Seasons & Wildlife calendar

When to visit the Galápagos & what you can expect to see

🌦 Seasons

The Galápagos has two main seasons, each offering unique conditions and wildlife moments.

Warm Season (Dec–May)

• Sunny, warm weather

• Calmer seas — excellent for snorkeling

• Occasional light rain

• Warmer water (24–28°C)

Dry Season (Jun–Nov)

• Cooler temperatures

• Rougher seas with nutrient-rich currents

• Colder water (18–23°C)

• Peak activity for large marine life (sharks, rays, penguins)

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🐢🐧 Wildlife Calendar (Highlights)

January–March

• Marine & land iguana breeding season

• Giant tortoise hatchlings

• Active penguins in Isabela

April–June

• Frigatebirds with inflated red pouches (San Cristóbal & Genovesa)

• Beginning of manta ray sightings

• Sea turtles nesting

July–September

• Peak waved albatross season on Española

• Sea lion pupping season

• Higher chances of spotting whales & dolphins

October–November

• Excellent for hammerhead shark sightings

• Seabird colonies in active feeding behavior

• Marine iguanas shedding skin

December

• Light rains begin

• Land bird nesting season starts

• Energetic penguins & sea lions in warmer waters

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✨ Quick Tips

• There’s no bad month — each season offers something special.

• Itinerary matters: western islands offer more large marine life; eastern islands provide iconic birdlife and landscapes.

• If you have specific species in mind, plan around their peak months.