The best time to visit Galápagos Islands
For most travellers, the sweet spot in Galápagos Islands is May · April · September: 28° avg. high, prices close to the yearly average. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.
Climate through the year
| Month | Temp | Crowds | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29° / 22° | Moderate | $$ | Great |
| February | 30° / 23° | Moderate | $$ | Great |
| March | 30° / 23° | Moderate | $$ | Great |
| April | 29° / 22° | Moderate | $$ | Ideal |
| May | 28° / 21° | Moderate | $$ | Ideal |
| June | 26° / 20° | Moderate | $$ | Great |
| July | 25° / 19° | Moderate | $$ | Great |
| August | 24° / 18° | High | $$ | Great |
| September | 24° / 18° | Moderate | $$ | Great |
| October | 25° / 18° | Moderate | $$ | Fair |
| November | 25° / 19° | Moderate | $$ | Fair |
| December | 27° / 20° | Moderate | $$ | Great |
The year in Galápagos Islands
Four broad seasons, and what each one actually feels like on the ground in Galápagos Islands.
When to go, depending on what you want
Practical basics
- Region
- South America
- Local currency
- USD
- Hemisphere
- Southern (summer in Dec–Feb)
- Yearly range
- 18° – 30°
- Strongest months
- May, April, September
- Good for
- wildlife · nature · adventure · islands
Events in Galápagos Islands
- Feb Galápagos Day — Commemorates the islands’ 1832 annexation by Ecuador with local ceremonies.
- Apr Waved Albatross Breeding Season — Nearly the entire world population of waved albatross returns to Española to breed.
- Jun–Jul–Aug–Sep–Oct–Nov Whale Shark Season — Divers at Darwin and Wolf islands encounter the ocean’s largest fish.
- Dec–Jan–Feb–Mar–Apr–May Green Turtle Nesting Season — Green sea turtles haul onto sandy beaches to lay their eggs.
Every month in Galápagos Islands
A dedicated breakdown for each month — weather, crowds, prices, events and a verdict.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Galápagos Islands?
For most travellers, the sweet spot in Galápagos Islands is May · April · September: 28° avg. high, prices close to the yearly average. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.
What is the cheapest time to visit Galápagos Islands?
November — Prices run low season this month: some of the best deals of the year. Save 25%.
When should you avoid Galápagos Islands?
No major festivals fall in Galápagos Islands, so the destination feels like its everyday self.
What is the weather like in Galápagos Islands?
Average highs sit around 30°C with lows near 18°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.
