The Galapagos in December

Yes! December is a wonderful time to visit the Galapagos Islands. It marks the beginning of the warm season, when air temperatures begin to rise and ocean conditions are often calmer, creating excellent opportunities for snorkeling and wildlife encounters.

December is also a highlight on the Galapagos calendar, ushering in the festive holiday season and attracting visitors from around the globe. The combination of good weather and the prospect of exceptional wildlife experiences makes it a prime month for exploration.

Because of these favourable conditions, December forms part of the peak travel period in the Galapagos. Travellers planning to visit during this time are encouraged to book early to secure availability.

Across the islands, landscapes begin to feel greener, wildlife activity is abundant both on land and in the ocean, and the festive atmosphere adds an extra sense of excitement to exploring this remarkable archipelago.

 

Photos and Videos from the Galapagos in December

All the photos and videos in this article were taken during the month of December, either at Galapagos Safari Camp or while exploring the islands on one of our safaris.

• Transition to the Warm & Wet Season
• Peak mating season for several species
• Air temperature: 22-31°C / 72-88°F
• Sea temperature: 22-24°C / 72-76°F
• Average rainfall: 1.5-3cm / 0.6-1.18in
• Daily sunshine: 5-6 hours
• Occasional rain showers
• Wind force: 2-5
• Underwater visibility: approx 15-25m

 

 

Temperatures: December and January mark the onset of the Warm & Wet season in the Galapagos Islands, with temperatures gently rising to a balmy average of 27°C / 80°F. Water temperatures are also warming, at around 75°F (23°C).

Calmer seas: As the southern trade winds begin to ease, the waters become clearer and calmer, making boat navigations more comfortable.

Ocean Currents: The intricate interplay of oceanic currents shapes the marine ecosystem of the Galápagos Islands, and in turn, the food chain of land creatures as well. In December, the following shifts in ocean currents occur:

• The Panama Current: Originating from the warm coasts of Central America, the Panama Current strengthens during the warm season, bringing warmer waters to the Galápagos Islands.
• The Humboldt Current: This colder current from the south starts to wane in its influence as December approaches.
• The Cromwell Current (aka the Pacific Equatorial Undercurrent) continues its undercurrent influence, but the overall marine environment begins warming, leading to slight wildlife behavioural changes.

Rainfall: Rain showers in December are typically brief and sporadic, contributing to the lushness of the islands without significantly hindering outdoor activities. Most rain falls in the late afternoon or evening.

Humidity: Expect a gradual rise in humidity levels, particularly along the coastal areas.

The Weather at Galapagos Safari Camp: The highlands experience slightly cooler temperatures than the coast, offering pleasant evenings, ideal for outdoor dining and comfortable sleep without the need for air conditioning. Sunsets are also beautiful in December, painting the sky with vibrant hues as the day ends.

 

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 December, 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.

 

 

Blue-footed boobies

Above: Dozens of blue-footed boobies caught in a feeding frenzy in the Itabaca Channel – the narrow strip of water separating the airport island of Baltra from Santa Cruz Island. Below: Blue-footed boobies snapped at different visiting sites on our Safaris. Nazca Boobies (pictured bottom right) are almost entirely white and fish further out at sea.

 

 

Frigatebirds

 

Two species of frigatebird cohabit in the Galapagos: the Magnificent Frigatebird (MFB) and the Great Frigatebird (GFB). The Magnificent frigatebird has the largest wingspan of the two—and, in fact, one of the largest wingspan-to-weight ratios of any bird species—making frigatebirds exceptionally skilled fliers, capable of soaring for days without flapping their wings.

Both species are considered opportunistic breeders, meaning males can be seen inflating their vivid red gular sacs at any time of year to attract a mate.

 

 

Females are recognizable by their white-feathered chests and slightly larger size, while juveniles sport white heads and chests, gradually transitioning to adult plumage as they mature.

 

 

Galapagos Finches

 

During the December rains, the finches take advantage of the abundance of seeds, fruits, and insects, with many species entering their breeding season. Increased food availability supports their diverse feeding habits, from seed cracking to insect hunting and even tool use.

 

Other Birds sighted in December

 

Birds often sighted in December include the Galapagos hawk – the islands’ top predator; the Lava gull – one of the rarest gulls in the world; the Galapagos penguin – the only penguin to breed within the tropics; the American oystercatcher which usually nests between October and March and the Brown pelican which flies with its neck held in its ‘S’ position. A more surprising sight, perhaps, is the flamingo – usually associated with lakes in Africa. Known as the American flamingo, the species is vulnerable due to very small numbers.

 

 

Dolphins

 

In December, Bottlenose dolphins are often seen riding the bow wave of boats on our excursions to uninhabited islands, Beneath the surface, a whole other world awaits…

 

 

Our Safaris include guided snorkeling tours, and we can also arrange scuba-diving trips for certified divers.

 

Sea Lions

 

Snorkeling with curious sea lions is an unforgettable experience and a Safari highlight for most of our guests.

