If you’re thinking of taking a trip to Ecuador’s extraordinary Galapagos Islands, the good news is that stacks of unforgettable experiences await throughout the year. That said, each month delivers something different, especially when it comes to watching wildlife. Read on to find out about the best time to visit Galapagos, with details on the best things to do and see in each month of the year.
There is no bad time to visit the Galápagos, because it depends on what you want to get out of your trip. Traveling between December and June will offer you warm weather and calm seas. Great for exploring Galapagos.
For example, wildlife-watching experiences vary according to the season (we detail those below), and some months are better than others when it comes to the likes of snorkelling and diving.
In general, though, if you prefer warmer seas and don't mind occasional rain, the warm season (December to May) might be the best time to visit the Galápagos. That’s especially the case if you’re into more snorkelling and want to enjoy the beaches alongside seeing wildlife.
If, however, you’re an avid diver — and don't mind cooler temperatures — the cool season (June to November) might suit you better.
The Galápagos also makes a great addition to a wider Ecuador itinerary, especially if you're planning to explore some of the best places to visit in Ecuador beyond the islands.
The best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is...any time! © Seumas Christie-Johnston/Shutterstock
The Galápagos isn’t a year-round beach destination, but that’s part of the charm. The islands follow a unique rhythm, dictated by ocean currents, not tourist calendars. Here’s what you can expect in each season.
Expect sunny skies and the occasional tropical downpour. The seas are calm, the water’s warm, and visibility is great for snorkeling.
The Humboldt Current rolls in, cooling things down and bringing a buffet of nutrients with it. The water’s chillier but packed with life.
Can’t decide? These in-between months serve up a bit of everything, without the crowds.
Galapagos iguana © Shutterstock
There’s no bad time to visit the Galápagos — but there is a right time for what you want to see. Some months bring perfect snorkeling conditions. Others deliver awkward albatross dances or newborn sea lion pups. This breakdown cuts through the guesswork, so you can time your trip to the action that matters most.
January sees Galapagos marine and land iguanas start their mating season, with the marine variety putting on an especially incredible show.
During this season, they change colour to display vibrant shades of red, green, and black.
January is also mating season for Galapagos sea lions, and a top time to witness land birds’ courtship rituals before they nest. Look out for cormorants, penguins, red footed and Nazca boobies and frigate birds.
With the waters around the Galapagos at their peak temperature in February, and offering peak visibility, this is one of the best months to visit the Galapagos to snorkel.
The Galapagos Islands are at their sunniest at the time of year, experiencing their first rains in January or February.
With precipitation usually contained to the highlands, it’s also a top time to hike higher ground to see blooming flowers and an abundance of insects, finches, and mockingbird chicks.
March might just be one of the best times to visit the Galápagos — if you’re after wildlife action and don’t mind a bit of rain. It’s the peak of the wet season, but showers usually hit in the morning or early afternoon, clearing up for sun-drenched hikes and photography. By the end of the month, the rains ease off, and the islands stay lush and vibrant.
The seas are warm, the visibility is great, and snorkeling conditions are at their best. You’ve also got a good shot at seeing Galápagos penguins darting through the water. Green turtles come ashore to nest, and both land and marine iguanas start digging in for egg-laying season.
In short, March is hot, wild, and full of life — ideal for travelers who want to see the islands in full swing.
Seal on San Cristobal Island, the Galapagos © Shutterstock
The weather in the Galapagos in April sees average air temperatures in the range of 72°F to 88°F/ 22°C and 30°C.
From the end of March (you stand a better chance of seeing more through April), Española Island sees Galapagos albatrosses — AKA waved albatrosses — return.
They lay eggs from mid-April through to June, with chicks flying the nest from December to January.
April also sees the hatching season for giant tortoises come to a close, and you still stand a good chance of seeing hatchlings.
At the same time, green turtle hatchlings begin to emerge from the sand and make their way to the sea. Meanwhile, over on Isabela Island, you could get to see land iguana hatchlings.
Being cooler than the preceding months, May is a good time to take to the islands’ hiking and biking trails. Fresh from the rainy season, the landscapes will be gorgeously lush.
