What is the weather like in the Galapagos Islands?

Something we get asked about all the time is what the weather is like in the Galapagos and when is the best time to travel to there. The short answer is: anytime! As a year-round destination, there is really no bad time for a trip to Galápagos. Each season has something to offer visitors to the archipelago.

The weather in the Galapagos is uncharacteristically dry and moderate for the tropics, and temperatures average from a low of 62° Fahrenheit (16° Celsius) to a high of 88° Fahrenheit (31° Celsius). What distinguishes the different times of year, with mostly steady equatorial weather, are the two main seasons, as well as high and low seasons when it comes to the number of other visitors.

December to May: The warm/rainy season. From December to May, the weather in the Galapagos is tropical, with sunny skies and occasional short showers. March is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures reaching 88° Fahrenheit (31°Celsius). This is when the sea is at its warmest, and the waters are usually calm at this time of year—perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The warm water is less rich in nutrients than during the dry season, so you might see fewer animals. This is a good time to visit the Galapagos for diving, as the visibility is clear and creatures such as manta rays and hammerhead sharks can be seen.

June to November: The cold/dry season. The dry season between June and November is also called the “garúa season.” Garúa means “mist,” which describes the difference in precipitation at this time of year. Occasional mist or drizzle is broken up by mostly blue skies and slightly cooler weather. Even in August—the coolest month of the year—you can expect daily highs of around 74° Fahrenheit (23° Celsius). Water temperatures are cooler at this time, but also full of nutrients, which attract large sea mammals such as whales and dolphins but also huge schools of Sharks and even Whale Sharks.

High and low seasons: High and low seasons in the islands are not related to weather in the Galapagos, but more by popular travel periods such as Easter, July and August, Christmas, and New Year. During these times, the Galapagos sees its highest number of tourists. If you plan to visit the Galapagos at this time, it’s recommended to book well in advance to guarantee your spot onboard one of our Galapagos expedition ships. Some ships define a high and low season, and offer different prices accordingly, while others offer the same prices the whole year through. You can check individual Galapagos boat listings to see if they distinguish between high and low seasons.

In terms of the habitats and wildlife you can discover, there really is no "better" season and there's certainly no such thing as the best time to visit the Galapagos. Being equatorial, there are species mating, nesting, and hunting at all times of the year, and Galapagos wildlife is always active!