 

 

Galapagos sea lion pups can be seen year-round but the best time is usually between August and November when the nutrient rich Humboldt current brings an abundance of fish / food. By December many pups are still quite young, nursing from their mothers and beginning to explore their surroundings. During this time, you’ll see playful interactions as they learn to swim and socialize in shallow waters. Older pups from earlier in the season become more independent but still rely on their mothers for milk. Visiting during these months offers a glimpse into their early development within sea lion colonies.

 

Turtles

 

The green turtle is the only species to breed in the islands. Mating usually occurs in November and December. It’s common to see a mating pair bobbing about offshore, with the smaller male holding on to the larger female while another male waits its turn (as pictured above – bottom left – although easier to see from the boat!)

 

Sharks

 

Often found sleeping on the bottom of caves, white-tipped reef sharks are widespread and commonly seen on snorkeling excursions.

 

Marine Iguanas

 

Marine iguanas are frequently sighted in December, and indeed throughout the year, usually basking on rocks on the coast. Their mating season varies from island to island, but generally starts in December or January.

 

Giant tortoises

 

The iconic giant tortoise is another species frequently sighted both in our Camp at on Safari throughout the year.

 

Land Iguanas

 

December usually falls within the mating season for land iguanas, with egg laying taking place between January and March.

 

Some of the creatures spotted at Camp (as pictured below) include well hidden frogs, overhead frigatebirds, delicate insects, geckos and of course the legendary Galapagos giant tortoise – a regular at Galapagos Safari Camp.

 

 

The Camp is also a wonderful base for bird lovers. Galapagos mockingbirds, yellow warblers, Galapagos finches, Galapagos doves and the smooth-billed ani are to name but a few.

Also known as the garrapatero (as pictured above – bottom right), the smooth-billed ani is often seen in flocks of up to 40 individuals. They have five different calls: contact, alarm, gathering, threat and high-pitch alarm. The bird was introduced by farmers in the ’70s, believing that they eat ticks off cattle (they don’t). Unfortunately they’ve become a serious threat to native plants and birds, often destroying the nests and offspring of finches, mockingbirds and the endangered vermillion flycatcher. On the plus side garrapateros are the only known species to prey on introduced wasps.

 

 

 

Landscapes

 

Pictured above in December are four beaches you can visit on our Safaris.

 

 

Our Isabela Island Safari Extension can include a hike on the lava fields of Sierra Negra – a large sheild volcano at the southern end of the island.

 

 

December Days at Camp

 

December is a busy month for our chefs, starting early in the morning with homemade pastries and ending with a four-course dinner for our guests to enjoy after a day of wildlife excursions.

Our set menus combine sustainable island-sourced ingredients and Ecuadorian flavors, minimizing waste while catering to your preferences and restrictions.

 

 

Kids Club

 

During the school holiday, we offer a kids club at the end of the day, designed to give parents a little down time before dinner.

 

December in the Galapagos brings a vibrant and festive atmosphere, with wildlife in full activity and ideal weather day and night.

For more information on our Festive Safaris, please contact one of our Safari Designers.

The following are comments from guests who stayed at Galapagos Safari Camp in December, collected from feedback forms:

• “The best! They are wonderful! [Name of guide] is great! We enjoyed her wit and appreciated the knowledge she shared. On a scale of 1 to 10, we would give it 11!!”

• “We had a terrific stay! Would highly recommend to friends and family. A dream experience. Thank you so much.”
• “Increible, la calidad de comida y servicio. Felicitaciones.”
• “It’s been the best honeymoon we would have dreamed. Everything was perfect and well organized.”
• “All the staff at GSC were wonderful! The chefs and kitchen staff made a wide variety of high quality and delicious food. Service and attention to detail beyond our expectations. [Name of guide] friendly, warm and incredibly knowledgable. Enjoyed all activities which were thoughtfully organized by staff, and thank you for going through them daily with us”
• “We just had the best holidays thanks to all of you! You took such amazing care of us, there was never ever a ‘no’ or ‘not possible’ during all our stay. We felt totally pampered 24/7. Your attention to every detail is absolutely exceptional! We also totally loved your delicious cuisine!!”
• “Everything at the camp was phenomenal! The staff is incredible and the food was some of the best we’ve ever had! Truly incredible! We ❤️ Jorge and Juan!!! A very special place.”
• “Thank you so much for planning such an amazing and memorable experience for my family and me. The entire experience was beyond our expectations and the people we met at the safari camp, the guides and all your partnering hosts were all so warm, knowledgable and generous.”
• “Everything tip top! The best! Superb! Everything that GSC has provided has been excellent. The bar was 6/5!”
• “We had an amazing time. Guide was knowledgable, friendly and professional. Snorkeling was great first two outings, channel snorkel was challenging due to visibility.”
• “Totally exceeded our expectations. Thank you. Having the same guide and driver throughout was a plus to the experience. Enormously memorable time for our entire family. Thank you.”

Read more reviews from guests who stayed with us in December.

 

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.

 

SEE OUR SAFARIS

 

 

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.