Best Time to Visit Galápagos Islands
You can visit the Galápagos Islands any time of the year. Whether you prefer fewer crowds, optimal weather conditions, or specific wildlife events like nesting or migration, planning your visit around these factors can enhance your experience.
Seasons of the Galápagos Islands
The Galápagos Islands straddle the Equator, extending into both the northern and southern hemispheres. While the archipelago enjoys a tropical climate, its remote location, volcanic landscapes, and the influence of ocean currents and shifting winds create a unique weather pattern.
Dry season
The dry season, also known as the Garúa season, runs from June to December. Characterized by cooler temperatures and light mist (garúa) in the mornings, this season is typically dry. The peak months, August through October, offer some of the coolest and most comfortable weather for exploring the islands.
Wet season
The wet season in the Galápagos runs from January to May, bringing warm temperatures but rainfall. The peak months, February and March, are the hottest and sunniest, with brief but intense showers that make the landscape green.
When to Go Based on Visitor Numbers?
Recent data shows that the busiest months for tourism in the Galápagos are April (wet season), July, and August (dry season), with high visitor numbers extending into the surrounding months.
In contrast, the low season, based on visitor numbers, typically occurs in January, February, (wet season) September, and October (dry season), offering a quieter and more relaxed experience for travelers.
Nearly half of the tourists visiting the Galápagos are from Ecuador, arriving in March, April, July and August. Almost all of them choose onshore accommodations to stay in.
80% of international travelers are U.S. residents, primarily arriving in June, July, and December. 70% of them choose onboard cruises for their visit.
When to See the Iconic Animals?
If you are interested in specific Galápagos animals, you may want to time your travels to particular months. Animal observation will often depend on the breeding/nesting season. Galápagos Islands is home to almost 9,000 species, a variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, and marine life. Each species has its own unique characteristics and behaviors.
Giant Tortoises
Galápagos Islands are home to the world’s largest tortoise species which roam freely around the islands.
During the cooler, dry season (June to December), giant tortoises migrate from the highlands to the lowlands in search of food and laying eggs. This is an excellent time to observe them in their natural habitat as they move across the islands. From December to April the hatchlings emerge.
According to the rules of the Galápagos National Park, visitors must maintain a safe distance from wild animals to avoid disturbing them. However, if you’d like to observe them up close, you can visit them in Charles Darwin Research Station or in El Chato Reserve, both on Santa Cruz Island or in the Alcedo Volcano area in Isabela Island.
Land iguanas
The Galápagos Islands have three land iguana species: Pale Land Iguana, Yellow Land Iguana, and Pink Iguana, the latter with only around 350 individuals. The current population of yellow land iguana is around 4,000. 2,500 of them found in Baltra Island and North Seymour.
Their breeding and nesting season is from December to April. Male land iguanas become more active and territorial as they compete for mates, making them easier to spot. Female iguanas can be seen digging burrows to lay their eggs, especially in sandy or volcanic areas. They are also more active during the wet season as they feed on the abundant plants and cacti.
Bird-watching
The best time to visit the Galápagos Islands for bird-watching is between April and July. During this period, you can spot waved albatrosses, blue-footed boobies, petrels, and magnificent frigatebirds engaging in courtship displays and nesting.
Many species exhibit fascinating behaviors, such as the famous booby mating dance and the frigatebird’s red throat pouch inflation, making this season a highlight for bird enthusiasts.
The largest frigate bird colony is at Tijeratas Hill, San Cristóbal Island.
Marine Animals
Marine animals are visible throughout the year, but if you want to witness nesting and birthing events, plan your visit between December and March.
This is the prime season for sea turtles to lay their eggs on sandy beaches, while sea lions and marine iguanas are also more active during their breeding cycles.
The warmer waters during these months attract a variety of sharks, manta rays, and vibrant fish species, making snorkeling and diving especially rewarding.
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Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.