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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.
Photo by Dylan Shaw on Unsplash
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 scattered heavy showers. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Rain can impact trail conditions. | |
| February | 24-30°C, very warm and humid, occasional heavy showers. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Can be the hottest month. | |
| March | 24-30°C, warm and humid, showers becoming less frequent. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Transitioning to the cooler season. | |
| April | 23-29°C, warm with reduced humidity, sunny spells. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ A sweet spot between warm weather and fewer crowds. | |
| May | 22-28°C, pleasant temperatures, sunny with occasional clouds. | low | low |
⚠ Start of the garúa (mist) season, but generally mild. | |
| June | 20-26°C, cooler and drier, with the garúa mist common in mornings. | low | low |
⚠ Water can be cooler, good for wetsuits. | |
| July | 19-25°C, cool and dry, garúa mist persists, especially on highlands. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Ocean currents bring cooler water, good for diving. | |
| August | 19-25°C, cool and dry, garúa mist is prevalent. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Water temperatures are at their coolest. | |
| September | 19-25°C, cool and dry, garúa mist begins to recede. | low | low |
⚠ Excellent underwater visibility. | |
| October | 20-26°C, pleasant, with sunny days and less garúa. | low | low |
⚠ Transition month back to warmer weather. | |
| November | 22-28°C, warm and humid, showers become more frequent. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Water begins to warm up. | |
| December | 23-29°C, warm and humid, with increasing chances of heavy showers. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Start of the rainy season, but still good for wildlife viewing. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
January
Land Iguana Nesting
Female land iguanas migrate to nesting sites, primarily on Isabela and Fernandina.
February
Marine Iguana Mating
Male marine iguanas display vibrant colors as they compete for mates.
April
Albatross Season Begins
Waved albatrosses return to Española Island to begin their mating rituals.
June
Blue-footed Booby Courtship
Witness the iconic high-stepping dance of the blue-footed boobies.
August
Sea Lion Pups
Pups born earlier in the year are growing and are often seen playing.
October
Land Iguana Hatching
Newly hatched land iguanas emerge from their nests.
December
Sea Turtle Nesting
Green sea turtles begin laying their eggs on the sandy beaches.
Insider timing tips
- •The 'warm' season (December-May) is characterized by higher humidity and scattered heavy showers, but warmer ocean temperatures ideal for snorkeling.
- •The 'cool' season (June-November) brings the 'garúa' mist, cooler air and water temperatures, and calmer seas, excellent for observing marine life and seabirds.
- •Wildlife activity is year-round, but specific breeding and nesting seasons offer unique viewing opportunities, influencing the 'best' time depending on your interests.
- •Crowds and prices are generally lower during the shoulder months of April-May and September-October, offering a good balance of weather and fewer tourists.
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