A trip to the Galapagos Islands is one of those things that you’ll never forget. It’s a bucket list destination worth every minute of preparation and planning. Besides, it can be a fantastic experience for the whole family to see Galapagos marine species.
But what if you’re heading out on a Galapagos vacation in January? What about the Galapagos weather in January? Is it even worth going then to see Galapagos wildlife?
Well, I have the answer to your every question! Want to know? Let’s dive in!
Galapagos Weather in January
The weather in the Galapagos Islands is typically mild and warm, but it can get pretty chilly at night. January is a great time to visit because you’ll experience some of the best weather in the archipelago.
January is well known for being the driest and hottest month of the year. The month has only about two inches of average rainfall during that time.
It’s also when the rainy season begins in the Galapagos islands. And this makes it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in one of the world’s most beautiful marine environments.
The average temperature in January is 83 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius). It can drop as low as 68 degrees (20 degrees Celsius) at night in some parts of Santa Cruz Island.
In January, the sea temperatures in Galapagos are warm enough to swim in. The average water temperature is between 72 and 81 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius).
If you’re planning on visiting during this time of year, pack comfortable clothes. They will keep you warm when temperatures drop!
Best Places to Visit in the Galapagos Islands in January
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island is a great place to visit in January. The weather is excellent, and you have access to some of the most incredible wildlife in the world.
The Galapagos Islands are known for their unique wildlife, and Santa Cruz Island is no exception. You can see giant tortoises, land iguanas, Darwin’s finches, and marine iguanas here. If you want to see sea lions on land and green sea turtles, this is also your best bet!
Be sure to check out Charles Darwin Research Station while you’re there. It’s an educational center that provides information about the island’s unique wildlife. You’ll also interact with native animals at their petting zoo.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity on Santa Cruz Island during your trip, consider taking a spa day at one of the island’s resorts.
Puerto Ayora
Puerto Ayora is the main town in the Galapagos Islands. It’s also one of the best places to spend time on vacation.
It’s a great place to stay if you want to explore some of the island’s natural wonders, wildlife, and history. But what makes Puerto Ayora an ideal place for visitors is its location. It’s close enough to both land and sea that you can easily escape into nature without feeling too far away from civilization.
If you’re interested in spending some time on land, there are plenty of options for hiking or climbing nearby volcanoes. You can also see land iguanas. If you’d rather get out on the water, try snorkeling or diving with sea lions and giant tortoises!
Isabela Island
Isabela is home to some of the best wildlife viewing in the Galapagos, and it’s a great place to go if you love hiking or scuba diving. You’ll get to see various animals, including sea lions and Galapagos penguins, as well as marine iguanas, which are unique to this island.
If you’re into birdwatching, Isabela is a great place for that, too: there are over 20 species of land birds on this island alone. The only thing that might keep you from enjoying your time here is the heat—it can get hot in January!
San Cristobal Island
San Cristobal Island is one of the most popular spots in the Galapagos Islands, and it’s easy to see why. This island is home to some of the best beaches in all of Ecuador, as well as a wide variety of wildlife.
The best time to visit San Cristobal Island is from January through June. During this time, you can expect to see whales and dolphins swimming alongside your boat on your way to shore and sea turtles at play near the shoreline.
The water temperatures during this time are about 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 Celsius), so you don’t have to worry about getting into cold waters if you go swimming!
Pinzon Island
Pinzon Island is a great place to go in January. It’s the largest island in the Galapagos archipelago and has a lot to offer visitors.
Pinzon is home to many different animal populations and ecosystems. These include birds, marine iguanas, land iguanas, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, finches, Darwin’s finches, lava lizards, flamingoes, and more!
The best way to experience Pinzon Island is by boat tour or hiking tour. You can also visit one of the three hotels on the island if you want a little more comfort than camping out on your own!
Demand and Costs in the Galapagos During January’s Warm Season
The demand for goods and services in the Galapagos Islands is highly seasonal. The supply of goods and services is also seasonal, but that’s to be expected given the nature of tourism there.
The most popular time to visit the Galapagos Islands is during the summer, from December to mid-January.
So, plenty of tourists from all over the world want to witness what makes this place so unique. And this creates a high demand for all Galapagos cruises, hotels, restaurants, and other accommodations.
The costs associated with visiting the Galapagos Islands in January can vary depending on what you want to do and how long you intend to stay.
For example, your costs will be reasonably low if you’re only staying for a couple of days and don’t need any accommodations other than a hotel room or Airbnb rental. It is because those options are generally cheaper than booking an entire villa or houseboat for an extended trip.
But those costs will increase significantly if you plan on staying longer than two days or want more amenities like spa treatments or excursions.
Conclusion
The Galapagos climate in January is a little bit like the Galapagos weather in other months—mild and tropical, with lots of sunshine and some rain. January is the onset of the wet season in the Galapagos.
However, you can expect it to be hotter than usual because you’re getting closer to the summer. You’ll also see extraordinary marine life and many bird species around this time of year since it’s mating season for them.
So, if you want an electrifying experience while visiting Galapagos, remember to check out the activities I mentioned. I’ve got the scoop on all the best spots to visit, from snorkeling with sea lions to hiking volcanoes to scuba diving with sharks!
