Galapagos Islands is one of the best travel destinations to enjoy serene natural beauty away from the hustle of routine life. I visited this beautiful place last summer and am still in awe of its natural beauty.
This beautiful island offers lush natural greenery, cozy afternoons, and plenty of fun things to do in May. Furthermore, the tropical Galapagos climate in May makes it one of the most popular times of the year to visit.
So, if you wish to learn some travel tips from my first-hand experience visiting Galapagos Islands in May, dive in!
Galapagos Island Climate in May
Galapagos Islands exhibit variable weather conditions throughout the year. These islands have a pleasant temperature at the beginning of the summer season. The weather is nearing the dry season, affecting air and sea temperatures.
I’ve found May the best month to visit Galapagos Islands to avoid the freezing winter and mid-summer rainy season, hence guaranteeing a wonderful time.
You can expect a pleasant tropical climate with a refreshing breeze and delightful sea temperature. Typically, the sea temperature in Galapagos Islands in May remains around 72°F.
Places to Visit in Galapagos Islands for Spot Active Wildlife Spotting
One of the most highlighted features of the Galapagos that I was sure to enjoy is its wildlife. The perfect May temperatures make this possible and enjoyable.
North Seymour Island is famous for blue-footed boobies. You can catch these beautiful birds flying all over the island. Other renowned sea birds in Galapagos Islands include red-footed boobies, flightless cormorants, flamingos, frigate birds, and Nazca booties.
Galapagos Islands also offer a home to attractive land birds. For instance, you can spot mockingbirds, finches, hawks, doves, owls, and smooth-billed anis on the Galapagos Islands.
I also fell in love with the Galapagos green sea turtle. They truly are the highlighting feature of the Galapagos’ rich marine life.
The best places to spot the beautiful sea turtles in Galapagos Islands are Punta Cormorant, Puerto Egas, and Gardner Bay. You can visit these enticing beaches in Floreana, Santiago, and Española.
The beaches of the Galapagos Islands offer the best scenes to watch marine and land iguanas. Interestingly, marine iguanas are found in the Galapagos Islands’ waters only. Hence, you’ll need to visit these beautiful islands to witness this unique creature.
Plus, you might get to see penguins too. You can catch Galapagos penguins during their nesting season in May on Isabela Island and Fernandina beach.
You will also get to observe sea lions relaxing on the benches near the beaches on the islands. Sea lions are roaming almost every nook and corner of the Galapagos Islands. However, the best places to see sea lions include Isla Lobos, Punta Suarez, Punta Espinosa, San Cristobal, Punta Vicente Roca, and Gardner Bay.
Another beautiful creature of Galapagos wildlife is the waved albatross. These birds reside on these islands during their breeding season.
The Best Time of the Year to Visit Galapagos Islands
Since most people love spending their vacations in Galapagos year-round, every season is peak season. However, I believe the beginning of the summer is the best time to visit the Galapagos for its serene natural beauty and the presence of fewer visitors.
The period between December and May is the warm or wet season in the Galápagos Islands. During this period, the sky remains cloudy with high chances of rain showers. However, the weather starts changing at the beginning of May, becoming more pleasant and temperate, which I greatly enjoyed.
The water temperature is warm but cozy, perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, or relaxing on the central islands. Also, the wet season is the best time to observe the Galapagos’s marine life. You can spot numerous marine animals in May around the islands, including sea lions, humpback whales, white-cheeked pintails, giant tortoises, and many birds.
Keep in mind that the period between June to December is the dry season in Galapagos Islands. Generally, the weather is misty, and the water temperature is cooler compared to the wet season.
Galapagos Travel Tips When Visiting in May
Here I have listed some significant takeaways from my trip to Galapagos. Take a look at these travel tips before hopping on adventurous trips to different islands of the Galapagos.
Book Your Trip Sooner
Firstly, booking your trips to Galapagos Islands at least six months in advance is preferable. This precaution will save you from missing out on a place in your preferred hotel, room category, or ship.
Dig a Little Deeper Into Galapagos’ Natural Wonders
The Galapagos Islands offer breathtaking natural wonders, and you won’t wish to miss out on them. So, doing a little research before visiting the Galapagos is highly recommended.
The Galapagos wildlife, gardens, mountains, and other natural wonders keep you hooked. Hence, plan your itinerary thus to not miss out on must-visit places, regardless of the total time you intend to spend there.
Fun Activities to Do in Galapagos Islands in May
The Galapagos Islands’ climate in May offers an excellent opportunity for Galapagos visitors to enjoy various fun activities. These activities include snorkeling, mountain biking, bird watching, sightseeing, and hiking. So, plan to roam around the islands after relaxing on the beach.
Travel Light
Packing light is preferable whether you have opted for Galapagos cruises or hotels. The hotel and cruise management provide essentials, including flippers, face masks, wet suits, and similar stuff to everyone on rent. Hence, avoid packing unnecessary luggage.
Pack Comfy Clothing
Avoid packing formal clothing and pack comfy clothes when visiting Galapagos Islands. The place invites you to lounge on the serene beaches and roam around breathing natural beauty. So, get ready to relax and have fun when planning this trip.
Take a Camera
This almost feels like a no-brainer since cameras have become commonplace. But just in case you need the reminder, take a camera. I enjoy looking back on the pictures from my time on the islands. However, don’t get so caught up in viewing the islands through your lens that you forget to enjoy the scenery with your eyes.
Final Words
Visiting Galapagos in May was the best decision for me to enjoy the natural beauty of these islands without worrying about the extremities of the Galapagos weather – excruciating heat, numbing winters, or unpredictable rainfall. You can witness the beautiful wildlife, enjoy exciting water activities, or chill on the beach in May’s temperate weather.
So what are you waiting for? Visit the Galapagos Islands with your friends or family and enjoy the serenity of Pagos’s natural beauty.
