There’s no wrong time to visit the Galapagos — every month offers something unique. From rare wildlife sightings to ever-changing scenery, nature always has a surprise in store.
Use this easy month-by-month guide to find the best time for your kind of adventure.
Warm & Wet Season (Jan–May)
Sunny with occasional showers. Calm seas and warm waters make for excellent snorkeling. Islands are lush and full of life.
Cool & Dry Season (Jun–Dec)
Cooler air and ocean temperatures. Nutrient-rich currents attract marine life. Expect slightly cloudier skies and some mist, especially in the highlands.
Photo 1 credit: Andres Macklif
Photo 2 credit: Maysa Santoro
Month-by-Month Highlights
January
- Warm and calm waters – ideal for snorkeling.
- Sea turtles lay eggs.
- Marine iguanas turn a mix of vibrant colors.
- Land birds begin nesting.
February
- Warm and calm waters. Great visibility.
- Flamingos nest.
- Sea turtles and Nazca boobies continue nesting.
March
- One of the warmest months — great for beach lovers.
- Frigatebirds nest in Genovesa.
- Land iguanas start mating.
Photo 1-2 credit: Jonathan Cueva
Photo 3 credit: Maysa Santoro
April
- Waved albatrosses return to Española.
- Peak bird courtship season.
- Lush landscapes, calm seas.
May
- Weather is still warm. Transition to the new season starts.
- Blue-footed booby mating dances begin.
- Sea turtle hatchlings emerge.
June
- Start of the garúa (misty season).
- Giant tortoises nest in the highlands.
- Humpback whales may appear.
- Cooler water — wetsuit recommended.
Photo 1 credit: Jonathan Cueva
Photo 2 credit: Maysa Santoro
Photo 3 credit: Renato Granieri
July
- Seabirds and cormorants are nesting.
- Lava lizard mating displays.
- Start of whale and dolphin sightings.
August
- Coolest month of the year.
- Sea lion pups are born.
- Booby chicks hatch.
- Marine life thrives in cold currents.
September
- Least crowded month.
- Penguins are active.
- Playful sea lion pups along the shore.
- Coldest water — wetsuit essential.
Photo 1 credit: Brooke Pyke
Photo 2 credit: Jonathan Cueva
Photo 3 credit: Maysa Santoro
October
- Sea lion pups remain playful.
- Great underwater life.
- Fewer visitors = more intimate experiences.
November
- Slight warming trend begins.
- Sea lion pups are curious in the water.
- Fantastic time for photography.
December
- Transition to warm season.
- Giant tortoise eggs begin hatching.
- Great mix of wildlife and weather.
- Holiday season = ideal for families.
Photo 1-3 credit: Maysa Santoro
Prefer calm seas and sunshine? Visit January to March.
Love birdwatching or fewer crowds? Try April, May, or October.
Want peak marine life action? Go June to September.
No matter when you visit, the Galapagos is always teeming with life.
One thing’s for sure: nature will always put on a show. Just bring your sense of wonder — and we’ll handle the rest (yes, including the wetsuits).
