Galapagos Marine Iguana

The second half of the year is full of incredible experiences especially those related to birds and animals. During this time, hiking and manual work are great options unlike snorkeling or diving for the choppy and cold sea. Learn what the Galapagos Islands have to offer monthly.

July

Dry season: warm but cloudy and windy with low rainfall. Land temperatures reach 75°F/24°C and water temperatures around 74°F/23°C which is perfect to see whales and dolphins especially from Galapagos cruises or yacht charters.

Migratory birds can be seen. Booby and Frigatebird eggs begin hatching. American Oystercatchers nest on Santiago Island and mating starts for lava lizards.

August

This is one of the coolest months in Galapagos with strong wind, low rainfall and choppy seas.

Birds such as flamingos begin mating rituals and Nazca Booby birds nest. Representative animals like Galapagos Penguins move to central islands like Bartolomé. Genovesa is home to red-footed boobies and Swallow-tailed gulls.

Giant tortoises from Santa Cruz migrate back to the highlands and Galapagos Sea Lions begin to give birth.

September

The seas get rough and most Galapagos cruises enter a maintenance process. Little rain and land temperatures of 70°F/21°C and water temperature of 75°F/24°C.

Galapagos Penguins start mating on the central islands. Great month to see most sea birds nesting. Sea lions seem very active as males often fight on land and in the water to defend their harems.

October

Temperatures reach 71°F/22°C with occasional rainfall and the sea temperatures around 75°F/24°C.

This is a month to enjoy Galapagos Fur Sea lions mating and blue-footed Booby chicks are very common in different spots.

November

It is slightly warmer (71°F/22°C) and less windy than October. Little rain is expected, and the seas are rough with temperatures of 75°F/24°C.

It is common to see Nazca Booby chicks. Also, sea lions pups in shore nurseries are a sweet attraction in Galapagos. See how a Brown Noddy breeds.

December

This is the end of the dry season. Vegetation starts to get its green appearance again and water temperatures increase again to 74°F/23°C welcoming divers and sea lovers in general. This is a busy month, so prices go up.

Waved Albatross chicks have grown enough to leave Española flying from December to March. Do not expect to see too many boobies since they are busy fishing.

Hatching of Giant Tortoise eggs begin and continue until April. Green Sea Turtles mate in shallow water, so it is easy to witness.

Choose the month of your preference and plan your trip to the Galapagos Islands. Nothing can go wrong!