When To Come
Being in the middle of the Pacific, the two-season climate is governed by the strong ocean currents that swirl around the islands, but wildlife spotting is good throughout the year. The cold Humboldt current (or Peru Current), is particularly prevalent in the cool season, helped on by the brisk southeast winds. It cools the sea and forms the garua mist , hanging at 300m to 600m where the cool, moist air over the water meets the warm air above that's heated by the sun. The winds blow the mists onto the southeast (windward) sides of the islands giving consistent precipitation at these altitudes, while the northern (leeward) sides receive very little rain. In the warm season, the winds fall off, allowing warm currents from Panama (the Panama flow) to displace the Humboldt current. Sea temperatures rise, the mist dissipates, and normal rain clouds can form. Although the islands are relatively dry all year, during the warm-wet season (Jan-June), sunny skies are broken by short and heavy bursts of rain and temperatures nudge 30°C. You can also expect sea temperatures to be between 20°C and 26°C, perhaps as high as 29°C around the northeastern islands. In the cool-dry season (July-Dec), the air temperature drops to around 22°C, the oceans become choppier, and the skies are more consistently overcast, though very little rain falls on the lowlands. Sea temperatures can dip as low as 16°C, especially in August and September, so consider bringing a wet suit if you plan to snorkel. At this time of year, the garua mists linger over the oceans and bathe the uplands in a near-perpetual fine drizzle, occasionally descending to sea level. The transitional months between seasons can show quite changeable weather combining any of these elements. In terms of how tour operators and hoteliers divide up the Galapagos year, high season begins around mid-June and lasts till August, starting up again in December and carrying on until mid-January. However, exact times vary, usually according to demand, with some operators only counting May to mid-June, and September, as low season .
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