happy2travel

I am thinking about visiting the Galapagos Islands next year. Any advice on the best time of year to go would be very appreciated.

Deloris

Just got back from a fabulous trip. The Weather is the best from December to May. It is warm-hot and clear with smoother seas. Evidently the seas get rough and the air is a lot more foggy in their fall-winter (May-December) according to our expert guide. The water was not very warm to snorkel 2 weeks ago and wet suits are needed in their winter. All seasons are interesting but if you don't like rough waters, stick to their summer (6 months from the US= December -May)

Percy

I agree with Deloris
January to May are the best months.

It may be the rainy season but the islands are lush and green .

If you snorkel (I do not ) ,then February is the best month.
Because the water temperature is the highest in February.

March is the month with the highest average air temperature at 88-90F.

You have to remember that these are just the average common air and water temperatures.
I was there at the end of August/early September and the air temperature was between 82-88 F everyday, yet the average air temperature for August is stated as being between 76-77 F.

The islands were not as lush and green when I was there but I do not feel I missed anything .

There is always something that is different every month.

I was there for the nesting season for many birds..so I saw many blue and red footed Boobies on their nest and young ones that had just hatched.

Since you have nothing else to compare it to, whenever you go would be just fine.... unless you are really into snorkleing, then of course you want the warmest water which is in February.

It is a trip of a lifetime and so different from other holiday/tourist places.....so go !!!!!

Percy

happy2travel

Deloris and Percy, thank you so much for your replies. I have booked a Galapagos cruise for the end of April, but we really love snorkeling, so maybe I should reconsider.

Percy

If you can go in February , then make the change , if not then I guess it will have to remain April.

Since I do not snorkel ,I cannot comment on the coldness of the water.

I hope you got a good deal booking so far ahead.

As you know I booked through a tour company in Quito that got me a better deal than any of the Travel Agents could do here in my home City
Percy

z

We were in Galapagos few years ago in the end of April. IMHO it was a perfect time to visit Galapagaos. Water was warm enough for us but a number of people brought their own wet suits. We found that snorkeling in Galapagos is nothing like in Belize, Red Sea, Australia, or Maldives because water is never crystal clear. We saw some interesting creatures when snorkeling espaecially hundreds of dolphins swimming all around us. We spent two weeks on the boat and our trip was unforgettable.