When to visit the Galapagos

The sea is at its warmest during this season, at around 74 – 76°F / 23 – 24°C.

Wind speeds are light, ranging from force 1 (light air) to force 4 (moderate breeze). As a result the waters are clearer and calmer, making it very pleasant for snorkelers and divers with good underwater visibility (usually 15-30 meters). However marine life tends to be more abundant in the cooler season (see below).

Families with younger children (or those sensitive to the cold) may find these warmer sea temperatures favorable, particularly if their Safari includes a lot of water-based activities such as snorkelling and surfing. (Note: Galapagos Safari Camp provides wetsuits for all ages)

This is the hottest season with air temperatures in the 70s and 80s (°F) and 20s (°C), making it a popular season with sun-seekers, particularly those in the northern hemisphere craving winter sun.

The layer of mist that dominates the cool & dry season disperses, resulting in longer periods of blue skies and sunshine (roughly 4-7 hours of clear skies per day). To confuse matters the warm season is also referred to as the ‘rainy season’. Although expected daily, rain showers are usually short and sweet.

The warmer weather kick-starts the breeding and nesting season for many species such as marine iguanas, sea turtles, giant tortoises and sea lions. Blue footed boobies begin their courtship dance.

Vegetation is green and lush, particularly in the highlands where Galapagos Safari Camp is based.

Also known as the Pacific Equatorial Undercurrent, the Cromwell Current is a much deeper current that runs in the opposite direction from the Humboldt (from west to east along the equator). When it reaches the archipelago, the cold deep waters are deflected to the surface, carrying nutrients from decaying matter on the ocean floor (an oceanographic process known as ‘upwelling’). These nutrients sustain the phytoplankton at the water’s surface, and the increase in plankton growth attracts an abundance of fish and seabirds, making the waters especially exciting for divers and snorkeling enthusiasts.

The islands in the south, such as Isla Floreana and Isla Española, are the most affected by the cold waters of the Humboldt Current. The islands to the west such as Ferandina and Isabella are most affected by the Cromwell Current. (Galapagos Safari Camp is located on Isla Santa Cruz in the middle of the archipelago and so is relatively less affected by these currents).

During warmer years when this bottom layer of the food chain is not sustained, the consequences can be dire. For example, during El Niño of 1982 – 1983, the lack of food at the bottom of the food chain resulted in the death of many sea lions at the top of the chain.

In addition to feeding microscopic plant and animal life, this cold, nutrient-rich water is responsible for creating the mist (or garua) that is prevalent during this season by cooling the air directly above its surface. Higher up, at around 1000-2000ft / 300-600m, where the warmer air sits on top of the cooled air, an ‘inversion layer’ is formed, containing evaporated moisture from the ocean. This builds a layer of mist which keeps the highlands (and our home) lush and green in comparison to the lowland areas which become very dry and barren during this season.

The cooler ocean currents also bring cooler weather with air temperatures ranging from 67 – 80°F / 19 – 27 °C, particularly at night.

During the cooler season, sea temperatures drop to 68 – 74°F / 20 – 23°C. To put it into context, 70-78°F is the range where most people feel ‘comfortable’ swimming without wetsuits, although this is down to preference. (Galapagos Safari Camp provides wetsuits for all ages).

Although described as ‘cooler’ it’s worth noting that these water temperatures are more or less the same as those in Cape Town, Africa in January (19°C), the Algarve, Portugal in July (20°C), the Costa del Sol, Spain in August (23°C), Jacksonville, Florida in May (°23C) and Malibu, California in August (19°C)

Wind speeds pick up during the cooler season and range from force 4 (moderate breeze) to force 7 (high wind, moderate/near gale). The ocean can therefore get a little choppy during these months, and those who prone to sea-sickness may favor a land-based safari over a cruise (see our planning guide for tips on Land-Based Tours vs Cruises)

Underwater visibility is reduced to around 5-20 meters, however due to the nutrient-rich currents marine life is at its most abundant during this season.

The cooler season sees the arrival of sea lion pups as this is when the oceans contain the most food for nursing females. Marine life is at its best. Vegetation is not as lush as the warm/rainy season, with more subtle colours bathing the island.