One question that we regularly come across at Galapagos Insiders is “What is the best time to go to the Galapagos Islands?” The best answer to this is that it depends on personal preferences most of the time. But knowing what is on offer in the Galapagos at different times of the year can be really helpful for visitors in choosing the best time to suit their needs.
In reality, the Galapagos Islands vary relatively little, year-around so any time is a great time to visit the enchanted isles. However, if you want to ensure that your trip best matches your personal preferences, factors to consider include weather, wildlife and price / demand. Here are some thoughts about each to help you make the best choice for you:
While the Galapagos Islands has a distinctly tropical feel, given proximity to the Equator, there are different weather patterns at different times of the year.
Sun seekers that like the warmth and do not mind a bit of rain and humidity might choose to travel to the archipelago in the hot and wet season. This season, as the name might suggest, tends to be warmer. It runs between January and May.
Advantages of traveling to the Galapagos in the hot / wet season: There are several advantages of traveling during this season. One is that the waters around the islands will be warmer, so it is a bit more comfortable for snorkeling and swimming. The waters are also clearer for improved visibility. Once into the season, the islands will be greener too. The seas are usually a bit calmer during the hot and wet season, which makes it a better choice for those prone to sea sickness. There is also a lot of active wildlife during this time.
For those that dislike humidity and rain, the somewhat cooler, dry season may be better. This runs between June and December.
Advantages of traveling to the Galapagos in the cooler / dry season: Advantages of traveling at this time include the fact that there are more phytoplankton and algae in the water. This means more biodiversity during this period due to more food for different species. In particular, there is generally an abundance of marine life during this period. During the early months of this season (but not the later months) the islands will be greener and more lush due to the recent rains. Walking on the islands may be better for some with no, or very little rain, and this makes the cooler and dry season better for some visitors.
January – at the start of the year, marine iguanas begin their mating season, turning colorful shades of green and red, rather than their usual black. Sea turtles begin laying eggs in January too. There are lots of bird species present such as blue footed boobies, red footed boobies, Nazca boobies, flamingos and flightless cormorants.
February – some fabulous February wildlife highlights include nesting of sea turtles and marine iguanas as well as greater flamingo nesting. For the giant tortoise it is egg hatching season. You might get to see Nazca boobies nesting as this is the very end of their season for this.
March – this month is the start of the nesting season for land iguanas, and you may see some aggressive displays from them during this period. Another species that is nesting during this period is the green sea turtle. Meanwhile, giant tortoise babies may hatch during March. Sometimes, the waved albatross may have returned to Espanola in March, though it may also not happen until later.
April – during April green sea turtle babies head to the sea. Giant tortoises are also hatching in this month. Another hatching species in April is the land iguana. Often April is the month of return for the waved albatross, back to Espanola Island. Blue footed boobies begin courting and brown pelicans are nesting.
May – in May a wildlife highlight can be the elaborate courtship dance of the blue footed booby. The Galapagos penguin will be nesting on some islands, and the waved albatross commences with egg laying. Green sea turtle babies continue heading for the sea.
June – though not every visitor will get to see it, humpback whales can sometimes be seen in the waters surrounding the Galapagos Islands in June. Waved albatross and boobies may be seen doing courtship rituals and flightless cormorants and Galapagos penguins are nesting.
July – nesting can be seen among blue footed boobies, red footed boobies and Nazca boobies. The waved albatross is nesting, as is the Galapagos penguin. July is a good month to catch courtship of flightless cormorants. Humpback whales may be seen sometimes in the seas around the archipelago.
August – this period is breeding and birthing time for sea lions and fur seals. Giant tortoises are often very active in this season. Waved albatross chicks can sometimes be seen in August, and blue footed boobies are nesting. Lucky visitors may get to see humpback whales in the area too, and dolphin viewings are a distinct possibility.
September – sea lions and fur seals may be breeding in September, but it is also a good time of year to spot pups of both species. Booby chicks and frigate bird chicks can sometimes be observed, and the waved albatross is still nesting and hatching. Humpback whales are generally starting to head away from the Galapagos in September but may still be spotted during this month.
October – in the month of October, sea lion pups may be present on the beaches, as may fur seals. Blue footed booby chicks may be recently hatched or hatching. Also, giant tortoises may be lagging eggs and lava herons are nesting.
November – sea lion pups are bigger and will start playing in the sea with snorkelers, which is a superb highlight of a visit. The waved albatross is reaching the end of its nesting season. Other birds that may still be nesting include blue footed booby, red footed booby, Nazca booby and storm petrel.
December – both land and marine iguanas may start their mating season in this month, depending on the island. Marine iguana mating colors include red and green, as well as their standard black. The waved albatross chicks are preparing to leave Espanola Island and green sea turtles are mating.
At certain times of year there is very high demand in the Galapagos Islands. This means more people and higher prices. A visit to this part of the world will never be a cheap holiday but it can certainly be more effective to go outside of high season.
High season is during the months of school vacation periods in North America and Europe. The busiest months are usually the summertime during June to August, Easter, and the period around Christmas and New Year. There can also be other busy periods around public holidays, but the months / times mentioned here are when demand and prices will be at their highest. You will need to book long in advance during these months / times.
Low season is between February and April and also between September and November. Costs of both land-based Galapagos itineraries and Galapagos Islands cruises will typically be cheaper during these months. These are the months when you may find a better deal. Because demand is lower, there will also generally be fewer people around. However, tourism is very well managed at the visitor sites at all times of year, so it will never feel crowded at those spots.
There is no bad time to go to the Galapagos Islands for either a cruise or a land-based Galapagos trip. Whenever you go, you’ll see lots of wildlife, take lots of fabulous photographs, have amazing experiences and build memories that will last for a lifetime.
