Seasons in the Galapagos

Wet Season (December to May)

The period between December and May is considered the wet (warm) season. During these months, the Galapagos climate is more tropical, with daily rain and cloudier skies. The ocean is also warmer, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

During this season, visitors can observe a wide range of species across the islands, such as:

• Marine iguanas

• Sea turtles

• Land iguanas

• Flamingos

• White-cheeked pintails

• Masked boobies

• Albatrosses

• Blue-footed boobies

Because the water is warmer, snorkeling is highly recommended during these months.

Dry Season (June to December)

From June to December, the southern trade winds bring the colder Humboldt Current northward to the Galapagos. This cools the ocean and causes a misty layer to form over the islands.

As a result:

• The highlands of the larger islands stay green and lush.

• Lowland and coastal areas receive little precipitation.

• This season is generally known as the dry season, characterized by blue skies and occasional midday drizzles.

During this time, visitors may observe a wide variety of land and marine species, including:

• Giant tortoises

• Humpback whales

• Blue-footed boobies

• Cormorants

• Oystercatchers

• Lava lizards

• Galapagos hawks

• Masked boobies

• Swallow-tailed gulls

• Sea lions

• Lava herons

• Brown noddies

• Penguins

Due to the cooler water temperatures, it’s an excellent season for scuba diving.

Wildlife: Month-by-Month

Year-round

• Red-footed and masked boobies: breeding and nesting

• Flightless cormorants, penguins, and greater flamingos: breeding and nesting

• Magnificent and great frigatebirds: nesting

January

• Darwin’s finches and other land birds begin nesting

• Marine iguanas display bright green and red colors on Española

• Pacific green sea turtles begin nesting (through March)

February

• Bahama pintail ducks begin breeding

• Flamingos begin nesting

• Galapagos doves reach nesting peak

• Penguins migrate from Bartolome to cooler waters near Isabela and Fernandina

March

• Giant tortoises begin migrating to lower elevations and nesting areas

• Red-footed booby chicks appear on Genovesa

• Marine iguanas begin nesting on Fernandina

• Waved albatrosses begin to arrive after the spring equinox

April

• Large numbers of waved albatrosses arrive on Española and begin courtship

• Pacific green sea turtles begin hatching (through June)

• Galapagos land iguana hatchlings emerge

• Brown pelicans begin nesting at Tagus Cove (through May)

• Blue-footed boobies begin courtship on North Seymour (through May)

• Pacific green sea turtles seen in large numbers on Isabela and Fernandina (through November)

May

• Marine iguana hatchlings emerge on Fernandina

• Galapagos snakes, hawks, and herons hunt baby iguanas

• Large flocks of Galapagos shearwaters appear

• Waved albatrosses mate and lay eggs on Española

• Wedge-rumped storm petrels begin nesting on Genovesa

June

• Waved albatrosses nesting; first chicks appear

• Humpback whale sightings begin (through September)

• Blue-footed boobies begin nesting (through November)

• Bryde’s whale sightings near Kicker Rock (through November)

• Whales and dolphins present throughout the archipelago (through November)

July

• Peak time to see waved albatross chicks

• Giant tortoises begin migration back to the highlands of Santa Cruz

• American oystercatchers and common gallinules nesting

August

• Galapagos sea lion pups appear

• Galapagos hawks court on Española, Santiago, and Fernandina

• Swallow-tailed gulls at nesting peak on Genovesa

• High numbers of giant tortoises in Santa Cruz highlands (until March)

September

• Galapagos hawks nesting (through October)

• Sea lion birthing and breeding season (through December)

• Penguins begin courtship and are especially active on Bartolome

• Most seabirds are found at nesting sites

October

• Lava herons nesting

• Fur seals breeding (through December)

• Giant tortoises begin laying eggs on Santa Cruz (through November)

• Blue-footed booby chicks appear

November

• Brown noddy terns breeding

• Wedge-rumped storm petrels begin second nesting season

• Sea lion pups become more curious

• Pacific green sea turtles mating and active in the water

December

• Waved albatross fledglings appear and begin to depart

• Marine iguanas begin mating (through February)

• Sea lion pups are abundant in the waters around central and southern islands (through February)

• Giant tortoises continue laying eggs (through March)

• Bryde’s whales in the western archipelago (through May)

• Bottlenose and common dolphins in central and southern islands (through May)

Why Visit the Galapagos?

The Galapagos Islands are more than just a destination—they're a living laboratory of evolution, biodiversity, and natural wonder. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, the Galapagos offers unforgettable experiences in every season. From swimming with playful sea lions and observing blue-footed boobies up close, to witnessing the courtship dance of the waved albatross, there's always something magical happening in these enchanted islands.

If you're considering a visit or have questions about the best time to go, the wildlife, or how to plan your trip, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you make the most of your Galapagos experience—contact us today and let your journey begin!