Weather in the Galapagos in February

Thinking of visiting the glorious Galapagos Islands? Great choice! But if you’re not sure when to visit to make the most of this Ecuadorian wonder, read on to find out about the weather in the Galapagos in February. Here we also share tips on what to do and see during this month, and some inspirational itinerary suggestions. 

Is February a good time to visit the Galapagos Islands?

Chances are, if you’re considering visiting the Galapagos, wildlife-watching is on your mind, along with water-based activities like snorkelling and diving. And the good news is, February is a great time to visit the Galapagos Islands to enjoy both activities. 

First up, the waters are warm at this time of year. In fact, they're actually at their peak temperature in February. Also offering peak visibility, this is one of the best months to visit the Galapagos to snorkel and dive. 

Secondly, the Galapagos Islands are at their sunniest at the time of year, and also experience their first rains in January or February, with precipitation usually contained to the highlands. 

As a result, hikers who head to the highlands in February will see blooming flowers, lusher trees, an abundance of insects, plus finch and mockingbird chicks.

February is also the ideal time to visit to see green sea turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. 

For more inspiration, talk to our local experts, and check out our customisable Galapagos itinerary and Ecuador itinerary. 

Average temperatures in Galapagos Islands in February

The Galapagos weather in February sees an average daily high of 29 °C (85°F), and an average daily low of  24°C (76°F).

Meanwhile, the water will be a blissful 25°C (77°F).

Wondering about the rain? This averages 91.4mm (3.6 inches). Note that this mainly fails in the highlands, with coastal areas remaining dry.

Looking for even more options for your winter getaway? Explore our guide to the best places for a February holiday.

What about crowds and costs?

Sitting in the Galapagos warm season (also known as the rainy season, or “green season”) that runs from December until May, February is a great time to visit, not least for snorkellers, divers and wildlife watchers. As a result, don’t expect to have the islands to yourself.

That said, the main peak season month of the Galapagos is December, so visiting in February won’t be nearly as crowded — or expensive — as the islands are around the holiday season. 

We still recommend booking early to secure the best prices on transport and tours, though.

Still wondering when to visit? Read our guides to the best time to visit Galapagos and the best time to visit Ecuador.

Ready for your dream trip to Ecuador in February?

If you’re ready to enjoy the magic of Ecuador and the Galapagos in February, take a moment to browse our itineraries before booking your trip. 

100% customisable, and curated in conjunction with a local expert, they take the hassle out of planning and are set to ensure you make the most of your trip. Here are a few food-for-thought itineraries:

• Galapagos Special — three islands in ten days (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 (17 days) : Spend seven nights on a luxurious 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 (12 days): 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. 

Want to learn more useful information before your upcoming trip to Ecuador? Read our travel tips for traveling to Ecuador. You might also find it helpful to read about what you need to know before traveling to Ecuador.

What to do in the Galapagos Islands in February

It's fair to say, visiting the Galapagos Islands in February offers travellers a rich diversity of unique experiences. Read on to find out about a few of them.

Snorkelling and diving

As mentioned above, the weather in the Galapagos in February means the water is at its warmest, and most visible. As a result, February is a top time to visit to snorkel and dive.

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

Turtle-watching

With opportunities to see the islands’ famous giant tortoises around the year, February is notable for being a top time to green sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. 

It really is a magical experience, and one you’re unlikely to forget. 

Bird-watching

While you can see many species of bird in the Galapagos around the year (e.g. red-footed and masked boobies breed and nest year-round, while magnificent frigate birds breed year-round on North Seymour Island), February sees rather special avian action.

For example, Bahama pintail ducks (black-tailed pintail) start their breeding season in February. At the same time, greater flamingos start nesting on Floreana Island.

Meanwhile, masked boobies are coming to the end of their nesting season on Española Island, just as the nesting season of the Galapagos dove reaches its peak.

Get lucky, and you’ll also see finches nesting, and courtship displays of both finches and mockingbirds. 

A word of warning though — in February penguin sightings are rare on Bartolome Island. This is because most of the population has already moved to cooler waters to the west

Other wildlife to watch in February

Note that dolphins and whales are seen here around the year, so you shouldn’t have an issue seeing some cetacean action if you visit in February.

In terms of reptiles, February is a great time to visit to see marine iguanas nest on Santa Cruz Island.

For more ideas, discover the best things to do in Ecuador.

Visit the Galapagos Islands in other months 

Before booking your trip, discover what to expect of the Galapagos weather around the year.

• January: this full swing warm season month means blue skies, occasional rain showers and the chance to see curious courtship rituals. 
• 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.