The Galapagos Islands
Choosing the best times to travel to the Galapagos...
With the equator running through this remarkable archipelago, the Galapagos is never cold. Average air temperatures range between 25-31C throughout the year, with average water temperatures between 17-25C. Thanks to the incredible variety of wildlife and the elaborate range of behaviour they produce, there is not a bad time to visit – as there is always something unique on show. That said, there are two distinct seasons:
Cool, dry season
The garua (Spanish for ‘mist’ or ‘drizzle’) season runs from June to October sees the air and water temperatures cool, along with a drop in rainfall. The change is triggered by the arrival of the nutrient-rich, cool Humboldt current, from Antarctica. The abundance of food brought in by the current sees a huge increase in activity from seabirds, feeding their chicks. The cooler temperatures condense the clouds over the highlands, thus the perpetual mist hanging over the higher grounds on the islands (leading to the garua name). One thing to be mindful of in the garua season is the choppy seas, typically prevalent in August & September.
Tropical (wet) season
Running from December to May, the season is characterized by hot, sunny days interspersed with warm, tropical downpours. The rain is welcome, as it clears the humidity and clouds, which results is perfect snorkeling conditions, thanks to the warm ocean temperatures and clear waters. More rain falls in the highlands, compared to sea-level. The diminishment of the Humboldt current results in very calm waters.
As mentioned above, there is always something amazing happening in the Galapagos and most species can be observed year-round. Below is a month-by-month snapshot of more specific behaviours with the wildlife, throughout the year. Click the month to see the drop-down for further info:
January
Green turtles take to the beach to begin their egg-laying
Land iguanas begin their reproductive cycle
Land birds begin nesting
Giant tortoises still hatching
February
Nesting season for marine iguanas
Beginning of the breeding season for the Bahamas Pintail ducks
Peak nesting season of the Galapagos Dove
Giant tortoises still hatching
March
High activity of the Galapagos penguin
Magnificent and Great Frigate bird peak nesting period
Tortoise hatching continues
April
Start of the Blue-footed Boobies famous mating dance!
Green sea turtle eggs begin to hatch
Marine iguana eggs begin to hatch
May
Peak courtship period of the Blue-footed Boobie
Highest period of marine iguana egg-hatching
Storm Petrels begin nesting
June
Migration of the Giant Tortoise from the highlands to the lowlands
Abundance of red pouch observations amongst the Magnificent Frigate birds
Cetaceans (such as dolphins and humpback whales) begin to arrive
July
Giant Tortoise begins nesting
Flightless cormorants begin courtship
Lava lizards begin mating
More prevalent cetacean activity
Blue-footed Boobie chicks hatching
August
Giant tortoises return to the Highlands
Sea lions begin giving birth (pupping)
Migrant bird species arrive
September
Female sea lions back in estrus and very active
Peak season for male sea lion fighting on shore
Along with the past few months, Galapagos penguins highly active
October
Lava Herons begin nesting
Giant tortoise begin egg-laying
Sea lion mating season
Blue-footed Boobie chicks very active
November
Sea lion pups highly active with aqua-aerobics and very inquisitive!
Breeding season of the Brown Noddy
Strong Humbolt current brings nutrient-rich water, swelling marine wildlife
December
Giant tortoise eggs start to hatch
Green sea turtles begin mating
Waved Albatross chicks fledge