February is one of the warmest and most tropical months to visit the Galapagos Islands. With calm seas, warm water and lush green highland landscapes, it’s an excellent time for snorkelling, wildlife encounters and relaxed cruising. For many travellers, February offers the perfect balance of superb conditions and fewer crowds.
The waters are warmest during this period (reaching their peak in February) with better visibility making it one of the best times for snorkelling.
The first rains to Galapagos can arrive either in January or February – ironically these are also the sunniest months too! The rains are typically limited to the lush highlands, and the coastal areas remain arid and covered with plants adapted to desert conditions. With the rains, flowers are blooming, leaves are sprouting and insects are emerging after many months of dormancy.
As Galapagos wildlife does not migrate, close-up encounters remain a highlight throughout the month.
The short-lived abundance created by the rains provides food for the chicks of many species of land birds such as finches and mockingbirds. This time of year also sees hundreds of Green Sea Turtle females, some of which have travelled for more than a thousand miles, come ashore to lay their eggs. Galapagos is considered one of the last safe breeding places for sea turtles in the Eastern Pacific.
Green sea turtles continue nesting, with hatchlings beginning to emerge on some beaches
Marine life thrives in warm, clear waters, making snorkelling encounters frequent and varied
Birdlife is highly active, with many species feeding chicks
Land iguanas and finches are often more visible and active during this season
February is generally quieter than December and early January
Fewer school-holiday travellers compared with peak periods
A relaxed atmosphere across yachts and visitor sites
While availability is often better than in peak holiday months, early booking is still recommended for the most popular yachts and itineraries.
February sits firmly within the warm, wet season and is typically the warmest month of the year in the Galapagos.
Daytime temperatures: around 24–31°C
Sea temperatures: approx. 24–26°C (the warmest of the year)
Rainfall: short, light tropical showers, usually followed by sunshine. Average rainfall 91.4 mm (3.6 inches) (mainly in the highlands)
Sea conditions: calm and smooth, ideal for cruising and water activities
Rainfall is rarely disruptive and helps create lush, green scenery and dramatic skies — perfect for photography.
