August
Cool season.
BEST TIME · SEPTEMBER
Galapagos in September.
What the islands, the sea and the wildlife are like in September, and how to plan a cruise around it.
Galapagos in September — Reference image only.
01 / CONDITIONS
Weather and sea in September
| Typical | |
|---|---|
| Season | Cool season |
| Air temperature | About 70 °f (21–23 °c) |
| Water temperature | About 66–70 °f (19–21 °c), often the coolest |
| Seas | Often the roughest month |
| Rain | Dry, gray mornings |
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 September
- Penguins most active around Bartolomé and the west
- Sea lions pupping; pups curious in the water
- Seabirds still nesting
- Fewer visitors after the August peak
- Great marine life for snorkelers and divers
Check species by island in the wildlife finder.
03 / PLANNING
Cruising the Galapagos in September
Quieter boats and lively seas. Some vessels use this month for annual maintenance, so check schedules.
Pack: A full 5 mm wetsuit, seasickness plan, warm hat for morning landings. 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.
04 / OTHER MONTHS
Compare with nearby months
October
Easing cool season.
All months
The full year at a glance.
05 / FAQ
Galapagos in September: questions
Is September a good time to visit the Galapagos?
Yes. September brings the cool season; quieter boats and lively seas.
What is the water temperature in Galapagos in September?
Typically about 66–70 °F (19–21 °C), often the coolest, cooler in the west.
Are the seas rough in September?
They are often the roughest month. Midship, lower-deck cabins move least.
Do I need a wetsuit in September?
A full 5 mm wetsuit is our usual suggestion.
Can you suggest boats for September?
Yes. Email hola@galapagosislands.cruises with your dates and group size.
BEST TIME
Traveling in September?
Tell us your dates; we suggest boats and routes that make the most of September.
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.