Galapagos Travel Planner

Galapagos Travel Planner - When to Visit

Located on the equator, the Galapagos Islands are subject to oceanic currents that influence temperatures on the archipelago. However, the weather is pleasant, at any time of the year.

January to March is considered the hot/wet season, March being the hottest month of the year. The islands are flourishing with plant life, and the water temperature is ideal for snorkelling and diving at this time of year.

Because of the climate changes in July through September, there’s less rain and the islands are drier, though cooler. The water temperature drops considerably, though this is the ideal time of year to see more aquatic life, as the animals prefer the colder currents.

The principle regulator of the climate of the Galapagos is the temperature of the ocean surface and ocean currents, creating microclimates on the islands influencing the particular flora and fauna habitats found on each island.

When choosing the time of year to visit the Galapagos, prioritize. Decide what you would rather do and see, as not all animals are present at all times of year. This depends greatly on the season and climate.

To assist you in this "difficult choice" we have prepared an Island wildlife activity calendar to tell you what goes on in the Galapagos Islands every month of the year.

Please keep in mind that this is just a general overview. Galapagos is also affected from the world wide climate changes so that the temperatures are just an average and due to the changed weather conditions the behaviour of the animals might also change.

January

- Beginning of the rainy season
- Land birds start nesting, generally after the first rain
- On Hood (Española) Island adult marine iguanas become brightly colored (green & red + black)
- The green sea turtles arrive to beaches on the Galapagos for egg laying period
- Land iguanas begin reproductive cycles on Isabela Island
- Warm marine currents arrive; both, water and air temperatures rise and stay warm until June
- Ideal time for snorkelling

February

- On Floreana Island greater flamingos start nesting
- Bahama pintail ducks (Black-tailed pintail) start their breeding season
- Nazca (masked) boobies on Española are at the end of their nesting season
- Marine iguanas nest on Santa Cruz Island
- The highest water temperature reaches 25ºC (77F). This temperature remains constant until April
- Very few penguins are sighted at Bartolome Island (most have followed the cool waters back to the west or near up welling areas)
- Nesting season of the Galapagos dove reaches its peak

March

- The rainy season reaches the highest precipitation (this does not mean it rains everyday)
- Sporadic tropical rains, intense sun and hot climate. Air temperature can reach up to 30C (86F). Humidity is high.
- Marine iguanas nest on Fernandina
- March 21st, the beginning of the summer equinox signals the arrival of the waved albatross to Española.
- Even the western islands have warm waters where snorkelling is excellent. Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela) can be an amazing site. Penguins still active in the water, next to tropical fish! (How bizarre!)
- Some shores, especially those facing the north side, can receive deep surge (ola de fondo) coming from the northern currents. Wet landings at places like Puerto Egas, Gardner Bay, Bartolome can sometimes be a challenge.
- Snorkelers will remain long periods of time in the water by choice, marine life is very active.

April

- Massive arrival of waved albatrosses to Española. Amazing courtship starts.
- End of hatching season of the giant tortoises.
- Eggs of green sea turtles begin to hatch.
- Eggs of land iguanas hatch on Isabela.
- While the rains have ended, the islands quite continue green.
- Good visibility in the water for snorkelers.
- Perhaps, together with May, the best months in Galapagos (weather, animals, water temperature).

May

- North Seymour's blue-footed boobies begin their courtship.
- Sea turtles are still hatching on Gardner Bay, Punta Cormorant, and Puerto Egas.
- Most of marine iguanas' eggs hatch from nests on Santa Cruz.
- Palo Santo trees begin to shed their foliage.
- Waved albatross on Española start laying their eggs.
- Ban-rumped storm petrels begin their first nesting period.

June

- Beginning of the garúa season.
- Giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island migrate from the highlands to the lowlands in search of suitable nesting places
- Beginning of the nesting season of giant tortoises
- South east trade winds return. Currents become a bit stronger. Seas pick up in surge and wave action.
- Many red pouches by males of Magnificent Frigate birds on North Seymour.
- Southern migrants have started their journey towards the north. Galapagos is a rest stop for such birds. Some species of cetaceans also follow this pattern of migration.
- Some groups of Humpback whales that migrate up to equatorial latitudes along the coast of Ecuador can reach the Galapagos too.

July

- Sea bird communities are very active (breeding), especially the Blue footed boobies on Española.
- Flightless cormorants perform beautiful courtship rituals and nesting activities on Fernandina.
- If you walk along the shores of Puerto Egas (Santiago Island) you could find American oystercatchers nesting.
- Lava lizards initiate mating rituals until November
- Cetaceans (whales & dolphins) are more likely to be observed, specially off the western coast of Isabela
- Great month to see the four stages of nesting in Blue footed boobies: eggs, chicks, juveniles and subadults.
- Water temperature does not reach more than 21C (68F)

August

- Galapagos hawks court on Española and Santiago
- Nazca (masked) boobies and Swallow-tailed gulls nest on Genovesa Island
- The temperature of the ocean drops to 18C (64F), which obviously varies according to the geographic zones among the islands.
- Migrant shore birds start to arrive, and stay on the islands until March
- Giant tortoises return to the highlands of Santa Cruz
- Oceans are quite choppy, currents at the strongest levels, surge can be expected along the shores that face west or south
- Pupping season (births) of sea lions has started. Western and central islands are common places for such sightings.

September

- Peak of the cold (garúa) season
- The air temperature reaches its lowest levels (19C-66F)
- Galapagos Penguins show remarkable activity on Bartolome.
- Since May swimmers and snorkelers can be delighted at Bartolome with penguins active at the surface or torpedo-like while underwater.
- Sea lions are very active. Females have reached oestrus stage, and so harem-gathering males are constantly barking and fighting. Shore fighting is heavy. Western and central islands are the most active ones in terms of sea lions' activities.
- Most species of sea birds remain quite active at their nesting sites.

October

- Peak of the cold (garúa) season
- The air temperature reaches its lowest levels (19C-66F)
- Galapagos Penguins show remarkable activity on Bartolome.
- Since May swimmers and snorkelers can be delighted at Bartolome with penguins active at the surface or torpedo-like while underwater.
- Sea lions are very active. Females have reached oestrus stage, and so harem-gathering males are constantly barking and fighting. Shore fighting is heavy. Western and central islands are the most active ones in terms of sea lions' activities.
- Most species of sea birds remain quite active at their nesting sites.

November

- Pupping of sea lions continue.
- Sea lions are sexually active on the eastern part of the archipelago.
- Breeding season for the brown noddies
- Some species of jellyfish can be seen around the islands.
- The genus Physalia is commonly seen floating around Gardner and Tortuga Islets. Some can also be seen stranded at the shores of the Flour Beach at Floreana.
- Band-rumped storm petrels begin their second nesting period
- Seas are calm. South east trade winds have decreased strength. Water temperatures are slowly rising.
- Generally great weather due to transition between one season and the next one
- Good visibility for snorkelers
- Sea lion pups (especially at Champion Islet) play aqua-aerobics next to snorkelers. Most pups here are curious enough to nibble at fins of snorkelers. The average age of most pups is 3-4 months.

December

- Hatching of giant tortoise's eggs begins and lasts until April
- Green sea turtles display their mating behaviour
- The rainy season begins; all of the plants of the dry zone produce leaves. Galapagos becomes "green"
- The first young waved albatrosses fledge
- Great weather