Galapagos Weather And Water Temperature By Month
This page puts the weather for all twelve months in one place. Air temperature, water temperature, rainfall and sea conditions are taken from our month-by-month Galapagos cruise guides, and each month links to its full guide with wildlife highlights and booking advice.
Galapagos Weather By Month
| Month | Air Temperature | Rainfall | Sea Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 71-88°F (22-31°C); average highs around 84°F (29°C) | Approx. 2-2.7 inches (50-68mm) – brief tropical showers | Calm – low seasickness risk |
| February | 75-86°F (24-30°C) daytime; 70°F (21°C) nights | ~2.6 inches total; ~8-10 rainy days (short showers) | Calm – trade winds at their weakest |
| March | 77-88°F (25-31°C) daytime – hottest month of the year | ~3.3 inches (8 cm) – highest monthly rainfall of the year | Calm – warm season trade winds still minimal |
| April | 72-88°F (22-31°C) daytime; comfortable evenings | ~1.4 inches (4 cm) – wet season winding down sharply | Calm – warm season still holding, trade winds not yet arrived |
| May | 72-82°F (22-28°C) – most comfortable of the warm season | ~0.6 inches (1.5 cm) – near-dry, lowest of warm season | Calm to slightly variable – Humboldt Current starting to arrive |
| June | 70-77°F (21-25°C) – noticeably cooler than warm season | ~0.2 inches – essentially dry | Moderate – trade winds building; choppier than warm season |
| July | 66-76°F (19–24°C) – cool and comfortable for hiking | Virtually none – driest period of the year | Choppy to rough on open crossings – seasickness preparation essential |
| August | 64-74°F (18-23°C) – coolest of the dry season | ~0.2 inches – essentially zero | Rough to very rough on open crossings – strongest trade winds of year |
| September | 62-76°F (17-24°C) – coolest month of the year | ~0.2 inches – essentially zero | Roughest of the year – seasickness preparation essential |
| October | 64-77°F (18-25°C) – cool and comfortable, easing warmer | ~0.3 inches – one of the driest months | Improving – noticeably calmer than September |
| November | 66-79°F (19-26°C) – warming through month, pleasant throughout | ~0.2 inches – still essentially dry | Calm to moderate – noticeably settled compared to dry season peak |
| December | 72-82°F (22-28°C) – warm season beginning, rising through month | ~0.5 inches – first light showers of warm season, brief and clearing fast | Calm – trade winds have eased; one of the smoothest crossing months |
Galapagos Water Temperature By Month
| Month | Water Temperature | Underwater Visibility |
|---|---|---|
| January | 73-75°F (23-24°C) – warm and comfortable | Excellent – up to 60-100ft (18-30m) at many sites |
| February | 76°F (24°C) average – warmest of the year | Excellent – peak visibility season |
| March | 76-77°F (24-25°C) – peak warmth of the year | Excellent – among the clearest of the year |
| April | 76-77°F (24-25°C) – peak annual warmth, tied with March | Excellent – among the best of the year |
| May | ~74°F (23°C) – still warm, cooling begins toward June | Good to excellent – transitional currents beginning |
| June | ~67-72°F (19-22°C) – wetsuit recommended | Good, though transitional currents can reduce it vs. warm season |
| July | ~65-72°F (18-22°C) – wetsuit essential | Good – reduced vs. warm season but rich with marine life |
| August | ~64-68°F (18-20°C) – coldest of the year; wetsuit essential | Good – rich with marine activity despite reduced clarity vs warm season |
| September | ~66-70°F (19-21°C) – cold; wetsuit essential | Good – nutrient-rich water with high marine activity |
| October | ~68-73°F (20-23°C) – still cool, beginning seasonal rise | Good to very good – improving as season transitions |
| November | ~70-75°F (21-24°C) – rising toward warm season; wetsuit optional late month | Good to excellent – improving as Humboldt Current retreats |
| December | ~72-77°F (22-25°C) – warming rapidly; no wetsuit needed by mid-month | Good to excellent – warm season clarity returning |
Warm Season Or Dry Season?
- Galapagos Wet Season vs Dry Season: Which Is Better for a Cruise?The Galapagos wet and dry seasons offer completely different experiences - one favors calm seas and snorkeling, the other delivers richer wildlife and cooler hiking weather.
- Galapagos Cruise High Season vs Low Season: Price and Experience ComparedGalapagos high season brings bigger crowds and higher prices, but low season often delivers nearly the same wildlife experience for far less money.
- Best Time of Year to Take a Galapagos CruiseThe Galapagos has no bad cruise season, but wildlife, sea conditions, snorkeling, crowds, and prices change dramatically throughout the year.
- How to Avoid Seasickness on a Galapagos CruiseGalapagos seasickness is usually manageable with preventive medication, smart cabin selection, and extra preparation for rougher routes and the June-November season.
- What to Wear on a Galapagos CruiseGalapagos cruises are completely casual - pack lightweight quick-dry clothing, neutral trail colors, a rash guard, and a windproof layer for cooler conditions.
