August marks the peak of the ‘Garua’ or dry season, meaning it and September are the coolest months in Galapagos (though still pleasant with highs of 24°C and lows of 19°C) . The Cromwell Current and South Equatorial Current, the cold water currents that bathe Galapagos are in full effect, which means nutrient-rich water is brought to the ocean surface, making marine life in the Galapagos very active. The trade winds are at their strongest and the archipelago is cooler and drier than at any other time of year.
The seas are at their roughest in August and September due to the effect of the cold water currents. This is the single most important practical thing to know before you book. For guests who are prone to seasickness, it is worth discussing yacht choice and itinerary routing carefully — some routes are more exposed than others, and we can factor this in. That said, the rougher conditions are the direct cause that makes August one of the most wildlife-rich months in the Galapagos. Nutrient-rich cold water at the surface means the food chain is running at full capacity.
August marks the start of the sea lion pupping season, with young pups starting to appear on beaches across the archipelago. Seabird colonies remain highly active, and August brings a couple of genuine highlights that distinguish it from July: Galapagos Hawks begin their courtship displays, making this the start of one of the more unusual wildlife spectacles of the dry season. These are one of the rarest raptors in the world, found only in the Galapagos. The first migrant shorebirds arriving from the north are now a reliable presence on the shorelines.
August is a productive month for birdwatching, with several species at interesting or active stages of their seasonal cycles. On Española (Hood) Island, the Waved Albatross chicks that hatched earlier in the season are now considerably larger and increasingly active — exploring, stretching their wings, and beginning to develop the independence that will eventually carry them out over the open ocean.
Land and birdlife highlights for August:
August is, for many wildlife-focused travellers, the single best month to be in the water in the Galapagos. The Humboldt and Cromwell currents are at peak strength, driving maximum marine productivity throughout the archipelago. The water is cooler — around 21°C (69.8°F) — but what is happening beneath the surface more than compensates.
Encounters with young sea lions learning to play and swim are one of the most endearing experiences the Galapagos offers, and adults remain as inquisitive and interactive with snorkellers and divers as ever.
Whale and dolphin sightings are excellent in August. Bottlenose and Common Dolphins are regularly spotted from the decks of cruise yachts. More unusually, August and September offer one of the best chances anywhere in the Galapagos calendar to witness Humpback Whales — these extraordinary animals migrate from Antarctic waters and may calve in the archipelago’s waters during this period. The western and southern waters around Isabela are the most productive area to look.
Hammerhead Sharks continue to gather at the key offshore dive sites, and Whale Sharks remain a realistic possibility at Wolf and Darwin Islands. Water temperature has dropped another degree from July, which suits the cold-water species well.
Marine wildlife highlights for August:
August is widely regarded by experienced divers as one of the top months of the year in the Galapagos. The cold-season currents are at full strength, and the underwater visibility and marine life density reflect it.
Water temperature in August sits at around 21°C (69.8°F) — cooler than July, and a wetsuit is essential for anyone getting in the water, whether snorkelling or diving. For guests who are specifically focused on warm-water snorkelling above other priorities, August is genuinely not the best month to visit — May or the warm season would serve them better.
For everyone else, the trade-off is worth it many times over. Visibility is good throughout the month, typically ranging from 10–20 metres, and what you are likely to encounter underwater in August is exceptional. Hammerhead Sharks in schools, Whale Sharks at the northern sites, sea lions playing at depth, penguins rocketing past underwater, mantas cruising overhead — this is the cold season at its most productive.
For snorkellers, Kicker Rock (León Dormido) delivers consistently in August — the channel between the two formations regularly provides hammerheads, sea lions, rays and turtles in a single outing. Bartolomé is excellent for penguins and reef sharks. Devil’s Crown on Floreana remains one of the most diverse and accessible snorkel sites in the archipelago.
For divers, the exposed offshore sites — Gordon Rocks, Darwin and Wolf — are at their most rewarding this month, though Gordon Rocks in particular requires experience due to the currents involved. Conditions at Darwin and Wolf, where Whale Sharks are most reliably encountered, can also be demanding. Discuss ability levels honestly with your cruise operator before committing to these sites.
Yes — with a few caveats that are worth being upfront about. August overlaps with UK, US and European school summer holidays, which means demand for cruise berths can be high. If you are hoping to travel in August, we recommend booking well in advance.
The wildlife case for August is genuinely strong. Marine life is as diverse and active as it gets. Seabird and land wildlife highlights are well established. And August brings two things that no other month quite offers in the same way: the beginning of Galapagos Hawk courtship, and the realistic possibility of Humpback Whale encounters. For wildlife-focused travellers who are flexible about water temperature and sea conditions, August is hard to fault.
For some guests — particularly those travelling with people who are prone to seasickness, or those for whom calm water snorkelling is a primary goal — you should consider carefully if other months may be better. It is not a reason to avoid August, but it is a reason to choose your yacht carefully and to think about itinerary routing. We are very happy to chat through any questions you have.
August is the coolest month in the Galapagos. The garua season is at its peak, the trade winds are strong and consistent, and temperatures at sea level are the lowest they will be all year — though it is important to put “coolest” in context. Highs of around 24°C (76°F) and lows of around 19°C (66.2°F) are still very pleasant for wildlife watching and walking on the visitor sites.
The characteristic garua overcast — a low layer of mist and cloud — can settle over the highlands of Santa Cruz, San Cristóbal and Isabela, keeping the vegetation a vivid green and creating an atmospheric backdrop for tortoise walks and highland excursions. At sea level and on the coast, conditions are predominantly dry and clear, with the persistent trade wind breeze making temperatures feel fresh rather than cold.
Rainfall is minimal in August — the driest month of the year for most of the archipelago — with what little precipitation there is falling almost entirely in the highland zones.
The sea is at its roughest and coolest in August. Water temperature has dropped to around 21°C (69.8°F), a degree lower than July. For snorkelling and diving, a full wetsuit is recommended.
