Skip to content 
Discover the Unique Seasons in Galapagos
Many people find it surprising that the Galapagos has distinct seasons. The typical perception of the tropics is that of palm trees swaying in the sun and sporadic thunderstorms with no long-term changes. But take note, fellow adventurer—the Galapagos Islands’ tropical climate differs significantly from what our geography teachers taught us! The Galapagos Islands have seasons, but they are very different from other places in the East Pacific Ocean, even if they are tropical. There are two distinct weather patterns: a dry season from June to November and a hot season from December to May.
The Winds of Change – seasons in Galapagos
The Galapagos begins to brew in the southernmost continent of our globe as the seasons change. Winds gradually build up in Antarctica during eight months, finally moving up over South America’s west coast. The enormous densities of fish seen adjacent to Chile, Peru, and Ecuador result from the undersea nutrients brought in by these winds—the Humboldt Current results from the movement of water and nutrients during this time.
When the winds eventually reach tropical and subtropical latitudes, they rapidly shift to the west due to the Coriolis effect, where Earth’s gyre moves more swiftly, mixing with various water masses. The South Equatorial Current (SEC) flows from east to west and is created by interacting currents. And cooler water will accompany the winds as long as they blow.
Change is the Nature of Time and All Living Things
Many regard these elements as the primary causes of a discernible transitional period throughout the archipelago. It has been said that the upcoming months are “transition months.” Although there is never a terrible time to visit the Galapagos, experiencing the seasons in Galapagos, particularly during April, May, and June, is still rather remarkable.
The trade above winds, located within the islands’ geographic boundaries, are feeble during these months of transition. Still, the local waters have cooled down sufficiently to initiate the processes of microscopic life’s reproduction (plankton and zooplankton). This has the cascading effect of creating the perfect environment for larger marine animals to start feeding and eventually procreating.
This translates into mating behaviors, courtship rituals, and the natural desire to procreate for one’s species. A relatively short window of time during which the Galapagos bursts with activity! The blue-footed booby’s courtship dance is an impressive sight.
Considering these patterns and the expected activity levels, What better way to view them for yourself than on the Santa Cruz II Galapagos tour?
