With its location along the equator, the Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination. If you are travelling to the islands for a winter break between October and February, you will find the island in transition between its warm and cool seasons. Whether you are visiting to enjoy snorkelling or diving in the Pacific, or to explore the Galapagos on land or the sea to witness its rare and stunning wildlife, this is a unique and unforgettable destination for a winter vacation.
The weather and climate of the Galapagos can vary greatly between October and February. Cooler temperatures and drier conditions prevail in October and November thanks to southern trade winds. Although you may experience some showers, rainfall is minimal during October and November and you can expect most days filled with blue skies. These months are also a low season for the Galapagos’ tourism industry, with relatively lower prices and fewer tourists compared to warmer months. Although tours in the Galapagos operate throughout the year, the low season does see a dip in the number of excursions available. December through to February is part of the Galapagos’ warm season, which lasts until May. During these months you can expect a tropical climate and warm temperatures with highs of 23 to 25 degrees Celsius. Weather during this time can be unpredictable with cloudy days and brief periods of rain, including January and February, which is typically the wettest month of the year.
Regardless of when you go to the Galapagos during your winter break, you can enjoy watching the islands’ unique birds, sea life, and other wildlife. October and November are great months to see giant tortoises, Humpback whales, sea lions, penguins, and many other species. It is also an ideal time to see the waved albatross, one of the Galapagos’ iconic symbols, since these majestic birds leave the islands from December to March. Premier wildlife viewing is exceptional between December and February thanks to warm temperatures and calmer seas. You can expect to cross paths with iguanas perched on the rocky coastline, sea turtles swimming in the ocean, flocks of flamingos, migratory birds from the Northern Hemisphere, as well as other birds and wildlife.
You can also expect outdoor recreation at its best during your winter break in the Galapagos Islands. With ocean temperatures hovering between 23 to 25 degrees Celsius, the period from December to February is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Devil’s Crown, a sunken volcanic crater off the shores of Floreana Island, is one of the best snorkelling spots in the Galapagos. Diving is ideal between November and December, when you avoid the windy conditions that dominate the islands between July and October and have better visibility than during rainy months. Diving in the cool season also provides you with the best chance of catching a glimpse of a whale shark, the largest fish on Earth. Cooler months are also idyllic for hiking as the landscape is vibrant, green, and teeming with wildlife.
For more information about visiting the Galapagos Islands, speak to The Ultimate Travel Company or visit http://www.theultimatetravelcompany.co.uk/luxury-holidays-by-destination/south-america/ecuador-and-galapagos-islands
