Galapagos in July
Visiting the Galapagos In July
Galapagos Weather in July
- Average Max. temperature: 77°F (25.0°C)
- Average temperature: 72°F (22.0°C)
- Sea temp.: 72°F (22.0°C)
- Average Monthly Rainfall: 0.6 in (1.4 cm)
- Average hours of clear skies per day: about 6 hours
During July in the Galapagos the air and sea temperature cool significantly compared to June and the transition from the hotter, rainier season into Garua season characterized by significantly less rain and a refreshing cool humidity brought in by the shifting Humboldt Ocean Current. The cool current originates in the nutrient rich waters of Antarctica and brings plankton and other sources of food for the Galapagos ocean species. Some nights get cool as the Galapagos and a long sleeve shirt or jacket is recommended if you’re going to be out on the deck of your cruise boat.
Any month is a good month for visiting Galapagos, and if you’re sensitive to very hot temperatures, July is ideal as it’s relatively cool and has still has clear sunny skies which continue to get cloudier August through January.
Galapagos Tourist Activity in July
This is Galapagos “high season” as schools and classes in the northern hemisphere are on vacation for the summer. It is necessary to reserve a Galapagos cruise months in advance if you’re traveling in July and not rely on last minute deal, as nearly all of the boats are full during July (and August). If you are unable to get space on a boat, a Galapagos hotel based tour is a good option.
Those who are prone to seasickness or if you’re interested in diving, or want more free time or beach time than a cruise affords may find a land based Galapagos tour a better option and there is almost always availability in hotels year round.
Galapagos Wildlife in July
July is a major month for mating and breeding and the Humboldt current strengthens from the South seas making micronutrients more plentiful and marine life is more active. It’s an excellent month for snorkelling and SCUBA diving. More dolphins and whales can be seen, especially off the western slopes of Isabela and east of Fernandina Island.
Waved albatross (Phoebastria irrorata)
Albatrosses are nesting. Their eggs were laid between April and June and incubated for two months. Upon hatching, the chicks congregate in small nurseries while the parents go out to the sea for hunting. When the parents return, they may feed the chicks up to 2 kg (4.4 lb) of oil.
Magnificent Frigatebirds (Fregata magnificens) and Great Frigatebirds (Fregata minor)
Are nesting in June (year-round on North Seymour only). Frigatebirds are big time kleptomaniacs throughout this process, as they frequently steal twigs from the nests of red-footed boobies and even other frigatebird couples.
Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki)
It’s breeding season (May–January) and the males get aggressive chasing away competing males and accumulating harems. Don’t get too close to the males, they have been known to chase after camera wielding tourists, and they’re much faster than they seem!
Galapagos Penguins
The Pengins are nesting from May to January, within 50 meters of the shoreline mostly in areas where the colder waters prevail, normally between Isabela and Fernandina islands. Galapagos Penguins are the only penguins located in the Northern hemisphere. They choose a mate for life and their eggs are kept out of sun, and as a result egg holes are frequently found in caves or crevices. Egg caring duties are shared over the hatching period of five weeks. One parent always stays with the eggs and the other goes off to feed.
Blue-footed boobies (Sula nebouxii)
The blue-footed boobies are nesting and with luck you’ll be able to see all four life stages: eggs, chicks, juveniles and adults.
