Ecuador
Galapagos Weather & Climate
Darwin's laboratory: giant tortoises, marine iguanas and fearless wildlife
25°C
Max sea
27°C
Max air
January
Best month
18mm
Driest month
Darwin's laboratory: giant tortoises, marine iguanas and fearless wildlife
The Galápagos Islands are where Charles Darwin formulated the theory of natural selection — and a visit today confirms why. The islands' wildlife has evolved in isolation so complete that animals display no fear of humans: blue-footed boobies perform their mating dances a metre from your feet; marine iguanas bask on lava rocks as you step around them; sea lion pups follow snorkellers through kelp forests; and giant tortoises — some over 100 years old — move with a prehistoric deliberateness across the highlands of Santa Cruz. The Galápagos is the world's greatest wildlife destination, unambiguously. No photograph, film or description adequately prepares you for the reality.
When to go: Year-round destination. December to May is warm with calmer seas. June to November brings the Humboldt Current with cooler water and excellent diving visibility.
The best months to visit Galapagos are January, February, May. Peak season is May with the best combination of warm temperatures and low rainfall.
| Month | Air | Sea | Rain | UV | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26°C | 24°C | 57mm | 8 | 14 |
| Feb | 27°C | 25°C | 75mm | 8 | 14 |
| Mar | 27°C | 25°C | 115mm | 9 | 14 |
| Apr | 27°C | 25°C | 126mm | 9 | 13 |
| May | 26°C | 24°C | 44mm | 8 | 14 |
| Jun | 24°C | 22°C | 25mm | 7 | 15 |
| Jul | 22°C | 20°C | 19mm | 6 | 15 |
| Aug | 21°C | 20°C | 18mm | 6 | 15 |
| Sep | 21°C | 21°C | 24mm | 7 | 14 |
| Oct | 22°C | 22°C | 35mm | 7 | 14 |
| Nov | 23°C | 23°C | 44mm | 8 | 14 |
| Dec | 25°C | 24°C | 52mm | 8 | 14 |
The best time to visit Galapagos is January, February, May. Peak season is May when temperatures reach 26°C with virtually no rain. Year-round destination. December to May is warm with calmer seas. June to November brings the Humboldt Current with cooler water and excellent diving visibility.
Sea temperatures in Galapagos range from 20°C in July to 25°C in February. The sea is very warm at its warmest.
Winter temperatures in Galapagos average 26°C with sea temperatures of 24°C. This makes it a great winter sun destination.
The driest month is August with 18mm. The wettest month sees 126mm. Galapagos receives 634mm annually.
Warm and warm seas. Very little rain (57mm). UV 8. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Some rain (75mm). UV 8. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Moderate rainfall (115mm). UV 9. Sun protection essential.
Warm and very warm seas. Moderate rainfall (126mm). UV 9. Sun protection essential.
Warm and warm seas. Very little rain (44mm). UV 8. Sun protection essential.
Warm and warm seas. Very little rain (25mm). UV 7.
Mild and refreshing seas. Virtually no rain (19mm). UV 6.
Mild and refreshing seas. Virtually no rain (18mm). UV 6.
Mild and refreshing seas. Very little rain (24mm). UV 7.
Mild and warm seas. Very little rain (35mm). UV 7.
Mild and warm seas. Very little rain (44mm). UV 8. Sun protection essential.
Warm and warm seas. Very little rain (52mm). UV 8. Sun protection essential.
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