When is the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands? As a bucket list destination for so many, the answer might be “anytime you can.” This archipelago in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador is near the equator, which means the weather is manageable all year long. It varies only slightly in temperature (warm or hot) and wetness (a little rainy or dry). But regardless of season, there is always plenty of wildlife to see while visiting the archipelago: Wildlife spotting on land, as well as while diving and snorkeling, is most visitors’ focus. And there are also several ways to do these activities—so it’s important to strategize when to go in order to decide how to spend your time and money on your trip.
To get the inside scoop on the best time to visit the Galapagos, I spoke to two of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists, Jennifer Gillmore of Travel Beyond who specializes in trips throughout Latin America, and Tom Damon of Southwind Adventures, a company that has led culinary and adventure tours to Central and South America for more than 30 years. “The Galapagos is truly a year-round destination, and the best time to visit depends on the experience you are looking for,” Gillmore says. Damon adds, “A traveler's goals play a factor in terms of experiences, wildlife, and if you want to go on a cruise or stay at a lodge.”
Below, we discuss with travel experts the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands, how long to stay, and what to do to get the best of the destination.
The Galapagos is an outdoor destination—visitors are typically on boats, in the water, or hiking—so good weather is important. Luckily, because the archipelago is near the equator, the weather is almost always hot and sunny, although this means sometimes heat can be a problem, and sun protection is important.
There are rainy and dry seasons, but the differences between them are not drastic. “Late December through mid-May is the hot and sunny time of year; it’s also officially the rainy season, but this rarely hampers activities. Any rain you do encounter can be a welcome break from the intense heat,” Gillmore says. “The moisture also brings color to the vegetation, which is a nice addition to the island landscapes.”
Both Gillmore and Damon name May as their preferred time in the Galapagos. “That’s when the water is warm, the vegetation colorful, and the skies start to cloud a bit to temper the heat of the sun,” Gillmore says. “May is nice for hiking and exploring the islands on foot, also for calmer seas with warmer ocean temperatures that are good for swimming and snorkeling. Green sea turtles are nesting and it’s a good time for snorkeling and diving,” Damon adds.
The dry season in the Galapagos runs from June through
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This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Stephen and Joanna Vargha, a married couple who moved from North Carolina to Cuenca, Ecuador, in 2020 after retiring early. Cuenca is located in the Andes mountains and has a population of about 600,000 people. Their interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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