Is August a good time to visit the Galapagos Islands?
Sesuvium or ‘Galapagos carpetweed’ turns red in the dry season
August continues the Cool and Dry Season in the Galapagos, with cooler temperatures and nutrient-rich waters supporting an abundance of marine life.
While August is part of the peak tourist season due to school holidays, it remains popular for its comfortable climate and reliable opportunities for wildlife viewing.
Photos from August: All the photos in this article were taken during the month of August, either at Galapagos Safari Camp or on one of our Safaris.
Galapagos in August: At a glance
- Air temperature: 19-27°C / 67-80°F
- Sea temperature: 20-23°C / 68-74°C
- Average rainfall: 0.6 – 1.3cm / 0.25-0.5in
- Clear skies: 2-4 hours
- Intermittent rain showers
- Wind force: 4-7
- Underwater visibility: approx 5-20m
Galapagos Weather in August
A red-billed tropicbird soars across a clear blue sky
August sits within the Galápagos Islands’ cool and dry season. Daytime temperatures linger between 67°F and 80°F (19°C to 27°C), making it an opportune time for explorations on land. Expect slightly cooler waters, with sea temperatures sitting around 68°F to 74°F (20°C to 23°C) and slightly choppier conditions, especially in open seas. Our land-based Safaris offer an alternative way to explore the islands, ideal for those prone to sea-sickness and who may not feel comfortable on a cruise. Rain is sparse, replaced at times by la garua, a seasonal mist, which occasionally veils the otherwise azure expanse above.
Ocean Currents: The dance of oceanic currents around the Galápagos Islands is intricate and influential. Their ebbs and flows dictate the island’s climate and the profusion of its marine inhabitants. Come August, the waters are majorly governed by:
- The Humboldt Current: This cold current flows northwards from the southern waters off the coast of Chile and is strongest during the cool and dry season (June to December). In August, the Humboldt Current is dominant and is responsible for bringing nutrient-rich waters to the Galápagos, which support a high productivity of marine life.
- The Cromwell (or Equatorial Undercurrent) Current: This is a subsurface current that flows from the west directly under the equator. When it hits the western Galápagos Islands, like Fernandina and Isabela, it brings cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface, a process known as upwelling. This upwelling supports a vibrant food chain and is the reason for the high marine productivity on the western side of the archipelago, especially during the cool season.
- The Panama Current: This warmer current, flowing from Central America’s coast, wanes in influence during August, overshadowed by the mightier Humboldt Current.
Abundant marine life: The convergence of these currents around the Galápagos, especially the cold waters from the Humboldt and the Cromwell currents, results in cooler sea temperatures in August. This cooling effect brings a plethora of nutrients to the surface waters, which in turn supports a bloom of plankton. This abundance of plankton forms the base of the food chain, attracting a diverse range of marine species, from small fish to larger predators like sharks and whales. This makes it a prime time for observing underwater life and engaging in marine activities like snorkeling and scuba-diving.
Good for active travelers: For those keen on active pursuits, August is favorable for hiking treks, especially around the volcanic terrains like Sierra Negra on Isabela Island. Biking enthusiasts will find quiet country lanes to explore on Santa Cruz Island.
At Galapagos Safari Camp, your alarm call is the sweet song of mockingbirds at dawn
Night skies at Galapagos Safari Camp (taken in August 2023)
Night skies at Galapagos Safari Camp (taken in August 2024)
Clear night skies: Our low light pollution and equatorial setting offer breathtaking views of the stars, making our Camp an ideal destination for stargazing, astrophotography and connecting with the cosmos.
Galapagos Wildlife in August
A Galapagos sea lion basking under the August sun
The Galapagos is teeming with wildlife year-round, and our land-based Safaris provide excellent opportunities to observe the iconic species no matter when you visit. Discover more in our guide to Galapagos Wildlife.
The images used in this article were all taken in August, but it’s worth noting that these species are commonly observed on our Safaris throughout the year. Additionally, many other species not mentioned in this article can also be seen.
Swallow-tailed gull and a land iguana
The swallow-tailed gull is the only nocturnal gull in the world, leaving its nest at night and fishing up to 30km out at sea. The gulls breed throughout the year and a single egg is incubated by both parents for around 34 days.
Land iguana
American flamingo
Wildlife at Galapagos Safari Camp
Giant tortoises at Galapagos Safari Camp
Galapagos giant tortoise passing the entrance to Camp
Galapagos giant tortoise are frequently seen at Camp in August
Cacao Harvest at Galapagos Safari Camp
August marks the exciting time of year when we harvest our cacao. The native cacao trees have played an important role in our reforestation project, providing much needed shade for the seedlings. They have also produced the first ever Galapagos chocolate bar. Read the full story The Story Behind the First Galapagos Chocolate Bar.
