About Galapagos
The Galapagos Archipelago is 1000 km (600 nautical miles) away from the Ecuadorian coast.
The islands were born six million years ago from undersea volcanic activity. The archipelago comprises 13 major islands, 6 smaller ones and numerous islets, 97% of which are part of the Galapagos National Park. The surrounding waters belong, nowadays, to the Galapagos Marine Reserve, the second largest in the world.
The islands are geographically situated in a privileged location, since they are not in the path of big storms and other such phenomena, which are typical of the tropics. The islands are at the confluence of significant Pacific Ocean’s currents, which come from the South-east and the North.
That is why the weather of the islands is virtually impossible to predict. In general, December to June are the warmest months (28°C / 82.4°F average temperature); therefore the islands can be very lush and green at this time.
Between July and November, it is cooler (24°C/ 75.2°F average temperature), this is also the dry or “garua” season, with occasional light drizzle (locally known as “garua”).
This wild set-up in the tropics, surrounded by relatively cool waters for equatorial standards, does not really meet our idea of a tropical paradise.
This is one of the reasons why the list of endemic and native species that live in Galapagos has no close match.
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Weather in June
This is the time of transition: we are leaving behind the hot, rainy season, and welcoming the cooler "garúa" season, a change that makes weather forecasting almost unpredictable. We may get beautiful sunny days with blue sky, and some others that will remain overcast, particularly in the South. However, the temperature is very nice, air temperature ranging between 29º y 22ºC. Nights tend to be cooler because the South-east trade winds have started to pick up. We recommend you to bring a water-proof wind-breaker, and to take good care of your skin (sun protection) regardless the fact that days may be overcast.
The water temperature remains pleasant though on the chilly side, around 22ºC, depending on the site. Nonetheless, water is cold in the West (Isabela and Fernandina Islands); it is advisable to use a wet suit in case you want to snorkel at theses islands. Snorkelling is at its best at this time of the year.
In terms of wildlife, Waved Albatross are back to Española Island –nesting; the first chicks are to be seen soon! Great and Magnificent Frigate-birds continue breeding in North Seymour Island, and Flightless Cormorants are tending nests and chicks in Fernandina. |
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