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Introduction The Galápagos Islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, about a thousand kilometers (600 miles) west of Ecuador, have a peculiar climate, tropical and semi-arid, with a hot, relatively rainy season from January to May and a cool, dry, cloudy, and misty season, from July to November. Show On these islands, as mentioned, there are two seasons: a warm season from January to May, with maximum temperatures around 29/30 °C (84/86 °F), and a relatively cool season from July to November, called Garúa, with daytime temperatures around 26/27
°C (79/81 °F). In the latter, night-time temperatures remain acceptable, around 20/21 °C (68/70 °F), but a moderate southerly wind blows, in addition, there are often mists, which cause the condensation of tiny droplets (called garúa from which the season takes its name), and the sky is often covered with low clouds (due to the thermal inversion generated by the cool sea current). This period is the least rainy of the year on coasts and plains (because the Garúa does not produce
significant rainfall accumulation), while on inland hills and mountains, there can be some real rains. The highest peak is the Volcán Wolf, 1,707 meters (5,600 feet) high, situated on Isabela Island. Temperature and rainfallHere are the average temperatures in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital, located on the island of San Cristóbal. Puerto Baquerizo - Average temperatures
On the coasts, the rainfall amounts to less than 500 millimeters (20 inches) per year, so it's not abundant. Here is the average precipitation in Puerto Baquerizo; we can notice that in the dry season, a few millimeters (a few tenths of an inch) per month accumulate, mostly because of drizzle and dew formation. Puerto Baquerizo - Average precipitation
However, tourists flock to the beaches during the rainy period, since in addition to being the sunniest, it is the one in which the sea is the warmest. El Niño It must be said that rainfall is irregular, and can become more abundant in El Niño years. During the most intense El Niño years, such as in 1982-83, in 1997-98 and in 2015-2016, the climate on these islands becomes fully tropical, with higher temperatures and
abundant rainfall. In 2016, the temperature in Puerto Baquerizo reached 34 °C (93 °F) in February and March, and 34.5 °C (94 °F) in April. SunshineAll in all, the sun at the Galápagos shines for a good number of hours in the hot and relatively rainy period, while in the cool period, clouds and mists become more frequent. Here are the average sunshine hours per day in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Puerto Baquerizo - Sunshine hours
The sea is warm enough for swimming from January to May (when it's also calmer), while it becomes a little cool from July to November, when the water temperature drops to around 22/23 °C (72/73 °F). Puerto Baquerizo - Sea temperature
Best Time In general, you can visit the Galápagos all year round. However, the best time to visit the islands, if you also want to swim and sunbathe, runs from February to May, since it is the warmest and sunniest, although there may be some downpours or thunderstorms in the afternoon. What to pack From December to May (warm period): bring light clothing, a light sweatshirt for the evening, a light raincoat or umbrella for rain showers, and a sun hat (after
all, we are at the Equator). When going hiking on inland hills and the Volcán Wolf, you need a sweatshirt a bit warmer and a raincoat, and hiking shoes. When going to the reef, you can bring snorkeling equipment, including water shoes or rubber-soled shoes. Back to top © Copyright Climatestotravel.com. What is the climate like on the Galapagos Islands?It has a tropical climate with an average of 29°C and water temperature of around 25.5°C on average. The warmer months are followed by coolers months from June to November. The cool air and low temperatures from Antarctica reach the Galapagos Islands during this period.
What is the coldest month in the Galapagos?The cold season lasts for 3.7 months, from November 14 to March 6, with an average daily high temperature below 56°F. The coldest month of the year in Galápagos is January, with an average low of 32°F and high of 49°F.
Is the Galapagos Island cold or hot?The Galapagos Islands is always hot. Sometimes it is a comfortable heat, sometimes it can be a sweltering, humid heat. Since the Galapagos Islands are right on the equator (the northern part of Isabela Island lies directly on the equator), you should consider the Galapagos as a tropical destination.
What is the best time of year to visit the Galapagos Islands?Each month has its own rewards (learn more below). But that said, our experts generally agree that the best time to visit the Galapagos Islands is from December to May. Why? These months coincide with the warm season and ocean conditions are clear, warm excellent for snorkeling and diving.
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