What is the Climate Like on the Galapagos Islands?
A haven for some of the world’s most unique species, the Galapagos Islands have become a bit of a household name when it comes to the best destinations for wildlife.
And considering that most of the islands’ attractions lie outdoors, it is only natural to wonder “what is the climate like on the Galapagos islands” as you plan your trip to this unspoilt paradise.
The Galapagos Islands dish up a taste of nature at its finest, drawing in admirers from all over the world looking to explore one of the most biodiverse places on earth. In fact, the islands attracted the attention of none other than Charles Darwin, history’s most famous biologist.
In light of the glorious creatures and landscapes waiting to be explored, we have gathered together some key information on the weather in the Galapagos Islands. This article will help you get clued up on the best time to visit the archipelago and help you plan an incredible trip to this special part of the world.
Where are the Galapagos Islands?
Before diving into seasons and temperatures, you may be wondering where the Galapagos Islands are on a map. Getting to grips with the location of the archipelago is an excellent way to get a grasp of the weather conditions that you should expect during your visit.
The Galapagos islands lie on the equator and are a series of landmasses sprinkled along the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 kilometres west of Ecuador. Thanks to this middle-of-the-road location, the climate does not vary dramatically throughout the year.
However, oceanic currents do affect the islands’ weather conditions. Cold water currents called the Humboldt current flow in from the west and south, altering the climate of the area.
As a result, the weather patterns of the archipelago are certainly not set in stone and can be rather unpredictable at times.
The Weather in the Galapagos Islands
The Humboldt current is responsible for the climate of the Galapagos islands being what Charles Darwin described in his book, the Voyage of the Beagle, as “far from being excessively hot”, despite being “placed directly under the equator.”
The islands have a subtropical, semi-arid climate, giving them a rather hot rainy season and a cool, cloudy dry season. It’s fair to say that both periods come with their own benefits.
So, when it comes to the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands, it’s a case of seeing which season best aligns with your interests.
The Seasons of the Galapagos Islands
As you now know, the Galapagos islands have two distinct seasons, the warm wet season which runs from December to May and the cool, dry season which takes place between June and November.
Deciding which season is best for you can seem like a high-stakes task. Yet, both seasons are in fact rather warm, with temperatures ranging from 21°C-30°C. This means that this unique archipelago does not have a true high or low season, unlike most destinations.
Galapagos Wet Season
Climate in the Galapagos Islands During Wet Season
The Galapagos wet season lasts from December until May and usually sees temperatures of around 32°C. Sea temperatures also tend to be a bit higher during this period, with highs of 21°C. Plus, the waters are at their calmest.
Wildlife in the Galapagos Islands During Wet Season
Given the forgiving sea and air temperatures, the Galapagos Islands’ rainy season is a great time to visit for anyone wanting to delve in and explore the archipelago’s vibrant undersea life. With residents including hammerheads, dolphins and sea lions, you’ll definitely want to check out the best dive sites in this marine utopia.
Don’t let the name of this period put you off, as rainfall does not tend to pose too much of an issue during this season. Usually arriving in the afternoon and departing by the evening, the showers are unlikely to derail your plans too much.
What’s more, the islands’ plants are in their prime during this season, debuting at their most lush and flourishing. And with the rich vegetation comes an abundance of food for the land animals, drawing in all kinds of incredible creatures
Thus, the wet season is a wonderful time to visit if you’re looking to spot lots of land-based animals in the Galapagos islands, such as the famous Galapagos turtles.
Galapagos Dry Season
Climate in the Galapagos Islands During Dry Season
The weather in the Galapagos Islands is a little cooler during the dry season. Nothing too dramatic however, as average temperatures hover around 19°C. Lasting from June until December, the dry season is another wonderful time to visit the Galapagos.
One of the most distinguishing features of this period is the mist that hangs in the air. The term “Gaura” refers to this fog which tends to be cast over the sky during this period.
Wildlife in the Galapagos Islands During Dry Season
There are certainly plenty of things to see in the Galapagos Islands during the dry season. In the water, the plankton blooms, attracting whale sharks along and lots of other amazing sea creatures who venture in search of food.
As a result, the dry season is one of the best times to visit the Galapagos for those looking to investigate the archipelago’s sea creatures. This time of year also happens to be the breeding season for many sea and shore birds, marine iguanas, sea lions and fur seals.
