Best time to visit the Galapagos Islands

Updated: 09th December 2020

Galapagos tourist boat - Best time to visit - On The Go Tours
The waters are most calm between December and June

Seasons and Weather

With the Galapagos located Earths equator, there is 12 blissful hours of daylight guaranteed throughout the year.

The climate of the Galapagos Islands is considered to be sub tropical, despite the fact that the islands are located on the equatorial belt. This is due to the confluence of cold water currents from the west and the south, which results in a dry and moderate climate though the region also experiences a warm and wet season. Each distinct season bring its own advantages making the Galapagos a year-round destination.

The dry season in the Galapagos is from late June to early December, during these months the sky is clear, temperatures are cooler and short midday showers are common. The water is also cooler at this time of year, which makes it the ideal for diving.

Late December to early June are the warmest months in the Galapagos and this is the rainy season, with temperatures peaking in February and March. During this time the winds are low, the sea is calm and the climate is more tropical with daily rains. Since the water is warmer, the conditions are perfect for snorkelling.

Micro-climates exist across the islands so when the lower lying islands experience dry and sunny weather the volcanic mountains can be shrouded in mists. This results in an unusual spread of vegetation across the different islands.

Thinking of visiting the Galapagos Islands? Download a copy of our Latin America brochure for inspiration.

Climate


JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temp Min °C222424222120201919202122
Temp Max °C303132312826262626262627
Rainfall (mm)252551381961361361313

See Also

To help you plan your adventure to the Galapagos, here's some handy travel resources:

Best Places to Visit - the top islands of the Galapagos
Top Travel Tips - information on currency, what to pack and more
Galapagos Wildlife Guide - what to see each month of the year

Top Galapagos Deals