May is a quiet, relaxed time to visit the Galapagos Islands, with reduced prices and calmer beaches—a perfect combination for a peaceful getaway. The cooler, clear sea is ideal for snorkeling, giving you a chance to enjoy the marine life in great conditions.
Santa Cruz Island is a highlight this month, where you can spot baby land iguana hatchlings and see Galapagos sea lions lounging on benches in Puerto Ayora’s harbor during the afternoon. In this article, we’ll share our best travel tips and insights for making the most of a May trip to the Galapagos Islands.
Galapagos in May: A Quick Glance
- Air temperature: 22-28°C / 71.5-82°F
- Sea temperature: 76°C / 24°C
- Average rainfall: 1.9cm / 0.74in
- Rain: Less frequent to no rain showers
- Flora: The change between warm and cool seasons results in diverse flora.
- Fauna: The transition between warm and cool seasons leads to dynamic wildlife.
Galapagos in May: Wildlife
In May, the Galapagos Islands are teeming with wildlife, and one of the highlights is witnessing the unique courtship dance of the Blue-footed booby. Watching the male booby’s brilliant blue feet in action as he performs this ritual to attract a mate is truly unforgettable. He’ll first step right in front of the female, making sure she has a clear view of his vibrant feet. Then, he presents nest materials and repeats the display, adding a dramatic touch by pointing his head skyward with wings and tail raised—a move that adds flair to his dance.
This display is fascinating to watch, and North Seymour Island is one of the best spots to see it. Many Galapagos cruises include a stop here, or you can book a tour from Santa Cruz if you’re on a land-based excursion. We found it to be a nearby and convenient way to experience this incredible natural spectacle up close.
Other beautiful wildlife highlights in May include:
- The waved albatross has begun to lay eggs.
- Sea turtles are still hatching.
- Young Galapagos land iguana hatchlings.
- Penguins nest on Fernandina Island and on the west coast of Isabela Island.
Galapagos in May: Tourist Crowds
May is known as a “shoulder month” in the Galapagos, with fewer tourists compared to other times of the year. For those looking to avoid crowds and benefit from lower prices, the first half of May is ideal. Toward the end of the month, visitor numbers increase as schools start their summer breaks.
It’s worth noting that May 24 is a public holiday in Ecuador, celebrating the Battle of Pichincha. If this holiday falls on a weekend, the Galapagos can feel a bit busier than usual as more locals join the festivities. We found that being aware of these details helped us plan a smoother and more relaxed visit.
Galapagos in May: Weather
May brings mild temperatures and minimal rain to the Galapagos, marking the start of the dry season. The temperature begins to drop slightly, making it an ideal time for those looking to avoid the rain and intense heat.
We appreciated the lower humidity, with daily temperatures comfortably between 72 and 75°F. The sea also becomes more inviting, warming up to around 72°F—perfect for enjoying the water without feeling too chilly. This balanced weather made our May visit feel relaxing and enjoyable, both on land and in the ocean.
Galapagos in May: Activities
May is a fantastic month to visit the Galapagos if you’re looking to enjoy a variety of activities. As the seas cool, marine life becomes even more abundant, making water-based excursions especially rewarding. We took advantage of cruises with snorkeling and diving, where we swam alongside sea lions, spotted rare fish species, and explored stunning reefs—each experience felt like a vibrant underwater adventure.
The slightly cooler temperatures also made full-day land excursions comfortable, allowing us to explore the islands without feeling overheated. For us, May struck the perfect balance for both land and sea activities.
Planning trip to Galapagos Islands?
My wife and I spent two weeks on these magnificent islands, visited nearly every possible tour, and explored as much as we could. I shared all the important details in my comprehensive Galapagos Islands Travel Guide, where I cover everything you need to know about planning a trip to the Galapagos.
Galapagos Islands travel might surprise you with extra fees to enter the islands, the complicated logistics between islands, booking tours, and knowing which spots are free to explore and which ones are not. I’ve covered it all in this Galapagos Travel Guide.
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May is perfect for outdoor adventures like hiking, mountain biking, or even following in Charles Darwin’s footsteps on a guided tour. We found exploring multiple islands incredibly rewarding this month. North Seymour Island, Bartolome, Pinzon, and Isabela were brimming with active wildlife, each offering unique experiences.
A boat trip to Roca Union is also a must—it’s a striking spot with stunning lava bridges and tunnels. Seeing these natural formations up close made us feel like we were on a true Galapagos expedition, with each island stop adding to the excitement.
Bottom Line
May offers a unique glimpse of the seasonal shift in the Galapagos, with a mix of sun and clouds, mostly dry conditions, and exceptional opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Since the peak tourist season hasn’t begun, it’s still possible to avoid crowds and even secure spots on a cruise without the rush. We found May’s temperatures perfect for exploring the islands—more temperate than the hotter tropical season, which is why many Galapagos travelers prefer this time. The combination of mild weather, fewer people, and vibrant wildlife made our visit especially memorable.
Planning trip to Ecuador?
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