There is no “best” or “better” time to fly to Galapagos because the weather in Galapagos is pleasant reasonable all year round due to its proximate location to the equator. The climate is divided into two seasons.
The warm wet season is from January to May with March and April usually being the hottest and wettest months with approximately 30°C.
During this warmer season, the Galapagos’ climate is more tropical with daily rain and cloudier skies. Also, the ocean temperature is warmer for swimming and snorkeling.
The water temperature ranges from 70°F (21°C) to 80°F (27°C). Since the water’s warmer, snorkeling is highly recommended during these months.
During this season the tourists may observe a large number of species around the islands such as marine iguanas, sea turtle, land iguanas, flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, masked boobies, marine iguanas, albatross, and blue-footed boobies.
Cool dry season:
The cool dry season from June to December with August being the coolest month with approximately 22°C and is also known as the “garua season” when it is relatively cool and dry with more overcast skies and occasional drizzle or mist (garua) during the day.
During this dry season, Galapagos weather is pleasant, the water temperature is lower (65°F (18°C) to 75°F (23°C)) and there are often clouds on the higher elevations. Water visibility is usually lower in due to plankton bloom, but this combination of conditions brings in the whale sharks and there is a lot more activity in the water and food is abundant.
Because Galapagos climate is not too hot during this season, it is also the breeding period for many sea birds and shore birds, marine iguanas, sea lions and fur seals.
Here a description based on a month-by-month breakdown.
FEATURES OF JANUARY:
Warm & wet season (Hot and humid with occasional rain)
- Lush vegetation & calm seas
- Sea turtles laying egss and land birds start nesting
- Marine iguanas show vibrant colors on Española
- Giant tortoises eggs begin hatching
- Warm, calm waters with excellent snorkeling visibilty
FEATURES OF FEBRUARY:
Warm & wet season (One of the hottest months with a tropical feed)
- Marine iguanas nest on Fernandina Island
- Flamingos nest in coastal lagoons
- Height of land bird activity
- Warmest sea temperatures of the year, great for swimming and snorkeling
- Peak nesting for marine turtles and early land iguana activity
FEATURES OF MARCH:
Warm & wet season (Peak of the warm & wet season with lush landscapes)
- Waves albatross begin arriving at Española island
- Sea turtle hatching season in full swing
- Marine life is highly visible, ideal for underwater photography
- Ideal for seeing mating displays and nesting activity across species
FEATURES OF APRIL:
Warm & wet season (Warm and sunny with fewer rainy days)
- Calm seas, great for snorkelers and divers
- Waved albatross courtship displays begin
- Sea turtle hatching continue to emerge
- Land iguana hatchling become visible
- Land brids, marine iguanas, and lava lizards are active
FEATURES OF MAY:
TRANSITIONAL SEASON (Slightly cooler, with a mix of sun and cloud)
- Blue-Footed boobies begin elaborate mating dances
- Waved albatross nesting continues and Galapagos hawks active
- Vegetation still lush from wet season
- Good crossover of wet and dry season wildlife
- Water starts cooling slightly but remains clear and calm
FEATURES OF JUNE:
COOL & DRY SEASON (Cooler temps influenced by the Humboldt Current)
- Blue footed boobies nest prominently
- Giant tortoises begin migrating to highlands
- Increased marine activity cooler ocean temps
- Humpback whale sightings
- Excellent for spotting sea birds like petrels and shearwaters
FEATURES OF JULY:
COOL & DRY SEASON (Cool, dry, and breezy with misty mornings)
- Marine life thrives: whales, dolphins, and penguins highly visible
- Sea bird nesting continues
- Cool air and rougher seas
- Sea lions are playful in the water
- Frigatebirds display their read throat sacs
FEATURES OF AUGUST:
COOL & DRY SEASON (Coolest month of the year, dry and breezy)
- Sea lion pups are born along beaches
- Penguins highly active, specially on Bartolome
- Galapagos hawk begin courtship
- Cooler waters bringing increased marine activity
- Marine iguanas feed in shallow waters
FEATURES OF SEPTEMBER:
COOL & DRY SEASON (dry, cool, and often cloudy, great for hiking)
- Peak sea lion breeding season
- Cool water; wetsuits recommended for snorkeling
- Penguins and flightless cormorants are nesting
- Young sea lion pups can be seen nursing and playing
FEATURES OF OCTOBER:
COOL & DRY SEASON (Still part of the dry season but slightly warming)
- Fur seal breeding begins
- Giant tortoises lay eggs in highlands nests
- Sea lio pups are playful and courious
- Water begin to warm slightly
- Galapagos hawks and finches are commonly seen
FEATURES OF NOVEMBER:
TRANSITIONAL SEASON (Warmer days with more sunshine and less wind)
- Sea lion pups become more independent
- Water begins to warm slightly
- Good month for snorkeling and seeing juvenile wildlife
- Marine iguanas, flamingos, and tortoises remain active
FEATURES OF DECEMBER:
WARM & WET SEASON (Sunny days and few light showers)
- Marine iguanas brighten on Española
- Sea turtles begin nesting again
- Land birds start another breeding cycle
- Calm seas return, great for snorkeling
- Giant tortoise eggs begin to hatch
