Best time to visit Galápagos Islands for good weather
When is the best weather in Galápagos Islands? Monthly breakdown of temperature, rainfall, and sunshine hours — ranked by what actually matters for your trip.
Best month
May
Shoulder season at its best: low prices, few visitors, and the last warmth before the Humboldt Current brings the cool season.
↑The lowest visitor numbers of the year (outside June–July which ironically sees more): last-minute liveaboard availability and day-cruise prices at their annual minimum
↑Rain essentially over (30mm — lightest of any month) with increasingly clear skies as the Humboldt Current begins its approach: good conditions for both snorkelling and island hikes
↑Water temperature (20–24°C) beginning to cool with the approach of the Humboldt: enhanced snorkelling conditions as the current-cooled water improves underwater visibility
All months ranked — Good weather
Best match
Shoulder season at its best: low prices, few visitors, and the last warmth before the Humboldt Current brings the cool season.
#1 for good weather
Best match
The warm season begins: whale sharks returning to Darwin Island and sea turtles starting nesting — the Galápagos at its most accessible value.
#2 for good weather
Best match
Sea turtle eggs hatching on the beaches as lush vegetation peaks — the islands at their greenest and most photogenic.
#3 for good weather
Best match
Marine iguanas glow in their peak breeding colors — the transition month as rain eases and the Humboldt Current begins its approach.
#4 for good weather
Best match
Whale shark aggregations at Darwin Island — the largest concentration of whale sharks on earth, accessible only by liveaboard.
#5 for good weather
Best match
Transition month: penguins and iguanas active, snorkelling excellent, and liveaboard prices beginning their seasonal retreat.
#6 for good weather
Best match
Cool season opens: Galápagos penguins and sea lions frolicking in Humboldt Current waters, blue-footed booby courtship beginning.
#7 for good weather
Best match
Post-peak clarity: whale sharks still offshore, snorkelling visibility improving as school-holiday crowds begin to ease.
#8 for good weather
Best match
Blue-footed booby breeding season at its peak — Española's courtship displays and waved albatross nesting together in one island.
#9 for good weather
Best match
Sea lion pup season peaks — beaches of Española and San Cristóbal carpeted with newborns as whale sharks arrive offshore.
#10 for good weather
Strong option
Christmas-holiday peak pricing alongside warming waters and the start of sea turtle nesting — the year's most vivid weather window.
#11 for good weather
Strong option
Whale sharks return to Darwin and Wolf Islands while blue-footed boobies raise chicks — peak season prices for peak season wildlife.
#12 for good weather