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Galapagos volcanic coastline with garúa mist over the green highlands and a small yacht at anchor, illustrating the warm and cool seasons

BEST TIME · JANUARY

Galapagos in January.

What the islands, the sea and the wildlife are like in January, and how to plan a cruise around it.

Read the quick answer ↓Ask our team ↗

Galapagos in January — Reference image only.

01 / CONDITIONS

Weather and sea in January

Typical
SeasonWarm season
Air temperatureLow 80s °f (about 27–29 °c) by day
Water temperatureAbout 72–77 °f (22–25 °c)
SeasUsually calm
RainShort tropical showers, mostly afternoons

Typical ranges; El Niño and La Niña years can shift them. Temperatures vary by island, with the west usually coolest.

02 / WILDLIFE

Wildlife highlights in January

  • Green sea turtles mating and nesting on sandy beaches
  • Land iguanas begin breeding on Isabela
  • Marine iguanas on Española in red and green breeding colors
  • Giant tortoise eggs hatching (December to April)
  • Waved albatross absent from Española

Check species by island in the wildlife finder.

03 / PLANNING

Cruising the Galapagos in January

Warm, clear water makes snorkeling comfortable on every route; the islands turn green after the first rains.

Pack: Rash guard rather than a thick wetsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, light rain jacket. Full list: what to pack for a Galapagos cruise.

Plan travel days with the trip date planner; motion-sensitive? Read seasickness tips. Groups can also consider Galapagos charters.

Small white expedition yacht anchored in a calm bay beside a volcanic tuff cone in the central Galapagos Islands, with a panga heading to shore
Galapagos in January — Reference image only.
04 / OTHER MONTHS

Compare with nearby months

Aerial view of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz, the largest town in the Galapagos, with boats in the bay and national park coastline beyond the town
Reference image only

December

Start of the warm season.

Marine iguanas on wet lava rock under humid rain clouds with greener vegetation, illustrating El Niño conditions in the Galapagos
Reference image only

February

Warm season.

Galapagos anchorage showing the warm season and the cool garúa season
Reference image only

All months

The full year at a glance.

05 / FAQ

Galapagos in January: questions

Is January a good time to visit the Galapagos?

Yes. January brings the warm season; warm, clear water makes snorkeling comfortable on every route; the islands turn green after the first rains.

What is the water temperature in Galapagos in January?

Typically about 72–77 °F (22–25 °C), cooler in the west.

Are the seas rough in January?

They are usually calm. Midship, lower-deck cabins move least.

Do I need a wetsuit in January?

Rash guard rather than a thick wetsuit is our usual suggestion.

Can you suggest boats for January?

Yes. Email hola@galapagosislands.cruises with your dates and group size.

BEST TIME

Traveling in January?

Tell us your dates; we suggest boats and routes that make the most of January.

Email hola@galapagosislands.cruises ↗Talk to an expert ↗

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.