So, when is the best time to go? There is no “best” time: any time is great to visit “the Enchanted Islands”. But you should know a little about island climate and other variables in order to pick the season that will feature the things you wish to see and do.

In spite of the fact that the Galapagos archipelago straddles the Equator, the weather in the islands can be quite variable. Although the number of hours of sunlight the islands get on a daily basis is relatively uniform, major ocean currents such as the Humboldt converge there, bringing cooler weather during certain months of the year. The plants and animals are naturally affected by these changes and other aspects of the visitor experience – such as water visibility while snorkeling or diving – are impacted as well.

December to February:

During these months, Galapagos is warming up. Average daily temperatures rise, but it rarely gets unbearably hot. By the end of February, the hot season will be in full force. The water, too, will be warming, and most snorkelers won’t need a wet suit. Tourist activity is generally low during these months, and early December is often a great time for a good last-minute deal, but the Christmas-New Year period is usually packed until early January.

February – April:

These are the hottest months in Galapagos. The sun will be blazing and the heat scorching. If you are not in a hotel with air conditioning, you will wish you were. The water is pleasantly warm, although visibility will be very low. Tourist activity is low (except around Easter Week) and this is a good time to look for a last-minute deal. See more details about Galapagos in April.