What are the best beaches in the Galapagos Islands?
12/03/2023
A guide to a bird lover’s paradise
12/05/2023What is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands?
Imagine a place governed by nature, a group of islands covered with tropical species that coexist with humanity and other totally uninhabited islands that are the refuge of the great coastal and marine diversity that crosses the Pacific Ocean.
Visiting the Galapagos Islands is always a pleasure, you could be lying on a chair, sunbathing at ten in the morning and see a group of sea lions and their pups do the same a few meters from you, have a drink at the bar of your cruise ship, and watch in the distance impressive dolphins crossing the ocean, jumping in the water, and traveling in the same direction as you.
Although this destination can be visited at any time of the year, as it has several species that inhabit the islands during the entire year, there are certain times when the ecosystems of the Islands and the sea vary. So the best time to visit the Galapagos really depends on what you want to see and do; and we are here to help you make the best decision.
Let's talk briefly about the weather of the Galapagos Islands
The weather of the Galapagos Islands is truly special as it is governed by the temperature of the equatorial surface as well as the marine currents that cross the archipelago.
Due to this, the weather of the Galapagos Islands is divided into two seasons: hot and cold. Now, it is important to know that you will not feel cold during your holidays, since the lowest temperatures recorded in the archipelago are usually around 20°C (68°F). So if you are worried that the weather could ruin your Galapagos Islands vacations, you can rest easy.
Another of the crucial factors of the weather of the Galapagos Islands are the marine currents that surround it, since near this archipelago are the Humboldt, Panama, Cromwell currents, and the South Equatorial current, which brings millions of marine species from all over the world to their favorite refuge in the Galapagos Islands.
Something that you will probably come across on your vacations in the Galapagos are the micro-climates that the islands have. In other words, in the morning you will visit the upper part of an island with cloudy skies and drizzle, but when you go down to the coast you will find clear skies and the perfect climate to enjoy the beach and do activities in the water.
What should I know about weather seasons and the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands?
Warm season
From December to May the weather is usually quite warm, and it is also the season with the least rain, during this time the breezes are soft and some consider it the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands due to the activities that you can do in a calm sea with a temperature between 24 and 27° C (75° to 80° F). This time is the favorite of some visitors for activities outside the water like panga rides or simply to rest on the beach.
Regarding the sea, during the hot season the water is usually warm due to the El Niño current, which is a natural phenomenon that varies the temperatures of the Pacific Ocean, fluctuating mainly in the coastal region of South America. The Niño current also causes heavy rainfall regardless of it being a warm or cold season.
Cold season
On the other hand, the cold season hits the Galapagos Islands around June to November. Although this season presents stronger winds and more frequent drizzles, they do not represent a problem for you to enjoy your vacation in the Galapagos, since the weather continues to be warm.
The best time to visit Galapagos depends entirely on the activities you want to do, for this you should know that the sea during the cold season is agitated by the winds, causing bigger waves and that the temperature is on average 18° to 24°C (64° to 75°F).
Climate of Galapagos by months
Let's talk about tourist visits
The Galapagos Islands are constantly welcoming adventurers from all over the world, many tourists come to admire the beauty of unique species and enjoy a destination that is present on countless wish lists.
Although the Galapagos Islands are visited by tourists all year round, the most visited seasons are during June, August, and for the end of the year festivities, covering all of December.
However, because each cruise has its own navigation route, visitors do not represent an obstacle for you to enjoy your family vacations, as a couple or alone.
If your intention is to enjoy the Galapagos with the fewest number of people possible, we recommend you do it during October and September. This is the best time to visit the Galapagos, as there are less tourists and you can benefit from the last minute discount cruises.
Shows typical of Galapagos
On the other hand, if your intention is to visit the Galapagos Islands specifically to see Humpback Whales up close, the birth of sea turtles or a particular species, here are some of the most relevant moments during the year for diversity who live on the islands.
Ideal season for birdwatchers in Galapagos
Birds are the guardians of the Islands, they are found on all the islands and each species has taken over a corner of the archipelago that you can visit.
This paradise for birdwatchers requires you to be constantly hopping from island to island, to photograph Black-winged Stilt, flamingos, so we recommend choosing a cruise for your trip or a boat that offers a Galapagos island hopping tour.
Among the most valued species to photograph are blue-footed boobies, galapagos mockingbirds, albatross, penguins, various types of frigates, among other beautiful birds.
Although it depends on many factors, Galapagos penguins have a breeding season from September to August, so most of them are usually found along the coast of Isabela and Fernandina Islands, while in North Seymour the male frigate birds inflate their bags during their mating season beginning in November.
In Genovesa Islands, usually from April until May the waved frigates are usually in their mating season and it is a real spectacle to see the males inflate their gular sacs and open their wings to attract the attention of the females waiting to be conquered.
While graceful baby blue-footed boobies fill the crags of North Seymour.
These are the best marked times for these species, however, if you have any particular wishes regarding the sighting of species, one of our advisors can help you plan your trip to the Galapagos Islands so that you can make it come true.
On the other hand, if your intention is to visit the immensity of marine species that swim around the Galapagos…
What is the best season to see humpback whales in the Galapagos?
These cetaceans are part of the few migratory species that you will find in the Galapagos. Humpback whales, in their eternal journey through the seas of the world, arrive at the Galapagos Islands from the beginning of June until November to take advantage of all the food that they marine currents drag to the archipelago, this is in general the best season to see humpback whales, as we see them appear on the surface and expel water from their blowhole to breathe.
What is the best season to see sea lions in the Galapagos?
Generally from September until March, the beaches of the Galapagos Islands, especially La Lobería beach in San Cristóbal are filled with small baby sea lions playing in the sand and swimming on the shoreline.
For this reason, one of the favorite activities to do is to snorkel with sea lions that swim calmly with the visitors and play fun games with each other doing turns in the water. This activity is completely safe, just remember that you must always follow the instructions of your naturalist guide.
Let’s talk about the activities you can do on your visit to the Galapagos Islands.
What is the best season to go hiking in the Galapagos?
Exploring the landscapes of the Galapagos Islands is part of the unmissable activities in this paradisiacal place, walking on volcanic cones, near ravines and rocks, seeing birds nesting on the rocky walls of the islands and walking through the sand streets of Isabela Island are an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
From April to May the island’s vegetation is usually more lush and the temperature drops a bit, so there are usually more tourists visiting the island.
However, between September and October the dry season arrives with a gentle breeze and ideal conditions for hiking in the Galapagos.
What is the best season to snorkel in the Galapagos?
Snorkeling in Galapagos and admiring the marine world is the favorite activity of tourists. During December, January and February the seas that surround the island are usually ideal for submerging in the water and swimming with tropical fish and sea turtles.
Although in July and August the ocean temperature drops, there is a frenzy of fish, sharks and sea lions that roam the island, ready to be admired and respected.
If you are interested in visiting the Galapagos through a cruise and seeing and photographing unique species in the world, dreamlike tropical landscapes, and living the adventure of your life; contact us, we will be happy to help you plan your trip.
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