The August cacao harvest at Galapagos Safari Camp (2023)
The cacao beans are laid out to dry under the equatorial sun of the Galapagos islands
Harvesting Galapagos cacao (2024)
Harvesting curcuma (or turmeric) from our kitchen gardens
Sunrise breakfast at Galapagos Safari Camp, August.
Sunrise at Galapagos Safari Camp in August
Cocktail of the Month
Lonesome George is our barman Jorge’s inspired take on the classic Ramos Gin Fizz. He shares that the straw test is a simple way to check the foam has the right consistency: place a straw upright in the center of the drink—if it stands tall without leaning or tipping, the foam is spot on. Light, frothy, and delightfully refreshing, this cocktail is as legendary as its namesake.
Naturally, we only use paper straws, as single-use plastic is not only inappropriate in a place like the Galapagos but also banned on the islands. Learn more: Sustainable Hospitality
Cocktail of the month: Lonesome George
For those who want to master the art of cocktail making, Jorge offers hands-on cocktail classes for guests. Learn more: Additional Safari Experiences
Summary: Galapagos in August
Visiting the Galapagos in August is ideal for those seeking comfortable weather and the chance to observe abundant wildlife during the Cool and Dry Season.
August Guest Reviews of Galapagos Safari Camp
The following are reviews posted by guests who stayed in Galapagos Safari Camp in August:
A Place to Make Outstanding Memories!!This was my husband’s and my 3rd adventure to the The Galapagos, However, this trip was for one of our Grandson’s High School Graduation gift. We wanted to take him someplace where he would see things he had never seen before, learn about things he never realized he had an interest in, spend time alone with him and yet give him the opportunity to do things he enjoys doing like snorkeling and scuba diving
From the moment we arrived on the “Camp’s ” property we were pampered. Alejandra made sure of it. She sat with us and planned our tours for the next several days, By no way were these routine tours that were given to us. Example, at the last minute our Grandson decided he wanted to do some scuba diving. Alejandra , went to work trying to find an opening with a reputable dive company. It was all taken care of by the time we returned from our daily tour. A memory our grandson will never forget as he saw a giant manta, Hammerhead sharks and so much more. She went over the menu for dinner daily to make sure each of us approved of it. I am Gluten free and every meal had home baked gluten free breads just for me. I had everything my grandson and husband had only it was prepared Gluten Free . As for the food, the meals were outstanding. My husband and I have spent a lot of time in Quito over the years and never did we experience such culinary excellence in Ecuador. If you can get Horae to strum a few tunes for you after dinner it is a real treat ( He also makes a great Mohito )!! At night when we got into our bed there was always an extra little touch thrown in for comfort. A hot water bottle was placed under the covers in the bed ( where your feet would be),
The internet is in and out , there is no TV, and yet an 18 year old had no problem living without internet, Wifi ,TV and cell service for a week! We played Chess, stargazed, and had discussions about our dreams and goals. It was one of the best trips we have ever experienced!! And it is an Experience. (Tripadvisor)
An Amazing Place!
It’s hard to explain the magic of Galapagos Safari Camp. It was truly a special place and you feel it from the second you step off the plane. The entire process from getting off the plane to getting to the camp was seamless. The staff at GSC has truly thought of every detail and taken the stress out of traveling. The camp itself was meticulously taken care of and the staff was extremely warm and welcoming. We stayed as part of their relaxation package which was an add on to our trip to the islands. We were able to relax, enjoy the views and experience some AMAZING cocktails in the lodge. I can’t recommend GSC enough. From the unbelievable food to the care and thought the staff put into every detail of our stay. You can’t go wrong with GSC and will be so happy you stayed. (Tripadvisor)
The best place ever!Loved everything about it, the atmosphere, the attention to detail, the nature, the food…the care..Will be back soon with my family and friends for sure! Congratulations to all who made it happen! Enhorabuena! (Tripadvisor)
Read more reviews from guests who stayed with us in August.
When to Visit the Galapagos by Month
For more information on the weather and wildlife in the Galapagos, visit When to visit the Galapagos Islands or one of our monthly guides:
January, February, March, April, May. June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Wildlife Observation Disclaimer
Please note that our wildlife observations and insights are gathered from the first-hand experiences of our staff, guests, and professional Naturalist Guides. Our goal is to provide an authentic and immersive wildlife experience. However, it is important to recognize that wildlife encounters are by nature unpredictable. We cannot guarantee the sighting of specific species or certain animal behaviors on our Safari tours. Each experience is unique, and we appreciate your understanding of the variability and spontaneity of wildlife interactions.