Santa Cruz, for example, has a network of paths that connect Puerto Ayora town with the island’s highlands.
Over on Isabela Island, you could cycle to the Muro de las lagrimas (Wall of Tears), or tackle a thrilling downhill route from Sierra Negra volcano.
When it comes to avian action, May sees North Seymour’s blue-footed boobies start their strange courtship dance, while waved albatrosses begin to lay eggs on Española.
Head to Santa Cruz Island in June to see iconic giant tortoises migrate from the highlands for their mating season.
June also sees groups of humpback whales migrate up along the coast of Ecuador, with many reaching the Galapagos through the month.
June also sees female sea lions begin to deliver their pups.
Blue footed boobies with iguana, Galapagos © reisegraf.ch/Shutterstock
Similar to June, July is a great month to visit if you want to watch whales and dolphins, and see sea lions breed.
You won’t be disappointed when it comes to bird action, either. For example, this is nesting season for blue-footed boobies, and the waved albatross.
Of special note, though, is the fact that July is one of the best months to spot huge whale sharks on a diving trip.
As for where to dive, head to Darwin Island and Wolf Island, which have justified reps for being among the world’s best dive sites.
Visit the Galapagos in August, and you could get to see sea lion pups in huge numbers.
In addition, while it’s possible to see Santa Cruz’s giant tortoises around the year, the best time to see them is in the highlands between June and December.
When it comes to avian action, flamingos and Galapagos hawks begin their mating rituals in August.
This is also a mighty fine month to see Galapagos penguins. Sitting within their May-September breeding and nesting season, August offers opportunities to see them active along shorelines.
Falling after peak-season July and August, September is a good time to visit the Galapagos Islands if you’re looking to save some cash and prefer smaller crowds.
This month also sees Bartolome Island play host to huge numbers of Galapagos penguins. Take a boat trip to see them swimming around Pinnacle Rock.
In addition, September is also a great time to see sea lions, especially around North Seymour, the Plaza Islands, and Santa Fe Islands.
Galapagos marine iguanas, Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz island © Shutterstock
Very special avian treats await in October — the chance to see blue-footed booby chicks and lava herons.
October is also an especially great time for photography, thanks to the spectacular sunrises you can see over the western islands.
And, thanks to the Humboldt current, snorkelling the Galapagos in October offers the chance to see a great variety of fish, and an increased chance of seeing green sea turtles.
After coming into the world in August, by December, sea lion pups are in playful mode – keep an eye out for them having a whole lot of fun on the shore and in the water.
November is also a great month for you to follow suit. Take a kayaking trip along the shores to see mangroves up close, while looking out for sea lions and marine iguanas.
Visiting the Galapagos Islands in December offers a mix of wildlife encounters and outdoor activities as the warm season — and peak tourist season — ramps up.
Taking us full circle to where we kicked off in January, December is a top time to witness some remarkable courtship rituals. For example, visit Española Island to see how waved albatrosses hook up.
Meanwhile, iconic blue-footed boobies will be doing their distinctive "sky-pointing" dance on North Seymour or Española.
December is also a wonderful time to relax on the Galapagos' beautiful beaches when they’re blissfully warm.
For example, gorgeous Gardner Bay and Tortuga Bay offer white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the opportunity to chill and swim in the company of sea lions.
This being a high season month, expect the vibe to be lively.
Galapagos giant tortoise © Maridav/Shutterstock
The Galápagos isn’t just about the landscapes — it’s about what’s crawling, swimming, flying, and hatching across them. This is Ecuador wildlife at its most extreme, and timing your visit around animal activity can take your trip from great to unforgettable. Here’s what to look for, and when.
