Is October a good time to visit the Galapagos Islands?
October in the Galapagos offers cooler temperatures, making land-based activities like trekking particularly enjoyable. Trails such as those on the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabela Island are more comfortable to explore, while cyclists can take advantage of the tranquil landscapes of Santa Cruz Island.
At sea, stronger winds can lead to slightly choppier waters, which may affect those prone to motion sickness. For visitors seeking a more stable experience or preferring to stay on land, our land-based safaris provide an excellent alternative to traditional cruises, combining comfort with exceptional wildlife encounters.
Photos from October: All the photos in this article were taken during the month of October, either at Galapagos Safari Camp or on one of our Safaris.
Galapagos in October: At a glance
Ocean currents: Humboldt Current remains influential
Weather: Slightly cooler, with temperatures ranging from 65°F to 78°F.
Seas: Slightly cooler waters with choppier conditions in open sea
Wildlife: Marine life thrives with increased nutrients, setting the scene for breathtaking underwater adventures and diving opportunities.
Galapagos Weather in October
October falls in the middle of the Cool and Dry Season in the Galápagos. Daytime temperatures typically hover between 65°F and 78°F (18°C to 26°C). The surrounding waters, averaging 66°F to 73°F (19°C to 23°C), are refreshing for swimmers and divers alike. Rain remains a rare sight, but the soft embrace of la garua mist occasionally sweeps the landscape.
Ocean Currents: Galapagos’s marine climate remains under the sway of intricate ocean currents. As the year progresses, these currents play a pivotal role in the life that thrives around the islands:
- The Humboldt Current: Continuing its dominance from the prior months, this cold current, flowing from the chilly waters off South America, delivers nutrient-dense waters, playing a major role in the teeming marine life around the Galápagos.
- The Cromwell (or Equatorial Undercurrent) Current: Running from west to east along the equator, this undercurrent retains its influence, particularly around the western islands like Fernandina and Isabela, bringing up cold, nutrient-rich waters, a process known as upwelling
- The Panama Current: Its influence continues to wane as the Humboldt Current takes center stage.
The nutrient surge from these currents, especially the Humboldt, culminates in a marine feast, where plankton blooms, in turn, drawing a myriad of marine species from colorful schools of fish to schools of sharks.
Galapagos Wildlife in October
October brings fascinating wildlife activity, from sea turtles starting their nesting on beaches to the mating displays of blue-footed boobies. The waters are alive with sea lions and manta rays, offering excellent opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
Fearless Galapagos Barn Owls: Galapagos Safari Camp in October is, as with any month of the year, full of wildlife surprises. This month a juvenile barn owl has been sighted a number of times in the outdoor bar area of the main lodge, casually perched on the tap of the kitchen sink!
Curious Giant Tortoises: This photo of the dining area in the main lodge was taken in October. Can you spot the giant tortoise who has come to say hello?
A seasonal welcome drink! This month, our creative barman, Jorge, crafted this refreshing welcome drink for our guests. Using a syrup made with the mandarins collected from the camp last month, and a butterfly pea tea sourced from the mainland, it is a wonderful cooling treat that travelers won’t find anywhere else. (We think it would go nicely with a spot of gin as a sundowner, too!).
Summary: Galapagos in October
Visiting the Galapagos in October is ideal for those who enjoy cooler weather and the opportunity to observe active wildlife, both on land and in the water, during the Cool and Dry Season.
October Guest Reviews of Galapagos Safari Camp
Read reviews from guests who stayed with us in October.
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.