Right along the equator in the Pacific Ocean, is a group of volcanic islands: the Galápagos Islands. Part of the Republic of Ecuador, the Galápagos has a very small amount of human residents (about 35,000), and an incredible amount of wildlife residents. The diversity of plant and animal life has made the Galápagos Islands a dream destination for wildlife viewers. But when is the best time to visit this island paradise? Don’t worry, we've got you covered! Here is a break-down of what to expect throughout the year on an expedition to the Galápagos!
January & February - In the beginning of the calendar year, it tends to rain about 3.3 in. in January, and 4.2 in. in February. While you might get a little wet during these months, you will also witness some amazing wildlife displays! In January, the adult male iguanas become brightly-colored in order to attract their mates, the green sea turtles will come on the beaches to lay their eggs, and the tortoise eggs will begin hatching! And in February, you might see the flamingos nesting on Floreana Island, as well as penguins migrating to Isabella and Fernandina Island! All-in-all, the beginning months are pretty amazing on the Galápagos Islands!
March & April - In the next two months of the year, the rainy season continues in the Galápagos. The temperatures are quite warm though, with a high of about 86℉, and a low of approximately 73℉ in both March and April. However, if you want to be in the water on your expedition, this is a great time to visit the islands! This is the perfect time to go snorkeling throughout the archipelago, so you should definitely pack a snorkel, and the top 10 things to pack for a trip to the Galápagos.. You also might see the waved albatross birds doing their courtship dances in April!
May & June - the 5th and 6th months of the year signal the start of the dry season. While there is significantly less rain, the temperature will also drop in May and June, down to about 71-84℉. But don’t let the lower temperatures keep you from visiting the Galápagos this time of year! In May, you’ll get the chance to see the blue-footed boobies performing their famous courtship dances, and view the Galápagos sea lions as they come on-shore for mating season In June, both the humpback whales and whale sharks migrate their way down to the islands! May and June are a great time to visit the Galápagos Islands.
July & August - The western summer months are some of the driest months of the year, with virtually no rain at all. They also have some of the lowest temperature of the year, reaching a high of only 79.5℉ In July, and 78.1℉ in August. During July, you can see the blue-footed boobies during their nesting season, watch as lava lizards come out of hiding for their mating season, and catch the flamingos during their courtship ‘dances’! In August, sea lions give birth on the western and central islands, the frigate-birds’ eggs start hatching, and the giant tortoises head back to the highland after laying their eggs. The summer months are a very exciting time in the Galápagos! For more info on wildlife in the Galápagos, click here!
September & October - The dry season of the Galápagos Islands continue as we head into September and October. Both the precipitation levels and the temperature stay relatively similar to July and August However, these months have lots going on for visitors to see! In September, you can spot the Galápagos penguins during their courtship, see the humpback whales and whale sharks as they head out for migration, and this is also a great month to see the baby sea lions! In October, there will be tons of blue-footed booby chicks Española and Isabella island, and you can see the lava herons begin their nesting season! You won’t want to miss this!
November & December - During the last two months of the calendar year, the rainy season makes its return. It can rain up to 2 in. during these months and reach a high of about 82℉. In November, you’ll have your last chance to view the whale sharks on the far northwest sides of the island, and it is a great month to go snorkeling with the baby sea lions! In December, the giant tortoise eggs begin hatching, the land iguanas mating season starts, and this is a great time for watching the land birds, like finches and doves!
As you can see, there’s really no ‘best’ time to visit the Galápagos, because there is always something amazing to see! Interested in seeing what the Galápagos Islands have to offer? Acanela Expeditions offers 6-day trips to the Galápagos! A trip with Acanela could include wildlife-viewing, snorkeling, and exploring the Highlands! If you have a sense of adventure and a desire to see somewhere many might never get the chance to see, email expeditions@acanela.com to learn more!