When to Visit the Galapagos Islands
While most wildlife destinations have distinct peak and off-seasons, the Galapagos Islands is an animal-lovers wonderland throughout the year. No matter what month you visit, there will be incredible wildlife encounters to experience, although they will differ from season to season, depending on the weather and the animals’ lifecycles.
Because of the archipelago’s abundance and with so much going on, it can be tricky to decide when is the best time to visit. It’s true that there are busier periods in the Galapagos Islands (largely coinciding with Northern Hemisphere holiday periods) but due to restricted tourist numbers, you’re never going to experience “crowds” at any of the sites.
Wildlife and Weather Highlights of the Galapagos Islands
So planning your trip should really be about the animals you most want to see and how you want to encounter them. Do you want to observe the blue-footed boobies performing their famous mating ritual or is it sea lion pups taking their first splash that you want to witness? Perhaps you have your heart set on exploring below the water’s surface while snorkeling or scuba diving and want the best visibility. Or maybe you’re dreaming of island hopping with clear, sunny skies and no sign of rain.
To help you plan your adventure, we’ve put together a handy infographic so you can determine the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands, depending on your interests. It includes the seasons and predominant weather patterns, as well as the wildlife encounters you can expect and the number of other tourists visiting the islands.
