Weather in the
Galapagos Islands is attractive to adventure travel and small ship cruising year round. The climate of
Ecuador 's Pacific coast and the
Galapagos Islands are almost entirely influenced by the ocean currents. The warm
Panama current from the north warms the water and brings warm sunny days with sporadic rains from January until April. The rain usually arrives in the afternoon, and often clears up by the early evening. From May to December both the cool Humboldt and
Peru currents from the south cooler weather predominates, and rain is uncommon creating comfortable hiking weather. Although seas are rarely rough, trade winds cause the ocean to be choppier this time of year and a misty fog may linger into the day.
December - May
In December, the warm season begins (Air: 75-86; Water: 73-77). Plants and cactus become lush and green. Male marine iguanas become brightly colored. Green sea turtles lay their eggs. Flamingos and masked boobies nest. March/ April brings mass arrival of waved albatross; Green sea turtles' eggs begin to hatch. In May,
North Seymour 's blue-footed boobies begin their courtship. Sea turtles and marine iguana eggs are hatching.
June - November
June starts the dry season with cooler temperatures (Air: 66-77; Water 64-70). Giant tortoises migrate from highlands to lowlands for suitable nesting places. In July, blue- footed boobies and cormorants are active and whales can be observed off the Western coast of
Isabela . In August, Masked boobies, swallow tailed gulls and Galapagos Hawks nest and court. In September, air temperatures are at their lowest (66F). Penguins, Sea lions and marine birds are active. Water conditions may be windy and choppy. In October, Fur seals begin mating period. In November, Sea lion pups are born.
Galapagos |
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| Avg. High (F) | 84 | 86 | 88 | 86 | 82 | 78 | 76 | 74 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 80 |
| Avg. Low (F) | 70 | 74 | 74 | 72 | 72 | 68 | 66 | 64 | 62 | 64 | 66 | 68 |
| Water. Temp. (F) | 74 | 76 | 76 | 76 | 74 | 74 | 72 | 66 | 68 | 70 | 72 | 74 |
| Rainfall (Inches) | 1.5 | 2.1 | 3.0 | 3.0 | 2.7 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 1.5 |