The Galapagos Islands are a bucket list destination for many travelers eager to see the exotic wildlife and beautiful landscapes that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. However, the timing of your visit can greatly impact your experience. Here is an overview of the worst times to visit the Galapagos Islands and why you may want to avoid these periods.
December Through January – Hot And Rainy Season
The hot and rainy season in the Galapagos normally runs from December through January. During these months the islands experience hot, humid, and wet weather conditions. Temperatures reach into the mid 80s Fahrenheit coupled with increased rainfall.
This coincides with the reproductive season for many animals on the islands. While wildlife activity increases, the hot and humid weather makes hiking more difficult for visitors. The waters also become rougher, making snorkeling and diving more challenging.
If you visit during the December to January hot and rainy season, be prepared for:
- Hot, humid, and wet weather with increased rainfall
- Average highs of 84-86°F
- Choppy, rough water conditions
- Mosquitos and no-see-ums out in full force
- Breeding wildlife may be less visible while nesting
February To March – Continued Rain And Crowds
The rainy conditions often drag on from the hot season through February and March on the islands. This makes for continued wet weather during hikes and wildlife viewing. Temperatures remain in the low 80s Fahrenheit for daytime highs coupled with high humidity.
In addition, these months see the islands transitioning into the high tourist season. Visitor numbers spike in March leading up to more crowds. This means popular sites become packed with tourists all trying to catch a glimpse of animals like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies.
Challenges if traveling in February or March are:
- Still very hot and humid following the January rainy season
- Transition into the crowded high tourist season
- Large tourist groups overwhelming some visitor sites
- Continued rainfall and rough ocean conditions
April Through May – The Crowded High Season
April and May make up the peak tourist season in the Galapagos when the islands see the most visitors. Nice weather and clear skies draw huge crowds hoping to enjoy the islands’ amazing wildlife in optimum conditions. Rise in visitors also means a rise in the number of tourist boats and groups at popular land sites.
During the peak months, you can expect:
- Spikes in visitor numbers with more crowds
- Difficulty finding last minute cruise availability
- Long wait times to view wildlife mating rituals
- Constant tourist groups at prime land visitor sites
- Less opportunity for isolation and peaceful moments
The crowds can put a damper on the island’s ambience. Trying to photograph a unique animal with 50 other tourists all jostling for space takes away from that special personal encounter many envision having on the islands.
June Through August – Cool And Windy Season
The Galapagos Islands have a cool, dry season that runs from June through August. Due to the cooling effect of the Humboldt Current and anticyclonic gyre winds, average temperatures range from the mid 60s to 70° F.
While wildlife viewing remains excellent, the cool winds bring challenging weather conditions:
- Cool temperatures with minimal rainfall but foggy, overcast skies
- Strong, gusty winds reaching 30-40 mph
- Rough, choppy ocean conditions with larger waves
- Wind chill can feel uncomfortable during wildlife viewing
The brisk winds deter some boat cruises due to the rougher ocean conditions. And wildlife is still abundant, but the cool temperatures and windchills can make sightseeing less enjoyable.
September Through November – Warmer But Still Windy
September through November transitions back into warmer daytime temperatures, ranging from the mid 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit on average. However, the anticyclonic winds continue bringing reasonably strong gusts during this period.
With the winds picking up strength, expect more of the same issues:
- Warmer daytime temperatures but strong winds
- Choppy ocean water conditions
- Potential for overcast skies and scattered showers
- Uncomfortable wind chill during wildlife viewing
The winds generally do not reach the extreme levels seen in June through August. But they still pose challenges for boat navigation and outdoor touring.
When Is The Best Time To Visit?
When determining the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands, it’s good to assess the trade-offs. The cooler season sees excellent wildlife viewing under comfortable temperatures. However, the winds pose issues for boating and enjoying long hours outdoors. Meanwhile, the warmer wet season has challenges from heat, humidity, rain, and rough water conditions.
Most experts consider the December through May window as having the most reliably good weather and calmer ocean conditions for touring the islands. Prioritizing a cruise itinerary is key during this period to avoid the massive crowds at visitor sites in April and May. The beginning of the cooler season in June also remains popular as wildlife breeding season gets underway while avoiding extreme winds and chill.
No matter when you decide to visit, the Galapagos Islands offer once-in-a-lifetime encounters with animals found nowhere else on earth. Just be strategic in trip planning to maximize your experience. Avoiding the worst times provides greater odds to see the islands’ awe-inspiring landscapes and exotic species in their thriving natural habitats.