Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the Galápagos Islands, classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as BSh, showcases a unique blend of tropical traits. With a minimum temperature reaching 17°C (64°F) in September, the islands experience an average of 23°C (74°F) throughout the year. The hottest month, February, peaks at a maximum temperature of 32°C (91°F), illustrating the islands' warm and inviting conditions that contribute to their rich biodiversity and make them a captivating destination for ecotourism.
In the Galápagos Islands, temperature patterns reveal a distinct seasonal rhythm characterized by warm conditions year-round. The warmest months occur from January to April, with temperatures peaking in February, where minimums reach 22°C (72°F) and maximums soar to 32°C (91°F). As the region transitions into the cooler months of May through August, temperatures gradually decline, with July and August seeing minimums as low as 18°C (65°F) and average highs around 27°C (81°F). A slight rebound occurs in September and October, where temperatures stabilize before dipping again towards the end of the year, with December showcasing minimums of 19°C (67°F) and maximums of 29°C (84°F). This fluctuation not only highlights the islands' tropical climate but also plays a crucial role in supporting their diverse ecosystems.
In the Galapagos Islands, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno experiences a September minimum temperature of 18°C (65°F) and peaks at 28°C (83°F) in March, while Puerto Ayora has slightly cooler September nights at 17°C (64°F) and reaches a warm maximum of 32°C (91°F) in February. Meanwhile, Puerto Villamil mirrors Puerto Baquerizo Moreno's September minimum of 18°C (65°F) and enjoys a maximum of 29°C (84°F) in March. For more detailed monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, monthly temperatures in Puerto Ayora, and monthly temperatures in Puerto Villamil.
Precipitation patterns in the Galápagos Islands exhibit a clear seasonal variability, marked by a pronounced wet season from January to April. During these months, rainfall is most abundant, peaking in February with 93 mm (3.7 in) over approximately 14 days. This wet season contributes significantly to the islands' lush vegetation and supports the diverse wildlife that thrives in this unique ecosystem, characterized by an average monthly rainfall of over 80 mm (3.1 in) during the peak months.
As the year progresses into the dry season, from May to December, precipitation decreases sharply, reaching a low of just 10 mm (0.4 in) in October. Coinciding with significantly fewer rainy days—often as low as one or two per month—this period creates drier conditions, resulting in a marked transition in landscape and wildlife behavior. Nevertheless, occasional light showers in December signal the gradual return of rains, allowing the cycle to begin anew, supporting both terrestrial and marine life in this remarkable archipelago.
In the Galápagos Islands, sunshine duration reveals a striking seasonal pattern, with the peak months occurring from March to May, which collectively offer some of the most sunlit days of the year. March stands out with a remarkable 320 hours of sunshine, while April and May also showcase impressive totals of 310 hours and 326 hours, respectively. This abundance of sunlight during the early part of the year not only enhances the vibrant landscapes of the islands but also supports various ecological processes, such as plant growth and animal behaviors, vital to the islands' biodiversity.
As the year progresses into the latter months, sunshine hours begin to decline, although the total remains substantial. June through September see slightly lower totals, averaging around 290 hours per month, with September recording 287 hours. While the sunshine diminishes in the cooler months, the Galápagos still enjoys a healthy amount of daylight, allowing the unique flora and fauna to adapt and thrive even with reduced direct sunlight. This consistent availability of sunshine throughout the year helps maintain the islands' distinct ecosystems while offering visitors ample opportunities to explore the rich natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Galápagos Islands experience consistently high ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels throughout the year, with an extreme UV Index that peaks at 16 in March. This extreme classification emphasizes the importance of sun protection during these months, as the exposure can lead to skin burns in just 10 minutes. The UV Index remains above 12 from June to December, indicating ongoing risks for sun exposure even during the cooler months. The consistent warning to protect the skin underscores the necessity for visitors to adhere to safety precautions, including the use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and timing outdoor activities carefully.
Interestingly, although the UV Index demonstrates minor fluctuations—from a high of 16 in March to a low of 12 in the latter months—the burn time remains a constant 10 minutes throughout the year. This steadfast burn time underscores the unrelenting intensity of the sun’s rays in the Galápagos, regardless of slight seasonal changes in UV levels. Visitors and residents alike must remain vigilant about sun safety, as the extreme UV Index highlights the region's geographical proximity to the equator and the consequent increased risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
UV Risk Categories
In the Galápagos Islands, daylight duration remains remarkably consistent throughout the year, with approximately 12 hours of daylight each day, irrespective of the season. This uniformity is largely attributed to the islands' equatorial location, which results in minimal variation in day length. As a result, residents and visitors can anticipate a reliable schedule for sunrises and sunsets, making it easier to plan outdoor activities and explore the diverse natural landscapes.
The stable 12-hour daylight pattern not only supports agricultural practices but also significantly contributes to the islands' unique ecosystems. With half the day basking in sunlight, various species, both terrestrial and marine, adapt their behaviors and activities to make the most of these light hours. This consistent daylight availability showcases the Galápagos' distinctive climatic conditions and reinforces the region's reliability as a destination for wildlife observation and marine exploration.
Puerto Ayora, Ecuador experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and seasonal precipitation. The average monthly temperature ranges from 22°C (72°F) to 27°C (81°F), with the warmest months being March and April. Rainfall is heaviest from February to April, with February receiving up to 101 mm (4.0 in) while the dry season from June to September sees minimal precipitation. Despite the rain, the area enjoys ample sunshine, peaking at 326 hours in May. For a detailed overview, visit Puerto Ayora climate.
The climate in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, Ecuador, features warm temperatures year-round, averaging between 20°C (68°F) in the cooler months and reaching up to 27°C (81°F) during the warmest months. Precipitation is relatively low, with January experiencing 18 mm (0.7 in) and April the rainiest month at 37 mm (1.5 in). Sunshine is abundant, peaking in May with 329 hours and remaining high throughout the year. This combination of warm temperatures, moderate rainfall, and ample sunshine makes Puerto Baquerizo Moreno an attractive destination. For more detailed information, visit Puerto Baquerizo Moreno climate.
Puerto Villamil, Ecuador, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. Monthly average temperatures range from 21°C (69°F) in August to 26°C (79°F) in March, with the warmest months being February and March. The region receives most of its rainfall from January to April, peaking at 145 mm (5.7 in) in February, while the dry months from June to October see significantly less precipitation, averaging under 36 mm (1.4 in). Sunshine is abundant, with May boasting the highest average of 322 hours. For more information, visit Puerto Villamil climate.
In conclusion, the climate of the Galápagos Islands is characterized by its warm temperatures, consistent daylight duration, and high UV exposure levels, all of which create an environment rich in biodiversity and ecological interaction. The predictable 12 hours of daylight throughout the year provides ample opportunity for both flora and fauna to thrive, while the seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation influence wildlife behaviors and habitat dynamics. Nonetheless, the extreme UV Index highlights the importance of sun safety for those exploring this unique archipelago. Together, these climatic features not only enhance the islands' natural beauty but also serve as reminders of the delicate balance that sustains their extraordinary ecosystems.