Marine iguana mating season begins again • Sea turtle nesting season starts ⚠ Transition month, weather can be variable.
December	23-29°C, warm and humid with scattered showers	high	high	• Christmas and New Year holidays • Lush green landscapes return ⚠ Prices and crowds surge around holidays.

Annual events worth timing your trip around

March

Semana Santa (Holy Week)

Religious observances and local festivities, though tourism remains the primary focus.

May

Galápagos Day

Celebrates the creation of the Galápagos National Park, with local events and educational activities.

June

National Tourism Day

Recognizes the importance of tourism with various local events and promotions.

October

Independence of Guayaquil (observed)

While not a Galápagos-specific holiday, it can affect travel logistics and local services if it falls near a weekend.

Insider timing tips

•The 'garúa' season (June-September) brings cooler temperatures and nutrient-rich waters, ideal for marine life viewing, but also more overcast skies.
•While the 'warm' season (December-May) is hotter and wetter, it offers lush landscapes and is prime time for seeing nesting and hatching activities of various species.
•Tourist numbers peak around Christmas/New Year and during July/August due to international school holidays, leading to higher prices and crowds.
•The Humboldt Current significantly influences the marine environment, making the cooler months (June-September) exceptionally productive for diving and snorkeling.
•Many tours and accommodations operate year-round, but booking well in advance is crucial for the peak seasons (July-August, December).

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