The Galapagos Islands are known for their diversity, abundance of wildlife, and active marine life. Some of the species from these islands are not seen anywhere else in the world, thanks to the nutrient-rich waters.
Furthermore, for adventurous people, the crystal clear waters for snorkeling and scuba diving provide the perfect thrill. Along with beautiful scenic trails, the volcanic environment provides mind-blowing places to connect you to nature.
When planning my trip to the Galapagos Islands, I found it extremely important to consider the weather. Generally, good weather on the Galapagos Islands would be clear skies and warm temperatures. This weather is great for outdoor activities as well as for observing nature and wildlife in the area.
As a result, I visited the Galapagos Islands in July. The rest of the article details why.
Galapagos Weather Overview
The Galapagos Islands are on the equator and enjoy an almost tropical climate. Being on the equator also means that these islands receive direct sunlight all year round and thus mostly warm temperatures all year round.
However, the exact conditions vary depending on what time of year it is and what location among the islands we are in.
Generally, the Galapagos weather enjoys two main seasons.
The Warm and Wet Season
The first season of the Galapagos climate is the warm season. This rainy season starts in January and lasts till June. There is also higher precipitation and cloudy skies over the Galapagos islands during this time. This season is not popular among tourists and adventurers like us. But still, it can offer some unique opportunities for observing the islands transformed by rain and water.
As a plus point, wildlife use this weather for breeding. So this weather is amazing for viewing marine life in the Galapagos islands. These animals include Galapagos penguins, the Galapagos sea lion, tropical fish, baby sea lions, giant tortoises, humpback whales, and green sea turtles. The average monthly rainfall in the Galapagos is 1.5 in the highlands. The Galapagos water temperatures are maintained at a satisfying 77°F.
The Dry Season
The other season of the Galapagos climate is the dry season which lasts from July to December. This part of the year has cooler weather and the perfect Galapagos climate to visit Galapagos. This Galapagos weather condition is a preference for most tourists. We also observed a larger number of tourists during this time. The average temperature during this time ranges from the mid-70s to the low 80s.
During this season the Galapagos Islands enjoy clear skies which is a treat for us to see aerial wildlife such as the famous blue-footed boobies and the Galapagos Hawk. In the beginning few weeks of the dry season, you might see marine life such as sea turtles and sea lions.
Why July Weather is the Best
July is a unique time to visit Galapagos as a nature lover and an adventurer because it falls right between both the dry and rainy seasons. Here you can enjoy clear skies with minimal to no rainfall.
My visit to the Galapagos and specifically Fernandina Island was in July. There were more tourists because of the extremely pleasant weather. However, despite the high level of tourism, I was still able to encounter a wide variety of wildlife and ecosystems.
Fernandina Islands are well known for their scenic views and wildlife especially because of the volcanoes and marine iguanas, sea turtles, and Galapagos penguins.
Landscape in July
During my time on Fernandina Island, I was pleasantly surprised to see lush green landscapes that were transformed by the rain a few days before. Overall the view of the blue waters around the island, the volcanos, the clear blue sky, and the green skyline are some of the best views I have ever seen.
The Galapagos Islands consist of quite a few main islands that are worth spending time visiting. These include San Cristobal island, Santa Cruz island, Santiago island, North Seymour island, and the Isabela and Fernandina islands. These islands are all big contributors to Galapagos’ wildlife.
Wildlife in July
The bird life in the Galapagos in July is especially active. It’s prime time for the Blue Footed Boobies to start nesting so spotting a few every few minutes is a treat. The other types of boobies such as the red-footed booby and the masked booby are also very common during this time.
There is plenty of food for marine life as well. Sea life such as sea lions, sea turtles and birds like albatrosses are abundant.
Activities to Enjoy in July
As someone that spent over half a month in the Tropical islands of the Galapagos, I can tell you all about the fun things to do during your visit.
Outdoor Physical Activities
The warm and sunny weather of July made it the perfect time for outdoor activities. For my top three outdoor activities for July, I would recommend snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking.
Also, the waters around the islands are extremely clear and make for a perfect scuba diving experience. I also took some dedicated excursions to go see some rare and famous species in the Galapagos islands such as iguanas and penguins.
Exploration and Adventure
Apart from fun physical activities under the sun, I also feel the need to recommend visiting local towns and villages. This recommendation is purely for the culture and the purity of the lifestyle on the islands.
For example, you can check out the Charles Darwin Research Station, like I did, and learn more about conservational efforts. These efforts are highly important for the protection of wildlife and the ecosystem of the Galapagos islands.
Overall, my stay in the Galapagos Islands throughout July was unforgettable. I would highly recommend any nature lovers and adventurers give Fernandina Island a visit. Whether you are interested in outdoor activities such as hiking or kayaking or wildlife and scenic views, the Galapagos islands have something in store for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Galapagos Islands vacation in July will be a truly amazing experience. And the perfect, post-rain weather of July would be a huge part of it.
During my visit, the sight of all the sea turtles, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies was also a pleasant experience. Being able to see some of the most amazing landscapes filled with beautiful wildlife helps us appreciate nature to the fullest.
I highly recommend planning your trip in July if you want to absorb all the beauty of the unforgettable and adventure-filled experience that is the Galapagos Islands. I hope you won’t miss out on visiting the Galapagos, one of the most beautiful and unique destinations on the planet.
