Is November a good time to visit the Galapagos Islands?
Galapagos Safari Camp in November
November marks the final month of the garua (misty) season, or the Cool & Dry season in the Galapagos Islands. Both air and sea temperatures remain relatively cooler, making it an ideal time to visit for those who are less tolerant of the heat and humidity.
Off Peak: November falls within the low-demand season and with children still in school, it is relatively quiet compared to the high-peak festive season in December and January.
Photos from November: All the photos in this article were taken during the month of November, either at Galapagos Safari Camp or on one of our Safaris.
A sundowner on the Camp’s viewpoint
Galapagos in November: At a glance
- Cool and Dry Season
- 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 November
November marks the latter part of the Cool and Dry Season in the Galápagos. Daytime temperatures range from 67°F to 80°F (19°C to 27°C), offering pleasant conditions for exploration. The seas, at 68°F to 74°F (20°C to 23°C), remain inviting for snorkeling and diving, if not a little on the cooler side, with underwater visibility varying between 16 and 65 feet (5 to 20 meters). Rain is still minimal, with 0.25 to 0.5 inches (0.6 to 1.3 cm) on average, though occasional showers and la garua mist bring a refreshing haze to the islands. Steady winds (force 4-7) and clear skies for 2-4 hours each day complete the November climate.
Sunsets at Galapagos Safari Camp
Galapagos wildlife in November
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 November, 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.
Galapagos land iguana and blue footed booby
White tipped reef sharks sleeping on the sea bed
Playful Galapagos sea lions
Sea lion pups born in August begin to explore the waters on their own, ever curious and hopeful for a playmate. This month you might also catch the green sea turtle mating season, and the courtship of penguins around Pinnacle Rock off Bartolome Island, a ritual that leads to a life-long relationship. This is also one of the last chances to spot hammerhead sharks before they migrate.
Marine iguana, blue-footed booby, giant tortoises, frigatebirds
Magnificent frigatebird (juvenile)
Male frigatebirds inflate their scarlet gular sac to attract females
The American flamingo
The American flamingo
A snapshot of dolphins trailing the boat
Giant tortoises in the highlands of Santa Cruz (November)
Wildlife at Galapagos Safari Camp
“Roberta” (left) and “Albert” (right)
The Galapagos Barn Owl, one of only two owl species in the archipelago alongside the Short-Eared Owl, is a rare sight for most visitors due to its nocturnal habits. But here at Galapagos Safari Camp, where guests can dine beneath the stars, the wildlife experience extends well into the night.
In 2022, a lone barn owl found sanctuary in the rafters of our main lodge. As barn owls mate for life, it wasn’t long before our guest became part of a pair (pictured above) —now affectionately known as Roberta (left) and Albert (right). Their presence has become a cherished part of Camp life, and since then, we have spotted many other barn owls in the area, believed to be their offspring—an ongoing testament to the thriving wildlife that calls Galapagos Safari Camp home.
Giant tortoises are also frequently seen in and around the Camp throughout the year.
Galapagos giant tortoise
The Galapagos Woodpecker Finch
Darwin’s Finches: It’s around this time of year that the Woodpecker Finch (Camarhynchus pallidus) is often seen at Camp. It is one of the larger of Darwin’s Finches (18cm), and one of the best known due to its habit of using a tool such as a twig or spine of a cactus to retrieve beetle larvae out of wood. Its beak is slightly curved down at the end and usually turns black when breeding.
Galapagos Ducks can be found bathing in the surface water of our sealed reservoir. This ‘grey water’ is used to irrigate our kitchen gardens, and flush the toilets. Learn more about our pioneering Sustainable Rainwater Harvesting system.
Galapagos ducks
Dia de Los Difuntos (Day of the Dead / All Soul’s Day)
Guaguas de pan and colada morada
Every year on 2 November in Ecuador Dia de los Difuntos commemorates the Day of the Dead and All Souls’ Day, blending indigenous and Catholic traditions to honor deceased loved ones.
At the center of the festivities are traditional foods: colada morada, a drink made of purple corn flour, mortiño (Andean berries), herbs and fruit; and guaguas de pan, sweet bread typically shaped like dolls or children (“guagua” means baby in Quechua). Occasionally, our chefs at Galapagos Safari Camp might put their own spin on the pastries, for example making baby tortoise ‘dolls’ instead.
Both the figurines and beverage are meant to remind us of our loved ones who have passed on, making these treats much more meaningful than simply cute-looking pastries.
Kitchen Gardens in November
The kitchen garden at Galapagos Safari Camp
As a small property we are able to keep things fresh, by growing much of our produce at Camp. Learn more: Dining.
The kitchen gardens at Galapagos Safari Camp
Our Founder’s Safari
Every November, Stephanie and Michael Mesdag host a special Founders’ Safari, welcoming up to 16 guests on an exclusive wildlife adventure. Joined by one of our expert naturalist guides, they lead excursions to uninhabited islands and explorations of Santa Cruz Island. Beyond the incredible wildlife encounters, this experience offers an opportunity to hear directly from the founders about their love for and deep connection with the islands.
For more details see our Small Group Safaris.
Michael Mesdag
Summary: Galapagos in November
November falls under the Cool and Dry Season in the Galapagos. Rainfall is minimal and humidity is generally low. There is plenty of wildlife to see at any time of the year and in general, November attracts fewer crowds compared to the upcoming festive season.
November Guest Reviews of Galapagos Safari Camp
Read reviews from guests who stayed with us in November.
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.
Your Galapagos adventure awaits!
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.