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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, warm and humid, with short afternoon showers.	moderate	moderate	• Green sea turtle nesting season begins • Lush vegetation and active wildlife ⚠ Rainfall increases throughout the month.
February	24-30°C, very warm and humid, with occasional brief showers.	moderate	moderate	• Iguana and sea lion breeding season • Marine iguana eggs hatching ⚠ Hottest month, can be quite humid.
March	24-30°C, warm and humid, with afternoon showers becoming less frequent.	moderate	moderate	• Sea lion pups are common • Good visibility for snorkeling ⚠ Transitioning towards the cooler season.
April	23-29°C, pleasant and warm, with sunny days and minimal rain.	low	low	• Excellent wildlife viewing as young animals are abundant • Ideal snorkeling and diving conditions ⚠ A sweet spot between wet and dry seasons.
May	23-28°C, mild and dry, with sunny days and comfortable temperatures.	low	low	• Sea lion mating season begins • Waved albatross return to Española Island ⚠ Water temperatures start to cool slightly.
June	22-27°C, cooler and drier, with increased marine life activity.	moderate	moderate	• Humboldt Current brings nutrient-rich waters, increasing marine activity • Whale shark sightings possible ⚠ Water temperatures are at their coolest.
July	21-26°C, cool and dry, with consistent cloud cover and occasional mist.	high	high	• Penguin activity is high • Blue-footed booby mating dances ⚠ Peak tourist season due to Northern Hemisphere summer holidays.
August	21-26°C, cool and dry, with overcast skies common.	high	high	• Penguin breeding continues • Sea lion pups are active ⚠ Still part of the peak season.
September	21-26°C, cool and dry, with abundant marine life.	moderate	moderate	• Excellent conditions for snorkeling and diving • Sea lion pups are playful ⚠ Water remains cool and nutrient-rich.
October	22-27°C, mild and dry, with sunny spells.	moderate	moderate	• Waved albatross still present • Good visibility for underwater exploration ⚠ Transitioning back to warmer, wetter conditions.
November	23-28°C, warm and humid, with increasing rainfall.	low	low	• Return of land iguanas to their nesting grounds • Young sea lions are common ⚠ Beginning of the warmer, wetter season.
December	24-29°C, warm and humid, with short afternoon showers.	moderate	moderate	• Green sea turtle nesting begins • Active wildlife viewing ⚠ 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.