Weather in the Galapagos in April

If you’re considering visiting the Galapagos Islands, you’ll want to wise up on when’s best to visit, not least because wildlife-watching opportunities vary according to season. With that in mind, read on to find out about the weather in the Galapagos in April (spoiler alert — it's a great time to visit), along with inspirational itinerary suggestions covering this Ecuadorian gem.

Is April a good time to visit the Galapagos Islands?

In a word: yes. April is a very good time to visit the Galapagos Islands.

In terms of the Galapagos weather in April, this month marks the end of the rainy season. As a result, even the usually dry coastline is enlivened by lusher vegetation. 

The air temperatures are hot, and the sea is warm, with great visibility for snorkellers and divers. 

Though the Galapagos Islands are rich with wildlife-watching opportunities around the year, April is a particularly great time for it, with especially notable avian activity — more on that below.

For more inspiration, talk to our local experts, and browse our customisable Ecuador itineraries.

Average temperatures in the Galapagos Islands in April

The weather in the Galapagos in April sees average air temperatures in the range of 22-30°C/ 72-88°F. 

At the same time, you can expect the sea temperature to be around 24°C/76°F.

As for the rain, expect a total of 2.4 inches. For comparison, March sees two inches.

What about crowds and costs?

While April sits within shoulder season, the weather in the Galapagos in April — along with incredible wildlife-watching opportunities — means you're likely to experience bigger crowds (and costs) than you would in February and March.

Most notably, the spring break and Easter holiday periods are busy — so book early.

Still wondering when to visit? Read our guide to the best time to visit Ecuador.

Ready for your dream trip to Ecuador in April? 

If you’re about to take the plunge and book your April trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos, take a few moments to browse our itineraries.

Fully customisable, and curated in conjunction with a local expert, they take the hassle out of planning, leaving you free to make the most of your adventure. 

Here are a few sample itineraries to spark inspiration:

• Galapagos Special — three islands in 10 days: the start and end of this extraordinary trip is Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and capital of Ecuador, with visits to a trio of incredible islands (San Cristobel, Santa Cruz and Isabela Island) offering travellers utter immersion into wildife and nature.
• Luxury Galapagos cruise and mainland highlights: spend seven nights on a luxurious super yacht in the Galapagos to explore the natural wonders of this island paradise in style. Afterwards, fly to the mainland and discover Ecuador from Guayaquil to Quito. Volcanoes, waterfalls, markets, and much more await.
• Ecuador Highlights — Amazon and Galapagos: into adventure? This trip takes you from Quito and Otavalo to the Amazon, where guided boat tours unveil flora, fauna and indigenous customs. Next, you'll venture to the glorious Galapagos islands for more exploration and adventure.

Browse more itinerary ideas.

What to do in the Galapagos Islands in April

One thing’s for sure, bird-watchers in particular have a lot to look forward to from an April visit to the Galapagos Islands. The same goes for snorkellers and turtle-lovers. 

Be awe-inspired by the albatross

From the end of March (you’ll stand a better chance of seeing more through April), Española Island plays host to the remarkable return of Galapagos Albatrosses, AKA waved Albatrosses.

After nesting in the island’s sparse bushes, they lay eggs from mid-April through to June, with the young flying the nest from December to January.

Top tip: to witness their remarkable mating dance, visit in November.

Snorkelling and diving

With warm waters and great visibility, divers and snorkellers will be richly rewarded by visiting the Galapagos in April.

Into diving? You’ll love our Galapagos Diving Adventure trip.

See hatchlings

April sees the hatching season for giant tortoises come to an end, and you still stand a good chance of seeing the unforgettable phenomenon of hatchlings pushing their way to the surface. Albeit it with hawks ready and waiting to pounce on the vulnerable creatures as they emerge.

At the same time, green turtle hatchlings begin to pop out and make their way to the sea.

Love reptiles? Head to Isabela Island to see land iguana hatchlings. Like turtles, they have a host of predators, which can be spotted hanging around nests.

Visit the Galapagos Islands in other months

To be better informed before booking your trip, find out what to expect of the Galapagos Islands around the year.

• January: this full swing warm season month means blue skies, occasional rain showers and the chance to see curious courtship rituals.
• February: warm on land and sea, February is fabulous for snorkelling, diving and hiking, and seeing green turtles come ashore to lay eggs. 
• March: this rainy season month means lush landscapes, high temperatures and morning showers. It’s also nesting time for land iguanas and many birds.
• April: end of the rainy season, April offers warm waters, and opportunities to see waved albatrosses, giant tortoise hatchlings and green turtle hatchlings.
• May: transition month between the rainy and dry seasons, May means cooler temperatures, small crowds and remarkable avian activity.
• June: start of the dry season, June sees cooler temperatures and is a top time to see waved albatrosses’ mating rituals and humpback whales.
• July: cool and dry, July is ideal for hiking, biking and watching whales and dolphins. It’s also prime whale shark season.
• August: still cool and dry, this peak season month draws increased crowds to see whales, dolphins, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies.
• September: quiet and cool, this is a top month for marine activity, especially whales, dolphins, sea lions, Galapagos fur seals and Galapagos penguins.
• October: this dry low-season month is ideal for hiking and biking, and seeing sea lion pups and blue-footed booby chicks.
• November: this transition month between the cool dry season and the warm wet season is ideal for snorkelling, diving and seeing sea lions and penguins.
• December: start of the warm season, December heralds breeding season for frigate birds and sea lions, and peak season crowds as the month wears on.