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Best time to visit Galapagos Islands: month by month
Short answer
The Galapagos are a year-round destination. December to May is warm (air about 26-30°C) with calm seas and clear water, while June to November is cooler and drier with garua mist, colder water (about 20-22°C) and more marine life. Prices peak at Christmas-New Year, Easter and July-August.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25°C | 22°C | 18 | high |
| Feb | 27°C | 23°C | 21 | medium |
| Mar | 28°C | 24°C | 23 | medium |
| Apr | 27°C | 24°C | 24 | high |
| May | 26°C | 23°C | 25 | medium |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C | 26 | medium |
| Jul | 24°C | 22°C | 28 | high |
| Aug | 23°C | 21°C | 24 | high |
| Sep | 23°C | 20°C | 25 | low |
| Oct | 23°C | 20°C | 29 | low |
| Nov | 23°C | 20°C | 24 | medium |
| Dec | 24°C | 21°C | 23 | very high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
The warm season: air around 28-30°C, warm water and short tropical showers; good for snorkelling and calm crossings.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Cool, dry season begins, with garua mist in the highlands, water near 20-22°C and choppier seas; blue-footed booby courtship and busy holidays.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Coolest water and roughest seas of the year, but rich marine life and fewer visitors.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Warming up, with air temperatures of about 26-30°C, calm seas and occasional showers; Christmas is peak season.
Events worth planning around
- Green sea turtle nesting on beaches, roughly December to May
- Blue-footed booby courtship, roughly June to August
- Waved albatross on Española, roughly April to December
- Galapagos Province anniversary (Provincialización), 18 February
When to avoid
There is no bad month, but September and October have the coldest water and roughest seas, which matters if you are prone to seasickness. Christmas and July-August need early bookings and cost the most.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit the Galapagos?
Any time. Choose December to May for warm water and calm seas, or June to November for more marine life.
Is the water cold in the Galapagos?
From June to November it is about 20-22°C, so a wetsuit helps. From December to May it is warmer.
When is peak season?
Christmas-New Year, Easter and July-August, when tours and rooms fill and prices rise.