Weather in Galápagos Islands

About Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are Darwin's living laboratory—an archipelago where evolution's secrets are written in wildlife behavior. Giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas exist nowhere else on earth. Tourism is carefully regulated; visitors must join guided tours on naturalist-led island hikes.

Country

Ecuador

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

USD

Language

Spanish, English

Things to do in Galápagos Islands

Naturalist-guided island hikes with wildlife viewing Boat tours circumnavigating multiple islands Snorkeling with marine iguanas and tropical fish Species observation: boobies, frigatebirds, finches Endemic wildlife photography opportunities Volcanic landscape exploration and geology learning

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

26C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

February

28C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

March

29C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

April

28C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

May

26C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

June

25C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

July

24C

Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.

August

23C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

September

23C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

October

23C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

November

24C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

December

25C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

The Galápagos Islands, scattered across the Pacific some 1,000km from mainland Ecuador, remain one of the world's most extraordinary wildlife destinations — the place that helped inspire Darwin's theory of evolution. Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sea lions and blue-footed boobies show little fear of visitors, who explore the islands either by live-aboard cruise between volcanic landscapes or based on land at Santa Cruz, Isabela or San Cristóbal.

Best areas to stay in Galápagos Islands

Santa Cruz (Puerto Ayora)

The most developed island, home to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the main hub for day tours.

Isabela Island

The largest island, with volcanic landscapes, flamingo lagoons and giant tortoise breeding centres.

San Cristóbal Island

Home to the regional capital, sea lion-lined beaches and good surfing.

Floreana / remote islands (cruise-only)

Smaller, less-visited islands typically reached only on multi-day cruises.

Getting to Galápagos Islands

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Flights

Flights from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (near Santa Cruz) or San Cristóbal, usually with a stop in Guayaquil, take roughly 2-3 hours total.

⏱

From London

~2-3 hours by air from mainland Ecuador, including stops.

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Getting around

Inter-island travel is by small boat or short flight; within islands, taxis, bikes and walking cover the main towns.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit the Galápagos?

The islands are a year-round destination — December to May is warmer with calmer seas, while June to November is cooler and better for marine life like whale sharks and penguins.

Is it better to cruise or stay on land?

Cruises reach more remote islands and wildlife sites, while land-based stays (especially Santa Cruz) are more budget-friendly and allow day trips by boat.

Do you need a guide to visit the Galápagos?

Yes — most visitor sites within Galápagos National Park require a licensed naturalist guide, whether on a cruise or a day tour.

Is there an entrance fee?

Yes — visitors pay a national park entrance fee on arrival, separate from flights and any tour costs, plus a transit control card fee.

How do you get to the Galápagos?

Flights depart from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra or San Cristóbal islands, typically with a stop.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Snorkelling alongside sea lions and marine iguanas, with a giant tortoise crossing the path on the walk back, made every day feel like a wildlife documentary.

Nathan P. · September 2023

★★★★★

Chose a land-based stay on Santa Cruz with day tours and never felt like we missed out compared to friends who cruised.

Camille D. · June 2024

★★★★☆

Costs add up quickly between park fees, flights and tours, but the up-close wildlife encounters are unlike anywhere else we've been.

Tobias W. · March 2024