BEST TIME TO VISIT THE GALÁPAGOS FOR LAND BASED ACTIVITIES
TEMPERATURE & RAINFALL
WHEN TO VISIT THE GALÁPAGOS ON A LAND BASED HOLIDAY
A MONTH BY MONTH GUIDE
January finds the Galápagos islands singing in sunshine and showers but don't be put off as rain isn't heavy and will often be over no sooner than it's started all the way through until May. January is also the best time to visit the Galápagos if you're looking to observe green turtles laying their eggs.
Breeding and nesting season on the Galápagos coincides with warmer weather during February, March and April as a carpet of spring flowers offers a touch of colour to add to the amour. Land based vacation makers will also find January to May the best time visit the Galápagos for days spent at the beach as land and sea temperatures are at a premium despite the daily threat of drizzle.
From June or July to October or November it gets much cooler off the coast with larger waves and stronger currents ushering in seas rich with plankton and nutrients to provide penguins, sea lions and sea birds, including albatross, with a banquet of delights. Although turbulent seas won’t prove too much of a problem for land based travelers; who can take advantage of this extra wildlife-rich season.
It won't be until October before things tend to heat up although August and September are usually pretty dry.
November –December is one of the best times to go on a Galápagos land based vacation if you're hoping to catch the start of the giant tortoise hatching season. The tortoises mate during the summer and into the autumn (June to December) before laying their eggs (approx 2 – 15) from November to April.
To stand a chance of witnessing one of nature’s true giants, head to the Galápagos from June to September, when humpback whales pass by.
Visit our Galápagos Islands travel guide for more info on the best time to visit the Galápagos.
Breeding and nesting season on the Galápagos coincides with warmer weather during February, March and April as a carpet of spring flowers offers a touch of colour to add to the amour. Land based vacation makers will also find January to May the best time visit the Galápagos for days spent at the beach as land and sea temperatures are at a premium despite the daily threat of drizzle.
From June or July to October or November it gets much cooler off the coast with larger waves and stronger currents ushering in seas rich with plankton and nutrients to provide penguins, sea lions and sea birds, including albatross, with a banquet of delights. Although turbulent seas won’t prove too much of a problem for land based travelers; who can take advantage of this extra wildlife-rich season.
It won't be until October before things tend to heat up although August and September are usually pretty dry.
November –December is one of the best times to go on a Galápagos land based vacation if you're hoping to catch the start of the giant tortoise hatching season. The tortoises mate during the summer and into the autumn (June to December) before laying their eggs (approx 2 – 15) from November to April.
To stand a chance of witnessing one of nature’s true giants, head to the Galápagos from June to September, when humpback whales pass by.
Visit our Galápagos Islands travel guide for more info on the best time to visit the Galápagos.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE GALÁPAGOS
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL RECOMMENDS
Tim Winkworth, from our supplier the Family Adventure Company, recommends timing your visit to coincide with the courtship season of blue-footed boobies and frigate birds. The exact timing varies from island to island, so check with your vacation company: “The boobies are wobbling from left to right, like an accentuated penguin, and the frigate birds are inflating the red sac on their neck, blowing it up and making a noise (in Mar-Apr). They’re doing something that is key to their life, and you're within it, not on the outside of it. I saw all these amazing animals – but what seals all my memories is sitting and watching two blue-footed boobies mimicking each other hopping from one foot to the other, one foot to the other (in Apr-Jul). It's lovely – it’s not all big, powerful stuff; it creates a warm feeling!”
WILDLIFE EVENTS IN GALÁPAGOS
OUR PICK FROM THE GALÁPAGOS CALENDAR
Did you know about...?
Baby sea lions!
Unbearably cute Galápagos sea lion pups are born around August and gather strength on land before taking the plunge for the first time in November. Joining playful pups during their first swimming lessons is beyond amazing.
Unbearably cute Galápagos sea lion pups are born around August and gather strength on land before taking the plunge for the first time in November. Joining playful pups during their first swimming lessons is beyond amazing.
Photo credits:
[Temp chart: Don Heffernan]
[When to visit - Tim: Paul Krawczuk]
[Events: Steven Bedard]
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