August

August in the Galapagos Islands

In August, the ‘Garua’ or dry Season is at its peak now making August (and September) the coolest months in Galapagos (though still pleasant with highs of 24 °C and lows of 19°C) seas are also cool and rough in these months.

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 is very active. Although the water is cooler, snorkelling good due to the level of underwater activity.

August is a good month to have chances to see whales and dolphins, especially in the southern, western and northern parts of Isabella, as well as the south eastern parts of Galapagos.

Sea bird communities are very active and the abundance of food for marine life, means it is a good time for female sea lions to deliver their pups as food is within easy reach of their nursing territories. They can been seen across the archipelago.

Weather

  • Air temperature daily high: 24 °C (76°F)
  • Air temperature daily low: 19 °C (66.2°F)
  • Average Rainfall: 5.1 mm (0.20 inches) (mainly in the highlands)
  • Average Water Temperature: 21 °C (69.8°F)
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Wildlife

  • Blue-footed boobies nesting
  • Some islands will have sea lions giving birth
  • Sea lion pups on some of the islands in abundance
  • Higher chance of seeing whales and dolphins when navigating higher than in other months.
  • August and September there is a chance if you are lucky to see the acrobatic displays of Humpback whales, which come from Antarctica to deliver their babies.
  • Galapagos Hawks begin courtship
  • Waved Albatross Chicks are getting ever more active meanwhile the adult birds still continue their courtship dance each time they meet by the chick to keep their bond as a couple which they keep up throughout the nesting months.
  • Red-footed Boobies and Nazca Boobies breeding and nesting year-round
  • Magnificent Frigatebirds breeding (year-round on North Seymour Island)
  • Flightless Cormorants, Greater Flamingos and Galapagos Penguins year-round, depending on food supply you will see breeding and nesting
  • Baby Sea Turtles
  • Migrant shore birds begin to arrive and remain until March
  • Tropicbirds continue their courtship flights around the colonies