Galapagos Weather & Climate
| Ave. Temp. | Ave. Temp. | Ave. Hours of | Ave. Sea | Ave. Rainfall |
January | 30/22 | 25/27 | 5.3 | 24 | 68/3 |
February | 30/24 | 26/78 | 7.5 | 25 | 91/4 |
March | 31/24 | 28/83 | 6.0 | 25 | 94/4 |
April | 31/24 | 25/77 | 7.5 | 25 | 72/3 |
May | 28/22 | 23/73 | 5.2 | 24 | 34/1 |
June | 26/21 | 22/71 | 4.4 | 23 | 23/1 |
July | 26/20 | 22/71 | 2.8 | 22 | 14/1 |
August | 26/19 | 21/70 | 3.3 | 21 | 6/0 |
September | 26/19 | 22/71 | 2.9 | 21 | 6/0 |
October | 26/20 | 22/71 | 3.8 | 21 | 6/0 |
November | 26/21 | 23/73 | 3.5 | 22 | 7/0 |
December | 27/22 | 23/73 | 4.0 | 23 | 30/1 |
Galapagos is a place that can be visited at any time. The climate at the Galapagos Islands is subtropical and it is regulated by the warm El Nino Current and the cold Humboldt Current causing two seasons. The warmest is between December to May with the sky most of the time clear and the sun shining strongly. Still if you want to explore the amazing underwater world of the islands, the best time to visit Galapagos is from June to November. During this season the weather is a little fresh but it gives you the best chance to meet with the inhabitants of Galapagos famous marine reserve.
Seasons:
The weather temperature varies during the year:
- January to May: from low 80°F (27°C) to low 90°F (32°C) (possible rain)
- June to September: low 60°F (15°C) to high 70°F (21°C) (possible rain)
- October to December: 70°F (21°C) to 80° (27°C) (dry season)
June to December:
From June to December the southern trade winds bring the colder Humboldt current north to the Galapagos. Thus in these months the water is cooler and a layer of high atmosphere mist pervades the island skies. In effect, the highlands of the larger islands are kept green and lush, while the sea level islands and shorelines have little precipitation. Therefore the time from June to December is generally called the “dry season” and known for its blue skies and mid-day showers. During this season you may observe a big amount of species around the islands or the sea such as: giant tortoises, Humpback whales, blue footed boobies, cormorants, oystercatchers, lava lizards, Galapagos hawks, masked boobies, swallow tailed gulls, sea lions, lava herons, brown noddies, penguins, etc. Due to the water temperature it is the perfect time for diving, snorkeling and scuba diving.
December to May:
The period between December and May is considered the “warm season.” During this warmer season, the Galapagos climate is more tropical with daily rain and cloudier skies. Also, the ocean temperature is warmer for swimming. During this season tourist may observe a big amount of species around the islands or the sea such as: marine iguanas, sea turtle, land iguanas, flamingos, white-cheeked pintails, masked boobies, marine iguanas, albatross, blue-footed boobies, etc.
Marine Currents:
The Humboldt Current brings cold waters especially during the misty rainy season (cool weather) from July to December. The “El Niño” Current may bring warm waters to the Galapagos and will make the surface warmer but rainfall increases (January to June).
The water temperature varies during the year:
- January to June: from 70°F (21°C) to 80°F (27°C)
- July to December: from 65°F (18°C) to 75°F (23°C)
Climate details around the year:
January
- Rainy warm season (until May)
- Water and air temperatures rise until June
- Best underwater visibility (until March)
February
- Water temperature reaches an average of 26ºC / 78 F
- Intense Sun and hot climate
March
- Rainy season reaches its peak
- Sporadic tropical rains
- Intense sun and hot climate
- Air temperatures reach up to 31ºC / 88ºF
May/June
- Beginning of the Garúa season (cool dry season until December)
- Temperatures (water and air) are lower
July/August
- Windiest months (force 4 – 5)
- The sea is a bit more moved
- Average temperature is around 22 ºC / 71 F
August
- Lowest sea water temperatures (21ºC / 71ºF)
- Lowest air temperature (19ºC / 66ºF)
September/October
- Humboldt Current is strongest – strong ocean currents
December
- Start of the warm season
- Water and air temperatures rise