Weather in the Galapagos in July

Though the glorious Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination, if you’re hoping to enjoy particular experiences — especially when it comes to wildlife-watching — you’ll want to wise up on what to expect during different seasons. So, here we present everything you need to know about the Galapagos weather in July, along with tips on what to see and do in this Ecuadorian stunner during the month. 

Is July a good time to visit the Galapagos Islands?

First things first — there’s not really a bad time to visit the Galapagos Islands. Deciding when to visit will depend on what you most want to see and do, your budget, and whether you’re OK with peak season crowds (and prices).

July is a good time to visit if you’re not keen on super-hot temperatures, or rain. The Galapagos weather in July is cooler than preceding months and dry — all the better for hiking and biking activities.

In terms of wildlife, July is a great month to visit to watch whales and dolphins, and see sea lions breed. You won’t be disappointed when it comes to bird action, either – we cover that in detail below. 

Just bear in mind that with July (and August) sitting within the school holiday period, this is one of the busiest times to visit the Galapagos. Only December sees bigger numbers of tourists. 

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

Average temperatures in the Galapagos Islands in July

The Galapagos weather in July is characterised by cool, dry conditions. We’re talking an average of just 0.5 inches of rainfall in 31 days, and an average air temperature of 26°C (79°F).

We suggest coming prepared for cooler evenings and nights — bring light pullovers to stay warm around the clock.

Meanwhile, expect the sea temperature to be around 22°C.

What about crowds and costs?

As touched on above, July sits within one of two high seasons in the Galapagos. The most marked of these runs from mid-December to mid-January, while a second peak season runs from mid-June to late August.

During these periods, expect higher costs for accommodation, trips and tours, along with bigger crowds. 

As a result, it goes without saying that if you prefer smaller crowds and are on a budget, you might want to visit in early June, or during other non-peak-season months.

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

Ready for your dream trip to Ecuador in July?

Before booking your July trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos, take a look at our suggested itineraries to find more inspiration.

Fully customisable, with a local expert on hand to take care of booking exactly what you want, they take the hassle out of planning your perfect trip. Here are a few sample itineraries:

• 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 wildlife 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.

What to do in the Galapagos Islands in July

As seasons — and life cycles — shift, the Galapagos Islands serve something different during every month, with July offering plenty in the way of marine-watching activities, underwater adventures, and bird action. 

See whale sharks on a dive

July happens to be one of the best months to spot huge whale sharks on a diving trip.

As for where to dive, it doesn’t get better than around Darwin Island and Wolf Island, which have a justified reputation for being among the world’s best dive sites. 

Alongside showcasing incredible marine life, coral reefs and underwater volcanic cliffs, the waters around these parts are home to the world’s largest shark biomass.

Editors’ tip: love underwater adventuring? Check out our customisable Galapagos Diving Adventure.

Watch whales and sea lions

July heralds the start of whale-watching season in the Galapagos, with trips to the Bolivar Channel between Isabela and Fernandina islands offering your best chance of seeing them.

July also marks the start of sea lion breeding season. 

Be wowed by birds

Bird life in the Galapagos Islands is notably active — and unique — during July. For example, this is nesting season for blue-footed boobies (along with other boobies), and the huge waved albatross. Get lucky, and you might see some fluffy hatchlings from early nestings.

At the same time, you could see flightless cormorants courting and nesting – the ritual is something you won’t forget in a hurry.

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

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.