The Galápagos Islands are a year-round destination and opportunities to see the magnificent wildlife are constant due to their non-migratory nature. If we were to break down the year into seasons, there would be two. 

From January to June, you can expect a warmer yet wetter climate, in the second half of the year from July to December, cooler and drier weather follows. Fortunately, the Galápagos boasts an enviable location on the equator so in the wetter season, the weather is still hot and gorgeous but with intermittent heavy rainfall. In terms of temperature, it ranges from 24°C to 30°C. 

In short, there is no best time to visit the Galápagos Islands but read on for a breakdown of each time of year.

At the very beginning of the year, the rainy season comes into play, with peak rainfall and humidity in March. Each day will be filled with sunny spells and intervals of tropical downpour. For those who love to snorkel, this is the prime time due to high sea and air temperatures. 

The Western islands will have a slightly cooler temperature, off the coast of Isabela Island snorkellers may be lucky enough to see penguins swimming beside schools of tropical fish!

The end of the rainy season is upon us. The islands will be green as far as the eye can see and the waters will boast astonishing visibility (perfect for a snorkel). This time of year is considered by many to be the best time to visit the Galápagos Islands. 

On Española Island, the waved albatross arrives at the end of March. By the time its April, the island is the only place in the world where you will get the opportunity to encounter their courtship ritual. 

On the subject of wildlife, green sea turtles and land iguanas start to spawn. On North Seymour, the courtship dance of the blue-footed boobies can be observed.

Halfway through the year, the garúa season commences. This is when sea and air temperatures reduce, and ocean currents become more powerful. Mornings will begin with mist that will gradually be eradicated by the heat. 

Although cooler temperatures may not be for everyone, they are for dolphins and whales! At this time of year, these marvellous mammals are present off the coast of Isabela Island with the addition of active sea bird communities. 

On Santa Cruz Island, the migration of giant tortoises from the highlands comes into play as they search for new nesting grounds.

This period in the Galápagos Islands is a wildlife overload! For the sea lion population, it is pupping season, this is especially the case in the Central and Western islands. Whilst the swallow-tailed gulls and Nazca boobies’ nest, the Galápagos hawks start their courtship rituals. 

On Bartolomé, penguins are very active at this time of year and can be seen diving like torpedoes. On Española and Isabela, blue-footed boobie chicks are visible to be marvelled at in October. Regarding the actual weather, the sea will be choppier with their strongest currents in August and September when the temperatures are at their lowest.

November to December is generally a good time to visit the Galápagos Islands, as the climate becomes more relaxed. Temperatures start increasing again and the seas become calm (meaning clearer waters). 

If you were to snorkel around Champion Islet (on Floreana Island), you may be subject to a nibble on the fins at the hands of playful sea lion pups. The waved albatross chicks are now mature enough fly, boobies will be fishing, green sea turtles start to mate, and giant tortoise eggs begin to hatch between December and April.

For more inspiration, take a look at our Galápagos Islands holidays pages.