January
Warm season; water 72–77 °F.
PLAN YOUR CRUISE · BEST TIME
Every month is a good month, for something.
There is no bad season in Galapagos, just two different ones. Here is how to choose.
best time to cruise the Galapagos — Reference image only.
01 / TWO SEASONS
Warm season vs cool season
| Warm season (Dec–May) | Cool season (Jun–Nov) | |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Hot, humid, short showers | Cool, dry, garúa mist |
| Water | Warmer, clearer | Cooler, nutrient-rich |
| Seas | Generally calmer | Choppier crossings |
| Snorkeling | Shorty or no wetsuit | Full wetsuit advised |
| Highlights | Turtle nesting, green islands | Seabird courtship, whales, sea lion pups |
02 / BY MONTH
The Galapagos month by month
February
Warm season; water 75–79 °F.
March
Peak of the warm season; water 77–80 °F.
April
Warm season; water 75–79 °F.
May
Transition between seasons; water 73–77 °F.
June
Start of the cool garúa season; water 70–75 °F.
July
Cool season; water 68–73 °F.
August
Cool season; water 66–72 °F.
September
Cool season; water 66–70 °F.
October
Easing cool season; water 68–72 °F.
November
End of the cool season; water 70–73 °F.
December
Start of the warm season; water 72–75 °F.
03 / TOOLS
Plan around the season
Galapagos Wildlife Finder
Species by island and month.
Galapagos Trip Date Planner
Deadlines from your sailing date.
Galapagos Wildlife by Month (Free Guide)
Free PDF calendar.
04 / MONTH BY MONTH
Cruise conditions by month
Typical patterns; El Niño years can differ.
January
Warm season: calm seas, warm water (often 24–26°C / 75–79°F), short rain showers. Green sea turtles nesting.
February
Warmest air; calm seas, great snorkeling visibility. Popular for families on school breaks.
March
Warmest water of the year; occasional heavy showers; very green islands.
April
End of warm season; waved albatross start arriving on Española; calm seas.
May
Transition month; blue-footed booby courtship; usually pleasant seas.
June
Cool season begins; garúa mist; water cools; marine life richer.
July
Cool, dry and breezy; seas can be choppier; wetsuits recommended. US summer peak.
August
Coolest air; choppier seas on open crossings; strong seabird activity.
September
Coolest water (often 19–22°C / 66–72°F); good for wildlife; some boats dry-dock.
October
Cool and fairly dry; fur seal mating; quieter period.
November
Seas begin to calm; sea lion pups playful; good value period.
December
Warm season starts; holiday peak late in the month; tortoise eggs hatching.
05 / MORE
Season deep dives
Wildlife highlights by month · Water temperature and wetsuits · El Niño years · Cruising in June · July and August
06 / FAQ
Best Time to Cruise the Galapagos: questions
What is the best month to cruise the Galapagos?
There is no single best month. Many travelers like April–May and November for calm seas and good wildlife.
When are seas roughest?
Usually August to October on open crossings.
When is peak season?
Mid-June to August and mid-December to early January.
Is it rainy season in the warm months?
Yes, but rain usually comes as short, warm showers.
Which month fits my route?
Email hola@galapagosislands.cruises and we suggest months for your route and interests.
WHEN TO GO
Tell us your possible dates.
We tell you what to expect that month and which boats have space.
Galapagos is unlike anywhere else on Earth: wildlife that does not run from you, islands still shaped by volcanoes, and a park that limits every visit. Tell us how you like to travel and we will match you with the right boat.