The Galapagos Islands is always hot. Sometimes it is a comfortable heat, sometimes it can be a sweltering, humid heat. What it all comes down to when you’re snorkeling, hiking and exploring the islands – any time is a great time to visit the Galapagos! Read on for our Galapagos Islands weather guide.
Since the Galapagos Islands are right on the equator (the northern part of Isabela Island lies directly on the equator), you should consider the Galapagos as a tropical destination.
Colorful vegetation on Floreana Island.
This means that sun set and sun rise times do not vary much any time of the year. It also means that there are no drastic temperature changes in the Galapagos throughout the year. (However, the water temperatures do vary more than you’d expect!)
Day Time Temperatures in the Galapagos
No matter when you come to visit, you will likely experience days with temperatures around 30C / 86F. Our daily high temperatures go from an average of 25C / 77F in August and September, up to an average of 31C / 89F in March and April. Even at night time, it is rare for the temperature to dip below 19C / 65F in our coolest months.
Overall, the first few months of the year, from January to May tend to be the wetter, more humid months. If you’re not a fan of humidity, then you may not want to visit during the historically hottest months of April and May.
Sometimes it is too hot for pants in the Galapagos! Wearing swim trunks or shorts is the way to go!
While the temperatures may be a bit cooler by the time July roles around, it is also drier, with very little rain. We often consider the July-November months to be most comfortable for living in the Galapagos Islands!
With that said, if you’re craving sunshine, our sunniest months are actually the same as our rainiest months from January to May! As you may suspect, the weather is a bit more unpredictable during that time of year.
In the end, we can pretty much guarantee you’ll get plenty of sunshine any time of year, and enjoy some tropical temperatures when you’re out walking around town or enjoying some biking and kayaking in the Galapagos. You can always head into the highlands too, if things get a bit too hot for you!
Water Temperatures in the Galapagos
Thanks to numerous currents in the Galapagos, water temperature can vary quite a bit during the year. At times, a wetsuit is recommended (for extra buoyancy, but also for keeping warmer!)
At places like Kicker Rock, there can be big upwells that bring much colder water up from the depths of the ocean up to the surface. The temperature change can be quite sudden too. This is a good thing though, as these upwells are what attract a lot of large marine life to the Galapagos, as they bring with them a plethora of food that whales, fish, sharks, sea lions, sea turtles and other animals eat.
From around early December into early June, the water in the Galapagos is generally warmer. Each year can vary of course, but you can expect water temperatures around 24C / 75F, give or take a couple of degrees.
By late June, and into July the water temperature is dropping. August may get as low as 19C / 67F. For most of the July – November months you can expect the water to be between 20-22C / 68-72F, and we have plenty of wetsuits for you to fit into to stay warm during these months.
Month by Month Weather Guide for the Galapagos Islands
Predicting the weather is always a foolish game, and recent years haven’t always been as consistent as we’d expect. But, weather is always a big question we get, so here is a very general guideline on hat weather may be like each month in the Galapagos.
January Weather in the Galapagos
- Air temperature range: 21-28C / 70-83F
- Water temperature average: 24C / 76F
- Rainfall average: 6cm / 2.4in
- Overall: Warm and wet, with great visibility for snorkeling
February Weather in the Galapagos
- Air temperature range: 22-30C / 72-86F
- Water temperature average: 25C / 77F
- Rainfall average: 7cm / 2.6in
- Overall: Hot and humid, clear waters. Sun showers and rainbows.
March Weather in the Galapagos
- Air temperature range: 24-32C / 75-90F
- Water temperature average: 25C / 77F
- Rainfall average: 8cm / 3.2in
- Overall: Wettest and warmest time. More rain, but more sun too.
April Weather in the Galapagos
- Air temperature range: 23-30C / 74-88F
- Water temperature average: 24C / 76F
- Rainfall average: 4cm / 1.6in
- Overall: Getting greener and drier, can be busy at Easter.
May Weather in the Galapagos
- Air temperature range: 22-28C / 72-82F
- Water temperature average: 23C / 75F
- Rainfall average: 2cm / 0.7in
- Overall: In between the warm and cool seasons. Comfortable.
June Weather in the Galapagos
- Air temperature range: 21-26C / 70-79F
- Water temperature average: 23C / 74F
- Rainfall average: 1.5cm / 0.6in
- Overall: In between the warm and cool seasons. Comfortable.
July Weather in the Galapagos
- Air temperature range: 19-25C / 66-77F
- Water temperature average: 22C / 72F
- Rainfall average: 1cm / 0.4in
- Overall: Cooler nights, cooler water. Busy summer season.
August Weather in the Galapagos
- Air temperature range: 18-24C / 64-75F
- Water temperature average: 20C / 68F
- Rainfall average: 0.5cm / 0.2in
- Overall: Cool, choppy waters. Rains limited to the highlands.
September Weather in the Galapagos
- Air temperature range: 17-24C / 62-75F
- Water temperature average: 21C / 70F
- Rainfall average: 0.75cm / 0.3in
- Overall: Coolest nights, quite dry. Not too busy, wildlife very active.
October Weather in the Galapagos
- Air temperature range: 19-25C / 66-77F
- Water temperature average: 22C / 73F
- Rainfall average: 0.65cm / 0.25in
- Overall: Warming up, not so busy, clearer views in the highlands.
November Weather in the Galapagos
- Air temperature range: 20-26C / 69-79F
- Water temperature average: 23C / 73F
- Rainfall average: 1cm / 0.4in
- Overall: Warm season may begin, not as windy, calmer waters.
December Weather in the Galapagos
- Air temperature range: 21-27C / 70-80F
- Water temperature average: 23C / 74F
- Rainfall average: 1.2cm / 0.5in
- Overall: Excellent weather early December, busy over holiday time.