Weather in the Galapagos in June

Considering visiting the Galapagos Islands? Though they’re a year-round destination, if you’re hoping to witness particular wildlife wonders, you’ll need to wise up on what to expect during different seasons. With that in mind, read on to find out about the weather in the Galapagos in June, along with a run-down of what you can see and do in this Ecuadorian gem through the month. 

Is June a good time to visit the Galapagos Islands?

First up, there’s not really a bad time to visit the Galapagos Islands. They really are a year-round destination, with each month offering something different in terms of what you can see and do, not least when it comes to wildlife. 

As for June, this month marks the start of the Garua season — the drier, cooler period that runs until December.

Translating to “mist” in Spanish, the Garua season — and the Galapagos weather in June — is characterised by lower temperatures, and some overcast days, with sporadic drizzle or mist (garúa). While the sun does shine, mornings and evenings are often foggy.

Alongside having a pleasant cooler climate, June also offers a diversity of wildlife experiences, from the mating rituals of waved albatrosses and great frigate birds, to humpback whale migrations. We cover all this — and more — below.

One thing to note about visiting the Galapagos in June is that while you can certainly still snorkel, note that visibility won’t be as great as it is earlier in the year. In addition, tradewinds mean the sea can be choppy. So, consider visiting earlier if snorkelling is top of your list.

Editor's tip: love underwater adventuring? Check out our customisable Galapagos Diving Adventure.

Average temperatures in the Galapagos Islands in June

The Galapagos weather in June is characterised by an average daily high of 26°C (79°F), and an average daily low of 21°C (69.8°F). Meanwhile, the average sea temperature is 23°C (73.4°F).

Expect rainfall to be around 2cm, but note this falls mainly in the highlands.

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

What about crowds and costs?

The Galapagos Islands essentially has two peak seasons. The most pronounced of these runs from mid-December to mid-January, while a second high season runs from mid-June to late August.

As a result, if you want smaller crowds and lower costs for trips and tours, you’re better off visiting in early June. Crowds, demand and prices increase as the month wears on.

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

Ready for your dream trip to Ecuador in June?

Before booking your June trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos, take a look at our suggested itineraries.

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.

Browse more itinerary ideas.

What to do in the Galapagos Islands in June

Bird-lovers, in particular, will be spoiled for choice when it comes to planning what to do in the Galapagos Islands in June. 

Be wowed by birds

June is an especially rewarding month to visit the Galapagos Islands if you’re into avian activity. Firstly, you’ll get to see waved albatrosses strut their ritual mating stuff on Espanola. 

Meanwhile, Genovesa plays host to great frigate bird courtship rituals. The sight of the males puffing out their scarlet gullet sacks is quite something.

At the same time, the cooler waters herald breeding season for stacks of other seabirds, among them blue-footed boobies, tropicbirds and cormorants. 

If that wasn’t enough, southern migrant birds head north during this period, with the Galapagos being a rest stop.

See giant tortoises migrate

Head to Santa Cruz Island to see iconic giant tortoises migrate from the highlands for their mating season.

Watch whales and sea lion pups

While cetaceans are present in waters around these parts around the year, June sees groups of humpback whales migrate up along the coast of Ecuador, with many reaching Galapagos through the month.

June also sees female sea lions begin to deliver their pups.

Hike and bike

Lastly, with the Galapagos weather in June being cooler, you might find hiking and biking all the more pleasant. 

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.