The Galápagos Islands are considered a year round destination, with amazing wildlife encounters possible every month as most species are non-migratory. In general, the climate can be divided into two seasons: the warmer but wetter season from January to June and the cooler drier season from July to December. Due to their location on the equator, even in the wetter season the weather is typically hot (ranges from 24°C to 30°C) and sunny with intermittent heavy rain showers.

In short, there is no bad time to visit the Galápagos Islands but read on to see what you can expect to see at different times of the year.

The rainy season begins in January with rainfall and humidity reaching its peak in March. Days are generally sunny interspersed with short tropical showers. Sea and air temperatures are high which means this is an ideal time for snorkelling. In the western islands where sea temperatures are generally cooler, snorkelling is pleasant. Off the coast of Isabela, you may even find penguins swimming alongside tropical fish – a unique experience!

These months signal the end of the rainy season so the islands are lush and green and there is excellent visibility in the water for snorkellers. From early April the waved albatross arrive in Española Island and in April this is the only place in the world where it is possible to see their courtship ritual. Green sea turtle and land iguana’s eggs start to hatch and on North Seymour you may be lucky enough to encounter the blue-footed boobies’ elaborate courtship dance.

Sea and air temperatures start to drop and ocean currents become stronger. This is the beginning of the garúa season when early mornings may be a little misty though this will generally burn off in the heat of the day. Thanks to the cooling temperatures, dolphins and whales are more likely to be seen off the coast of Isabela and sea bird communities become very active. On Santa Cruz Island, giant tortoises start to migrate from the highlands in search of suitable nesting places.

This is pupping season for the sea lion population, especially in the western and central islands. Nazca boobies and swallow-tailed gulls nest and Galápagos hawks begin their courtship rituals. Penguins are very active on Bartolomé in this period, diving torpedo-like under water. In October blue-footed booby chicks can be seen on Española and Isabela Islands. Sea conditions are choppy with currents at their strongest in August and temperatures are at their lowest in September.

Temperatures begin to rise and the calmer seas mean underwater visibility for snorkelling is good. Inquisitive sea lion pups play in the ocean (especially at Champion Islet on Floreana Island) and may be curious enough to nibble at the fins of snorkellers. Green sea turtles display their mating behaviour and giant tortoise eggs begin to hatch between December and April.