When is the best time to visit the Galápagos Islands?

Planning a Galápagos cruise? Here’s when to visit to experience the islands’ remarkable flora and fauna at their most spectacular.

At a glance
The Galápagos Islands have two main seasons: warm and wet (December through April) and cool and dry (June through November)
May is a top month to visit thanks to mild temperatures, fewer crowds and lots of wildlife activity
June and August bring higher numbers of tourists due to the school holidays and migrating humpback whales
There is no truly bad time to visit; choose based on your priorities, whether that's diving conditions or whale spottings

Following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin to these extraordinarily biodiverse islands is a bucket-list experience for many travellers. The very best way to experience them, in our humble opinion, is by sea. Several cruise lines, such as Silversea, HX, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and Celebrity Cruises, offer expeditions to the Galápagos.

The key to making the most of your voyage? Time your sailing so you can have the experience – and crucially, see the wildlife – of your dreams.

December to April

Galapagos Snorkel — Water temperatures are highest during this window

The Galápagos Islands sit on the equator, so instead of having four seasons like the UK, they experience two distinct seasons: a warm, wet season from December to April, and a cool, dry season from May to November.

If you’re after the highest temperatures, the best time to visit is December to April. During these months, temperatures typically range from the high 20s to the low 30s °C. These conditions allow visitors to snorkel comfortably without a wetsuit.

While this period is the warmest, it’s also the wettest. February to April marks the peak of rainy season, though showers tend to be brief and sporadic, leaving plenty of sunny hours each day. The rainfall also ensures the islands are at their lushest, creating ideal conditions for hiking and spotting wildlife.

Baby Galapagos Tortoise — Galápagos tortoises hatch between April and December

Although water visibility can be slightly reduced compared to the drier months, it’s still possible to see a great diversity of marine life. You can encounter sea turtles, tropical reef fish, penguins, white-tipped reef sharks and manta rays.

On land, keep an eye out for iguanas, tiny lava lizards, giant tortoises, butterflies and Galápagos carpenter bees. Bird watchers are particularly well rewarded, with chances to see Darwin’s finches, Galápagos doves, flycatchers and more. You may even witness impressive mating dances, such as those of blue-footed boobies, which begin around March.

May to November

Galapagos Dolphins — Late spring is a good time to spot dolphins off the coast of the Galápagos

May and early June are considered shoulder season. They mark the transition between the Galápagos Islands’ warm, wet season and the cooler, drier months. Rainfall and temperatures start to drop slightly, and visitor numbers often dip too, making this a quieter and sometimes more affordable time to travel.

It’s also an excellent time for flora and fauna. Galápagos cotton begins to bloom, adding subtle bursts of yellow to the landscapes, and numerous species are courting, nesting or mating. May sees increasing marine life sightings, including Pacific sunfish and dolphins, and marine iguana hatchlings start to emerge.

From late June through August, visitor numbers rise as families take advantage of school holidays. While the Galápagos National Park regulates visitor numbers year-round, these months still tend to feel busier.

Galapagos Sea Lion Pup — July through November is a good window for seeing sea lion pups

Temperatures during these months range from around 23 to 26 °C, while water temperatures cool to an average of 19 to 23 °C, meaning a wetsuit is recommended for snorkelling. Wildlife remains abundant, and this is a prime time for spotting humpback whales as they migrate through the region. As the season matures, you may also encounter young sea lions exploring their surroundings.

September to November brings slightly fewer crowds, making it an attractive window for travellers. Plus, underwater visibility improves significantly, making it an ideal time of year for diving and snorkelling, although a wetsuit is still needed.

During this period, the highlands are often cloaked in garúa – a light mist – creating an ethereal atmosphere. Plants begin to bloom again towards the end of this period, adding a touch of green to the volcanic landscapes.

Book your Galápagos cruise

Overall, there is no bad time to visit the Galápagos – it’s just a matter of what suits you best in terms of temperatures and wildlife. Check out our guide to the best Galapagos cruises to continue planning.