When to Visit Galapagos, 2022 Guide
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When to Visit Galapagos, 2022 Guide

Simple tips & guidelines, choose the best time of the year to travel to the Galapagos Islands

Believe me when I say: When to visit Galapagos? is among our highest frequently asked questions…. you’re planning a vacation to the Galapagos Islands well in advance. Like a year in advance.

Maybe you’re an organized person. I mean like obsessive-Swiss-watchmaker -from-1863 organized. You know, next-level.

Or maybe it’s just been your dream to visit the islands since forever, and now that you’ve been gainfully employed for a while and have been able to put a little money aside you’re finally gonna go for it.

It’s happening. Super. What now?

Planning Your Visit?

I’m going to take a wild stab in the dark and assume that now that it’s happening you’re probably deciding when would be the best time to visit? You’ve done well!

Now, if you think that because Ecuador is, like, straddling the equator.

The weather is pretty much the same all year ‘round, let me stop you right there and hit you with some knowledge.

Well, what If I were to give you some basic guidelines.

These usually stir guest in either direction for 2 seasons available in the Galapagos Islands. You be the judge of what suits your needs best.

Couple observing Galapagos shore
Couple observing Galapagos shore

Tell me more!

When to Visit Galapagos

Believe it or not, the Galapagos Islands also has seasons. Specifically, a warm season and a dry season. And during these seasons, things happen. Things change. Things you want to consider when planning a visit to the islands.

Because I want to make it as easy as possible for you, this guide after all has easy in the header,  I’ve gone ahead and broken the seasonal changes in the Galapagos islands down into their respective pros and the cons.

Galapagos rock formation
Galapagos rock formation

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Warm Season

Also known as the hot or wet season, warmer waters take over the archipelago. Warm air rises to the point that rain clouds are formed, and short afternoon rains (or heavy showers) become a common affair.

With clear skies during the day, vegetation flourishes, providing, in turn, an abundant food source for the herbivores on the islands.

Warm Season (January to June)

Warm Season “Pros”

  • lots of new wildlife to see;
  • nesting & breeding seasons for many species;
  • warmer weather (time to bust out your Speedo);
  • warmer water, thus, enjoyable snorkeling/diving;
  • calmer seas, best time for those prone to sea sickness

Warm Season “Cons”

  • less marine life;
  • cloudier skies;
  • misty or rainy afternoons

Galapagos marine iguana
Galapagos marine iguana

Dry Season

The garúa, which refers to the common fog and mist on higher elevations displayed this time of the year in the islands is brought in by the great southern Polar current, known as the Humboldt current, and the up-welling of the ocean.

This stirs up nutrients, which, in turn, stimulates the growth of algae and, as a result, rich marine life blossoms in the archipelago.

Dry Season (June to December)

Dry Season “Pros”

  • rich marine wildlife
  • the best time to snorkel & dive
  • clear & open skies
  • greener & abundant flora

Dry Season “Cons”

  • colder weather
  • colder water (can I get a 7mm-thick wetsuit over here?)
  • rough-ish seas; harsher for those prone to sea sickness
  • strong ocean currents (divers beware)

Galapagos snorkeling
Galapagos snorkeling

Conclusion

Want to know the best part?

All in all, the Galapagos Islands are awesome all year ‘round, when to visit Galapagos boils down to preference, and you’re sure to have a good time whether you stop by in the first or second half of the year.

That said, if you’re like me, and think cloudy skies are magical, maybe visit us between June and December. Now, if just the thought of cold water sends a chill down your spine and gives you goosebumps, maybe rock up from January to May. Either way, we’re happy to have to you!

From Galapagos Cruises to Land Based Tours, our trip advisors are ready to answer any further questions you can come up with.

Galapagos landscape
Galapagos Landscape

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About Angel Nunez

Ecuador & Galapagos Travel Consultant, Blogger, Fitness & Health Aficionado, Amateur Photographer & Designer. Here to guide you through stories and visuals, what Ecuador, The Galapagos Islands & Peru have in store for you!

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