The Galapagos climate is equatorial, cooled by the Humboldt Current, with two main seasons: the warm, wet season (January to April) and the cool, dry season (May to December).
December to May is generally the best time to visit. The weather is pleasantly warm, winds are light, and the seas are calm. Heavy rains in the upper elevations send streams of water down the slopes even to the lowest island points. Water temperatures peak in February and March at around 25°C / 77°F, and underwater visibility is best from January to March.
June to November brings overcast skies and cooler conditions. The Humboldt Current chills the water and sometimes creates mist over the islands. July and August are the windiest months (force 4–5), with sea temperatures dropping to around 21.5°C / 71°F in August. The Humboldt Current is strongest from September to November, producing strong ocean currents. Occasionally the warm El Niño current replaces the Humboldt, affecting weather across the South Pacific.
From May to December, the southeasterly winds cool the southern shores, and rain is scarce at lower elevations — only drought-resistant plants like cacti and lichens thrive there, while higher elevations remain lush.
Best months for diving are December–January and again May–June. October is probably the worst month for diving — cold and windy. Whale shark sightings are most frequently reported in May and June.
Monthly climate at a glance
| Month | Max °C | Min °C | Sea °C | Rain (in) | |-------|--------|--------|--------|-----------| | January | 30 | 22 | 24.5 | 2.4 | | February | 30 | 24 | 25 | 4.6 | | March | 31 | 24 | 25 | 4.0 | | April | 31 | 24 | 25 | 2.9 | | May | 28 | 22 | 24.5 | 0.6 | | June | 26 | 21 | 23 | 0.2 | | July | 26 | 20 | 22 | 0.3 | | August | 26 | 19 | 21.5 | 0.2 | | September | 26 | 19 | 22 | 0.2 | | October | 26 | 20 | 22.5 | 0.2 | | November | 26 | 21 | 23 | 0.2 | | December | 27 | 22 | 23.5 | 0.3 |