Best Time to Visit the Galapagos Islands
As with the seasons, each month of the year can offer an incredibly unique experience. Consequently, the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands can be a matter of personal preference
The most popular times to visit the archipelago are the Christmas, Easter and Spring Break holidays. As a result, flight prices tend to be a touch higher during these times of the year.
That being said, these periods are popular for a reason!
For example, along with tying in with school holidays, December to February is one of the best times to visit the Galapagos Islands as temperatures begin to rise and calmer seas allow for excellent underwater visibility. This offers optimum conditions for snorkelling, one of the best things to do on the islands.
April and May are also seen as some of the best months to visit the Galapagos Islands. You stand the best chance of seeing the spectacular waved albatross birds in April, while May is the transitional time between the dry and rainy seasons and offers a great variety of wildlife.
Yet, if you’re dreaming of visiting the islands at their most tranquil, you might be best avoiding these periods altogether in favour of the quieter months.
The Galapagos Islands in Spring
As the transition period between the wet and rainy seasons, spring is a fantastic time to visit the Galapagos Islands as it offers a chance to enjoy the benefits of both seasons. As a result, you can see both the land and sea animals at their most abundant and flourishing.
The wet season’s warm water temperatures linger while air temperatures begin to cool, offering very pleasant conditions for exploring the islands.
One of the best things about visiting the Galapagos Islands in Spring is witnessing the Blue-footed boobies’ mating ritual. An elaborate spectacle of dancing, beak shaking and flashing turquoise toes, it truly is an incredible sight to see.
The Galapagos Islands in Summer
Temperatures tend to be a touch cooler in the Galapagos Islands during the summer months as the islands move into the dry season, meaning the Humboldt Current flows in from Antarctica.
Yet, these cold currents bring in plenty of nutrients for the sea creatures, drawing them towards the islands and offering a wonderful opportunity to see lots of sea creatures. It is worth noting that summer can be quite a busy time to visit thanks to the school holidays.
Yet, the islands are never going to get as crowded as some of the more mainstream parts of the world. Plus, the comfortable temperatures mean it is a brilliant time to go hiking and bird watching.
The Galapagos Islands in Autumn
The hubbub of the summer months starts to dwindle by Autumn, leaving you to explore the islands in more tranquil conditions. Falling towards the end of the dry season, these months have less cool winds and very little rain.
In fact, temperatures tend to be pleasantly warm. A benefit to visiting the Galapagos Islands in Autumn is that the turtles and penguins are at their most active. If you’re looking to see the penguins, head to Isabela or Fernandina Island.
The turtles on the other hand can be seen in coastal waters throughout the archipelago. The cooler, dry weather also makes the conditions perfect for hiking in the Galapagos.
The Galapagos Islands in Winter
Known as one of the best times to visit the Galapagos Islands, the weather conditions in winter lend themselves perfectly to tourists, with temperatures hovering around 23°C.
While the chance of rainfall is high, showers tend to be short and take place overnight, so are unlikely to interfere with your plans too much. Winter is a particularly interesting time of year to go to the islands because the giant tortoises are in hatching season.
Thus, you can expect to bump into the hefty critters’ precious newborns. Much smaller than their full-grown parents, the babies weigh around 68g and are a truly adorable sight to see.
Summary
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting the Galapagos Islands, you are certainly in for a treat - no matter when you’re going. A natural haven, you will see some of the most extraordinary creatures in existence and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.
However, considering that the highlights of the archipelago lie in their marvellous array of wildlife and landscape, you would be right to wonder, “what is the climate of the Galapagos Islands” while organising your trip.
With two distinct seasons, you can experience the islands in a way depending on when you visit. The rainier weather brings the islands’ plant life into its prime and draws in land-based animals, while the colder currents of the dry season bring in nutrients, making for a very active marine population.
You are set to be spellbound by the creatures in the Galapagos Islands no matter what time you visit. Yet, one season might appeal to you more depending on your hobbies and interests, so it is best to get clued up on the climate before you go.
If the awe-inspiring wildlife of the Galapagos Islands has caught your attention, Touring Galapagos has a fabulous array of cruises and holiday packages on offer. All it takes to turn your dreams into a reality is to get in touch so we can help you plan the most extraordinary trip possible.