Best Time of Year to Visit the Galápagos Islands

Seasonal Planning for Galápagos Islands Travel

The best time to visit the Galápagos Islands is generally from December to May, when warmer weather, calmer seas, and excellent underwater visibility create ideal conditions for snorkeling, diving, wildlife excursions, and island-hopping cruises. These rainy months also bring lush green landscapes, sunny skies (after brief storms), and warmer ocean temperatures, plus the chance to see nesting sea turtles, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and active sea lion colonies. February through April is often considered the sweet spot, offering the best balance of weather, wildlife activity, and comfortable sailing conditions.

That said, the Galápagos is a year-round destination, and the dry season from June to November appeals to experienced divers and wildlife enthusiasts. Nutrient-rich currents attract hammerheads, whale sharks, dolphins, rays, and large schools of fish, though the ocean can be rougher and colder, and the weather cooler and mistier, particularly from July through September during the garúa season. Travelers seeking peak encounters with marine wildlife and fewer crowds may prefer September through November, especially for diving-focused itineraries and some of the best sunrises of the year.

See here for tour and itinerary ideas to help you plan your trip to the Galápagos Islands, and read Best Time of Year to Visit Ecuador if you have plans to include the mainland in your trip.

Wet Season in the Galápagos (December to May)

The wet season brings warm temperatures, calmer seas, sunny skies, and occasional tropical rain showers that are typically brief and followed by clear weather. Temperatures generally range from 75-88°F (24-31°C), while warmer ocean waters and excellent underwater visibility make this one of the best times for snorkeling, diving, swimming, and island-hopping cruises.

Seasonal rainfall transforms the volcanic landscapes into lush greenery, and the calmer conditions make this a comfortable time for travelers prioritizing beaches, photography, and wildlife excursions. December, January, and Carnaval in February tend to draw larger crowds, though the islands still feel quieter than many other tropical destinations during peak season.

Male marine iguanas change color during their mating season in December and January, waved albatrosses return to Isla Española, and sea lions can be seen mating and caring for new pups along the shores and in towns like Puerto Ayora. Travelers may also spot giant tortoise hatchlings, baby land iguanas, penguin families on Isla Isabela and Isla Fernandina, plus blue-footed boobies performing their courtship dances on Isla Seymour Norte. Tortuga Bay on Isla Santa Cruz is incredibly beautiful this time of year, offering excellent wildlife viewing alongside one of the archipelago's most scenic beaches.

Events in Wet Season

Christmas, Nationwide (December 24-25). Christmas is celebrated throughout Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands, and is one of the most celebrated holidays. Cities are decorated with traditional lights and Christmas trees, creating a busy time on the islands. 

Carnaval, Tortuga Bay (February). Starting on Fat Thursday and lasting for six days, the best Carnaval parade takes place on Isla Santa Cruz at Tortuga Bay, but you'll likely find celebrations with water fights, parades, and street dancing in towns like Puerto Ayora and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, too. 

Semana Santa, Nationwide (March/April). This Catholic Holy Week is one of the most significant events on the Galapágos Islands and in Ecuador. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday. The celebrations are extraordinary with parades and daily processions in every major town. 

Battle of Pichincha, Nationwide (May 24). A national holiday that commemorates the victory of the liberation forces during a decisive battle of 1822 that signified independence from the Spanish Kingdom. Expect exciting parades, dancing, cultural events, and great food. 

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Galápagos Islands in December
Galápagos Islands in January
Galápagos Islands in February
Galápagos Islands in March
Galápagos Islands in April
Galápagos Islands in May

Dry Season in the Galápagos (June to November)

With the dry season comes cooler temperatures, nutrient-rich ocean currents, and some of the best marine wildlife encounters of the year. From June through November, temperatures generally range from 70-76°F (21-24°C), with cooler water temperatures and cloudier skies during the garúa season, notably from June through August. While misty mornings and rougher seas are more common, the colder currents attract dolphins, whales, penguins, sea turtles, rays, and even whale sharks, making this an exceptional time for snorkeling and diving.

As the season progresses from September to November, temperatures gradually warm, skies clear more often, and the islands become quieter and more affordable to visit outside of major holidays. Wildlife activity remains one of the biggest highlights: male frigatebirds inflating their bright red throat pouches on Isla Seymour Norte, lava lizards courting across many of the islands in July, and giant tortoises nest in the Santa Cruz highlands in June and eggs hatch in December. 

Isla Fernandina is immensely rewarding for encounters with marine life, offering opportunities to swim alongside penguins, marine iguanas, dolphins, and, occasionally, whale sharks, while Isla San Cristóbal is known for its playful baby sea lions. Galápagos penguins become quite active, fur seal and sea lion pups begin entering the water for the first time, and seabird activity peaks across the archipelago.

The dry season is also an excellent time for outdoor adventure beyond the water. Kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and mountain biking are all popular thanks to the cooler temperatures, and viewpoints like Pinnacle Rock on Isla Bartolomé offer dramatic coastal scenery and some of the archipelago's best sunrise and sunset views. Snorkeling sites like Devil's Crown and Sullivan Bay are great to explore as the abundant marine life and improving water clarity toward November.

Events in Dry Season

Independence Day, Nationwide (August 10). Ecuador's Independence Day is celebrated all over the country, including the Galápagos Islands. It's known as "Día del Primer Grito de Independencia de Quito" in Spanish and marks Quito's independence from Spain in 1809. 

September Equinox, Nationwide (September 22-24). Celebrations across the country mark the arrival of autumn. The September equinox occurs the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator—the imaginary line in the sky above Earth's equator—from north to south.

Independencia de Guayaquil, Nationwide (October 9). Independence of Guayaquil is a national public (nonworking) holiday celebrated across Ecuador and the Galápagos, honoring the 1820 brief and almost bloodless revolt that earned the city of Guayaquil its independence from Spain. Expect locals to take advantage of the holiday to travel to the islands.

Día de los Difuntos, Nationwide (November 2). All Souls' Day, also known as Day of the Dead, sees families visit cemeteries to share food (colada morada and guaguas de pan) with the deceased.

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Galápagos Islands in June
Galápagos Islands in July
Galápagos Islands in August
Galápagos Islands in September
Galápagos Islands in October
Galápagos Islands in November