The Galapagos Islands climate, unlike other tropical places, has a very different and odd pattern. The unique mixture of relatively cool waters, tropical latitudes and islands with different altitudes produces an ever changing environment. These factors are the direct elements of natural selection that has resulted in flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth. These unusual seasons support the not-so-tropical species like sea lions, fur sea lions, albatrosses, boobies, penguins, to name a few. The Galapagos visitor is always in awe at seeing an environment with such unique conditions. This is why, for the Galapagos visitor, the climate has a lot to do with the expectations, realities and enjoyment of a Galapagos experience.

HOT SEASON (warm-rainy) - From December through May

Air Temperature: Average air temperature in December is 25.4°C ( 77°F ), while in May is 26.8°C ( 80°F ). Peak month is March with 29.1°C ( 84°F ). Humidity fluctuates between 65% - 80%.

Water Temperature: Average surface water temperature in December is 23.2°C ( 74°F ), while in May is 24.5°C ( 76°F ). Peak month is March with 25.5°C (78°F). Visibility of the water ranges from 30 to 80 feet. In unusually warm years (like El Niño years) waters can even reach 29°C (84°F).

Precipitation (rainfall): ranges from 38 mm (December) to 62 mm (May), with its peak rainy at 87 mm (March).

Overall pattern: while this season is the one that gives rain to the islands, it should not be sold as the "rainy" season. Tropical showers are not too overwhelming, and a typical day may include a shower or two that will only last for an hour or so. There are times where for a whole week not a raindrop is experienced. The ocean is generally calm due to the absence of the south east trade winds.

Biological implications: all species which are land-based (like finches, mockingbirds, lizards, land iguanas, tortoises) will reproduce at this time of the year since there are plenty of food sources available: plants for insects, seeds for finches, flowers for iguanas, etc. Perhaps one of the few exceptions to this rule are the Great Frigatebirds on Tower Island which being seabirds reproduce during the hot season.

Snorkeling conditions: since the water temperature reaches the "true" tropical range, one can expect generally calm waters, virtually non strong currents, and high chances of visibility. Daily activities will be arranged in such a way that guests spend a great amount of time snorkeling as our way to add enjoyment to this marine resource. Most snorkeling times will be of no less than 90 minutes.

DRY SEASON (windy-dry) - From June through November

Air Temperature: Average air temperature in June is 25.2°C ( 77°F ), while in November is 24.4°C ( 76°F ). Peak month is September with 23.1°C ( 74°F ). Humidity fluctuates between 35% - 60%.

Water Temperature: Average surface water temperature in June is 23.3°C ( 74°F ), while in November is 22.8°C ( 73°F ). Peak month is September with 21.6°C (70°F) . Visibility of the water ranges from 15 to 50 feet. In unusually dry years (like La Niña years) waters can even reach 16°C (61°F).

Precipitation (rainfall): ranges only from 35 mm (June) to 13 mm (November), with its peak dry at 9.9 mm (September).

Overall pattern: this season is the one that gives the islands their totally untropical look: dry, windy, barren. Even though the term "cold" season is sometimes applied, moremember that such term does not sell a destination that is geographically tropical. There's hardly any rain, but the islands may seem somewhat moist as an early mist called "garua" covers the sky. Usually this layer of fine drizzle burns off by mid morning. The seas are moderately strong; surge, choppy waters and some waves should be expected. This is all due to the active presence of the south east trade winds.

Biological implications: all species which are land-based, but depend entirely upon the ocean's productivity (food available, like plankton) will reproduce during this season. This includes blue-footed boobies, waved albatrosses, sea lions.

Snorkeling conditions: since the water temperature reaches the "untrue" tropical range, one can expect generally waters with some current, and a slight decrease in visibility due to the amount of plankton particles suspended in the water column. This is the snorkeling season where a shortie wet suit is more likely to provide higher comfort in the water.