Best time to visit the Galápagos Islands

In the Galápagos Islands in December, the weather is warmer and the busy season is back in full swing. The islands are once again covered in lush green and the waters are warm with playful sea lion pups still around. December also kicks off the start of hatching season for giant tortoises and mating season for marine iguanas. Over at Española, the first young waved albatrosses start to fly which makes for a fascinating sight.

• Giant Tortoise hatchlings begin emerging
• Green Sea Turtles continue mating
• Waved Albatrosses depart Española
• Northern migrant birds arrive
• Great weather—lush landscapes, calm seas, and active wildlife

Weather: The start of the rainy season: the sun is shining bright in December with occasional spells of rain. Water temperatures rise.

Traveling to the Galápagos Islands in January is peak tourist season, but don’t let this put you off. With the chance to witness green sea turtles laying their eggs, giant tortoise eggs hatching in front of you and the unique courtship rituals of various land birds, there is plenty of wildlife to get excited about. Not to mention, January marks mating season for iguanas where they undergo striking colour changes to attract a partner.

• Pacific Green Sea Turtles nest on beaches
• Land Iguanas begin mating on Isabela
• Terrestrial birds initiate nesting
• Snorkeling improves with warmer water and calmer seas
• Excellent visibility and vegetation is lush.

Weather: Expect generally sunny warm days with short bursts of rain.

February on the Galápagos Islands is best known for its calm waters, making it a great time to go snorkelling and diving with turtles. On Floreana island, flamingos flock in great numbers as they begin their nesting season. Many other land birds, turtles and tortoises begin breeding and nesting in February all the way through to April.

• Flamingos begin nesting on Floreana.
• Galapagos Pintail Ducks begin breeding.
• Marine Iguanas nest on Santa Cruz.
• Sea lions are active in the water.
• Peak of Galapagos Dove nesting season.

Weather: Lots of sunshine, little wind and water as warm as it gets at a balmy 24°C/75 fahrenheit.

North Seymour sees an influx of birds as hundreds of the unusual-looking frigatebirds come together to start their courtship. They make a huge racket and puff out their red balloon-like chests in a mesmerizing display. Meanwhile, marine iguanas are nesting, giant tortoises are breeding and waved albatrosses are returning to Espanola island.

• Frigatebirds courting
• Marine Iguana eggs begin hatching
• Waved Albatrosses arrive on Española to mate
• Excellent snorkeling, especially in the west (e.g. Punta Vicente Roca)
• Sea turtles continue nesting.

Weather: March marks peak rainy season, so daily showers are normal along with a hot and humid atmosphere.

April in the Galápagos Islands springs new life. Giant tortoises may still be hatching, green turtle eggs are starting to crack and land iguanas are coming out of their shells. Blue-footed boobies begin pairing up by performing their impressive mating dances, as are the waved albatrosses, of which no two dances are the same. The Galápagos Islands are vibrant and the sea is perfect for snorkeling.

• Sea turtle eggs hatch.
• Lava Lizards begin courtship displays
• Waved Albatrosses perform elaborate mating dances
• Land Iguana hatchlings emerge on Isabela
• Often considered one of the best months for wildlife and scenery

Weather: Nearing the end of the rainy season, the skies are clear, the air is warm and the vegetation is green.

May is a time for calm waters, swimming with sea turtles and hanging out on the beach. The blue-footed boobies are still dancing for each other’s affection well into June and most of the baby marine iguanas have hatched on Santa Cruz. Over on Bartolomé island, the much-loved Galápagos penguins are highly active hunting for fish.

• Blue-footed Boobies begin mating rituals
• Marine Iguana hatchlings emerge
• Waved Albatrosses are in full courtship
• Palo Santo trees shed their fragrant leaves
• Storm Petrels begin their first nesting cycle

Weather: May is the transitioning month between wet and dry seasons with high temperatures and clear skies. The sea starts to cool.

June brings an abundance of marine life due to nutrient-rich currents flowing in. From whale sharks and humpbacks to penguins and dolphins, June may not be as sunny but will be full of exciting animal sightings. On land, Santa Cruz sees giant tortoises migrating from the highlands to the lowlands to mate and nest.

• Frigatebirds display red pouches to attract mates
• Giant Tortoises begin migrating to lowlands to nest
• Whale Sharks begin arriving around northern islands
• Southern migrant birds stop in Galapagos
• Southeast trade winds return

Weather: Start of the cool “Garúa” season. Cooler temps, stronger currents, better visibility. Expect overcast days as sea mist covers the highlands, cool winds blow in and the air feels fresh and dry.

July is a bird-lover’s paradise as many species are in mating season, including the blue-footed boobies, greater flamingos, and short-eared owls. On Ferdinanda, flightless cormorants perform their mating rituals, along with the small but mighty lava lizards. The underwater world is still teeming with life, making for great snorkeling and plenty of dolphin sightings.

• Blue-footed Boobies nesting at all stages (eggs to subadults)
• Marine life is abundant—ideal for snorkeling and diving
• Whale Sharks spotted near Darwin and Wolf Island
• Increased chances of dolphin and whale sightings

Weather: Dry and mild days with no sunshine. Waters are cold due to Humboldt Current, around 20°C/70 Fahrenheit.

August is an exciting time on the Galápagos Islands as baby sea lions are being born. These playful pups can be seen across many of the islands and are truly adorable. Giant tortoises are on the move back to the highlands, having laid their eggs, and Galápagos hawks are starting their courtship. Despite the windy weather, it is a popular time to visit due to school holidays.

• Sea Lion pupping season begins. Playful pups seen on beaches
• Migratory birds and Galapagos Hawks active
• Marine Iguanas visible sunbathing on black lava
• Giant Tortoises return to highlands of Santa Cruz

Weather: Dry and cool, with an average high of 26°C/78F. Stronger winds can result in choppier waters.

September is a quieter time for human activity, but a very noisy time for animal activity. Males sea lions cause a big commotion as they fight over territory, and penguins are at their most active as they court their lifelong partners. Migratory whales, such as minkes, humpbacks and blue whales are most commonly seen in these cooler months.

• Sea Lions are in full mating season—barking, fighting males on beaches
• Penguins active across western islands
• Dolphin and whale sightings offshore
• Excellent for witnessing aggressive sea lion behaviour

Weather: Temperatures are cool and the climate is dry. Rougher seas.

The Galápagos Islands in October marks mating season for sea lions and fur seals. This means that there is a lot of activity - and barking - on the coasts. Curious sea lion pups may even swim around you while snorkeling. Meanwhile, blue-footed boobies are raising their chicks.

• Sea Lion pups begin learning to swim
• Fur Seals begin mating
• Lava Herons begin nesting
• Underwater visibility is excellent—ideal for diving

Weather: Warmer weather is coming in as the dry season comes to an end.

The Galápagos Islands in November sees a hub of activity for seabirds. Brown noddies are breeding and band-rumped petrels are nesting. There are also plenty of young sea lions doing impressive acrobatics in the water and playing curiously around swimmers. November also sees the Galápagos green turtle breeding cycle begin again, with pairs starting to mate.

• Sea Lion pups engage with snorkelers—playful and curious
• Sea lions still mating; Fur Seals active on rocky shores
• Green Sea Turtles start mating
• Storm Petrels begin second nesting period
• Jellyfish sightings around Floreana

Weather: November brings sunshine with some showers and rising water temperatures.