Forget the idea of a single “best” time. Different seasons bring different spectacles:
| Season | Wildlife highlights |
|---|---|
| January-March | Sea turtles nesting, marine iguanas mating, and land birds in full breeding plumage. |
| April-June | Albatross courtship on Española, blue-footed booby mating dances, sea lion pups born. |
| July-September | Whale and dolphin sightings, Galápagos penguins are active near Isabela and Fernandina. |
| October-December | Sea lion mating season, giant tortoise hatching, and ongoing seabird nesting. |
Most species follow the rhythm of the seasons, not your holiday schedule. Plan ahead:
| Activity | Species | Peak months |
|---|---|---|
| Nesting | Sea turtles | January-March |
| Marine iguanas | February-March | |
| Waved albatross | April-June | |
| Hatching | Giant tortoises | December-April |
| Seabirds (various) | Mainly May-October | |
| Mating | Sea lions | August |
| Frigatebirds | March-June | |
| Marine and land iguanas | January-March |
| Species | When to see them |
|---|---|
| Galápagos penguins | Most active in cooler waters — best from July to September. |
| Blue-footed boobies | Peak courtship dances in May and June. |
| Waved albatross | Arrive in April, with dramatic displays starting in May. |
| Giant tortoises | Active all year, but nesting and hatching from December to April. |
Blue-footed booby Galapagos Islands © Shutterstock
When it comes to timing your trip, how you explore the Galápagos makes a big difference. Cruises and land-based trips follow the same seasons, but how you experience them is a whole different story.
Cruises run year-round, but timing your trip makes a real difference — not just for price and availability, but for where you'll actually go. The high season, from June to August and again in mid-December to January, is the busiest. These months are popular for good reason: warm seas, school holidays, and dramatic wildlife activity.
Boats filling up fastest tend to follow the more iconic western and southern routes — think Isabela’s lava fields, Fernandina’s penguins, and Española’s albatross colonies. If you're eyeing those once-in-a-lifetime spots, book well ahead. The best ships and cabins often disappear six to twelve months in advance.
In the quieter months — May, September, and October — you’ll still find plenty of wildlife and fewer people elbowing for deck space. Cruises during these off-peak times often focus on central and northern routes, covering islands like Santa Cruz, Genovesa, and Bartolomé. These areas offer standout snorkeling and birdlife, with calmer waters and better deals.
Staying on dry land — whether on Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal, or Isabela — gives you more freedom to plan as you go. The rainy season, from December to May, makes for excellent hiking: the islands are greener, trails are less dusty, and afternoon showers don’t usually get in the way. If you're more into community vibes and a laid-back pace, the shoulder months of May and November are ideal — quiet villages, relaxed tours, and easier chats with locals.
And if you’re prone to seasickness? Land-based travel is your best friend. Between July and September, the seas get choppier thanks to the Humboldt Current. Cruises and inter-island ferries can be rough going, so staying put might save your stomach.
Marine iguana, Fernandina Island, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador @ Shutterstock
Still got questions? You're not alone. Whether you're figuring out when to go, what to pack, or how much rain is too much rain, this section cuts through the fluff. From wildlife timing to weather quirks, here’s what you actually need to know before heading to the Galápagos — or if you’re just starting to think about how to plan a trip to Ecuador.
The rainy (or "warm") season runs from December to May. Don’t let the word rainy scare you off — it's more about brief afternoon showers than days of downpour. Skies stay mostly sunny, the sea is warm, and underwater visibility is excellent for snorkeling. The islands are also greener and more photogenic during this time.
September takes the title here. It’s the heart of the cool, dry season, when air and sea temperatures drop thanks to the Humboldt Current. It's not freezing by any means — just expect cooler breezes, choppier seas, and colder water (you’ll want a wetsuit if you're diving or snorkeling).
Iguana, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador @ Shutterstock
If you’re looking to save cash, aim for the low and shoulder seasons — May, September, October, and November. Flights, cruises, and hotels are generally more affordable, and you’ll dodge the crowds. Wildlife is still out in force, so you won’t miss out by going off-peak.
Yes — absolutely. The Galápagos is a year-round wildlife destination. Different animals are active in different months, but you’ll never come up empty. Whether it's sea lion pups in August, nesting turtles in February, or dancing blue-footed boobies in May, there’s always something incredible to see.
There’s no bad time to visit, but there are times that might be less ideal depending on what you’re after. Mid-December to January and June to August are high season — great for wildlife, but expect crowds and higher prices. Book early if you’re going then.
February to April can be uncomfortably humid and wet, especially if you're not a fan of tropical heat. And September brings the roughest seas and coldest water — less fun for snorkelers and those prone to seasickness.
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 17.04.2025
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