Best Time to Visit Galapagos Islands

General & Geography

The Islas Galápagos are a group of islands in the eastern Pacific Ocean in the west of the mainland of Ecuador. Because of their breathtaking flora and fauna, the Galapagos Islands have been declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, and around 98% of the entire island area is now under nature conservation.

Of the more than 100 islands and islets, only five are permanently inhabited. Most important for tourism is the Isla Santa Cruz with the capital Puerto Ayora, which is also the largest of the Galapagos Islands.

The isolated location of the Galapagos Islands has led to the emergence of numerous endemic species that make the hearts of animal and nature lovers from all over the world beat faster. The local finches were the cornerstone of Charles Darwin’s book “The Origin of Species”.

Whether giant turtles, boobies, sea bears and sea lions, large sea lizards or land iguanas – new discoveries await behind every stone. With 149 species of birds, the Galapagos Islands are also a paradise for ornithologists.

The journey to Galápagos is mostly via Quito or Guayaquil on the mainland of Ecuador. There are usually at least three daily flights to the islands, whose main airports are located on the islands of San Cristobal and Baltra.

From Baltra a bridge leads directly to Puerto Ayora, the tourist centre and starting point of many Galapagos trips. Many cruises, the most frequent type of travel on the islands, also start their tours from here.

Climate on the Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)

The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador are located at equatorial altitude, yet have rather moderate climatic conditions due to the refreshing effect of the eastern Pacific. In general, only two seasons can be distinguished on the Galápagos Islands:

At the beginning of December, air temperatures rise significantly, causing greater evaporation of seawater and creating cloud formations that create a rather humid, subtropical climate on the islands by January at the latest.

This wetter season (not a classic rainy season despite increased rainfall) from December to May is ideal for wildlife watching, as reptiles as well as mammals and birds are now giving birth to their offspring.

In addition, the temperatures are pleasantly warm and there are also more sunny days than in the dry season. Snorkellers and divers also find ideal conditions at this time. During the month of May the temperatures cool down noticeably and start the dry season.

The dry season brings more frequent clouds and colder temperatures, so that a wetsuit or neoprene suit is necessary especially for snorkeling. Especially between September and November the sea is often rough and high waves make the boat trips sometimes very demanding.