September 1, 2026
El Niño Live Updates: August 2026
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El Niño is a topic on many travelers’ minds right now. As a locally based operator in the islands, we thought it would be useful to share a local perspective alongside updates from scientific institutions and local authorities, helping adventurers stay informed as conditions develop.
Please note that the observations shared in this update are local observations rather than scientific measurements. They give us another perspective to follow alongside the broader scientific picture.
El Niño is a climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean that influences ocean temperatures, currents, weather, and wildlife across the Galápagos Islands. While El Niño is not a new phenomenon, scientists have only been studying it systematically for around 150 years.
The Galápagos are naturally influenced by different ocean currents throughout the year. The cold Humboldt Current brings nutrient-rich waters that support the islands' incredibly productive marine ecosystem. During an El Niño event, warmer ocean temperatures can reduce nutrient availability and change where marine species feed and gather.
El Niño does not happen every year, and predicting exactly how an event will develop can be difficult. That is why we are following the situation month by month.
For a deeper explanation of how El Niño works and why it occurs, read our full guide to the El Niño phenomenon.
What Is Different About 2026?
An El Niño event is developing in the Pacific, with forecasts indicating that conditions could strengthen through late 2026 and potentially continue into 2027.
Because conditions can change over time, we will continue monitoring the latest information and sharing updates throughout the season.
So, what is happening in the Galápagos right now?
August 2026: A Snapshot
What Are Scientific Institutions and Local Authorities Saying?
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Weather | 71.6°F–84.2°F (22°C–29°C)
Warm conditions have been reported across the islands. Source: The Weather Channel |
Sea Temperature | 20.1°C–23.5°C
Sea temperatures remain warmer than usual. Source: INOCAR |
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Wildlife | Activity has remained mostly unchanged so far. It is still early to identify any major changes related to El Niño.
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Ecuador’s Ecuadorian Navy Oceanographic and Antarctic Institute (INOCAR) has reported ocean conditions consistent with the developing El Niño phenomenon, including warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures and changes in the depth of the thermocline.
Warmer ocean conditions do not necessarily mean that heavy rains will begin immediately or that travelers should expect major changes across the islands. We will continue following information from scientific institutions and local authorities as conditions develop.
What Are We Seeing in the Islands?
This month, wildlife activity has remained mostly unchanged, while ocean temperatures continue to be warmer than usual as El Niño conditions develop. Here is a quick look at what our team has been observing across the islands.
These observations reflect what our team is seeing in the field and are not intended to replace scientific measurements across the entire archipelago.
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Weather | Some rain was observed in San Cristóbal, which is somewhat unusual for this time of year, but the rainfall has been short.
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Sea Temperature | We have noticed warmer-than-usual water for this time of year. While wetsuits are still used for safety during our activities, the water temperatures have been comfortable and inviting for getting in and enjoying the ocean.
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Wildlife | The quantity and quality of wildlife encounters on our tours have remained active, and bay life continues to thrive. Our adventurers are still regularly encountering a wide variety of Galápagos wildlife, especially seabirds.
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Unusual encounters
One of our guides, Pepo, reported an interesting wildlife observation in southern Isabela: a flightless cormorant in an area outside where these birds are usually seen on the island. Flightless cormorants are native to Isabela, so seeing one is not unusual by itself. What made this encounter interesting was its location, as these birds are generally associated with the western part of Isabela and Fernandina.
These observations are only small pieces of a much bigger picture, but they help us follow how conditions are changing from month to month. Some observations may be connected to broader environmental patterns, while others are simply part of the fascinating movements and behaviors of Galápagos wildlife.
What Should Travelers Know?
At the moment, El Niño has not caused major changes that would prevent travelers from enjoying a Galápagos adventure.
Our guides continued to observe the diverse marine and terrestrial wildlife that makes the Galápagos so special. Of course, wildlife is unpredictable, and no particular encounter can ever be guaranteed.
The weather has been warm, so lightweight, comfortable clothing and good sun protection are recommended for activities on land. For water-based activities, Galakiwi provides the necessary equipment, including wetsuits when needed.
For now, snorkeling, hiking, and other activities continue as usual, while we keep monitoring how conditions develop.
Should You Still Travel to the Galápagos?
Based on what we are seeing at the moment, there is no reason to change your Galápagos travel plans because of El Niño alone.
Conditions in the Pacific can change over time, which is why we will continue monitoring scientific reports, listening to our guides, and sharing what we observe in the islands each month.
For now, come prepared for warm weather, stay curious, and keep in mind that the Galápagos is a dynamic ecosystem. Next month, we’ll be back with another update on what September is bringing to the islands.
