August is peak season in the Galapagos Islands because of the following reasons:
- Marine life is abundant.
- The weather is pleasant.
- It’s summer vacation for Northern Hemisphere families.
August is perfect for spotting whales, along with other marine animals like dolphins and playful sea lions that are especially active this month. On land, Galapagos hawks, giant tortoises, and lava lizards make appearances, adding even more excitement to each day.
It’s a busy time in the Galapagos, so my wife and I recommend booking ahead, especially for cruises and popular tours like Bartolome Island. Don’t forget to pack some warm clothing too—the nights can get cool and windy.
Keep reading to find out why August stands out as one of the best months to visit the Galapagos Islands.
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Galapagos in August: A Quick Glance
- Air temperature: 19-24°C / 66-75°F
- Sea temperature: 20-21.5°C / 70-71°F
- Average rainfall: 0.6cm / 0.25in
In August, the skies in the Galapagos can vary between sunny and cloudy, adding a bit of variety to each day. We noticed that the winds tend to pick up during this month, which can make the waters a bit rougher than usual. If you’re planning boat trips, it’s something to keep in mind, especially if you’re prone to seasickness. The shifting skies and brisk winds added a unique touch to our experience, making August feel even more dynamic.
Galapagos in August: Wildlife
August is a lively month for Galapagos wildlife. California sea lions give birth during this time, so it’s wise to be cautious around them—mothers are nursing, and the males can be quite protective around the nurseries.
Galapagos fur seals are also in their birthing season, though they tend to stay in shaded, rocky areas, making them a bit harder to spot than the sea lions. Meanwhile, the iconic Galapagos giant tortoises are highly active on Santa Cruz Island, where they lay eggs throughout August.
For bird lovers, August is especially thrilling. The waved albatross is nesting this month, and North Seymour Island is the go-to spot for bird watching. We found the abundance of wildlife activity in August made every outing feel like a new discovery.
Galapagos in August: Tourist Crowds
August is a favorite time for families visiting the Galapagos, with many schools still on summer break. While it’s not quite as busy as July, demand for flights and accommodations remains high, making travel a bit more expensive during this month.
If you’re planning a family trip, booking early is essential. Cruises fill up quickly, and securing your spot in advance can make a big difference. We also recommend reserving land-based excursions ahead of time, as these tend to sell out fast too. It’s all part of making the most of a memorable August adventure in the Galapagos.
Galapagos in August: Weather
August marks the coldest month in the Galapagos, with average temperatures around 70°F, and the water hitting its coolest point of the year, between 68-70°F. We found the cooler weather refreshing, but if you’re prone to seasickness, be mindful of the stronger winds this month, as the rougher waters can make boat trips challenging.
Despite the cooler temperatures, August is a beautiful time to visit, with endless opportunities for wildlife viewing and activities to suit every type of visitor. The mix of cooler air and vibrant wildlife made our trip feel both comfortable and exhilarating.
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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Galapagos in August: Activities
In August, island hopping and cruises are fantastic ways to experience the Galapagos. One of the highlights for us was dolphin and whale watching, along with endless opportunities for snorkeling and swimming with the friendly sea lions. August is also perfect for strolling around the islands to see giant tortoises and the many Galapagos hawks out and about. If you’re looking for an unforgettable snorkeling experience, we highly recommend a tour to Pinzon Island—it was one of our favorite spots.
Another must-visit is Las Tintoreras on Isabela Island, located just south of Puerto Villamil. Snorkeling here with sea lions, turtles, rays, and colorful fish felt like swimming in a natural aquarium. On the way, we even spotted several boobies and penguins, adding to the excitement of the journey.
Visitors to the Galapagos Islands in August can enjoy all the usual activities, but with the bonus of milder temperatures that make hiking and walking more comfortable. My wife and I found the cooler weather perfect for exploring trails without the intense sun. However, if sunbathing is on your agenda, just keep in mind that hot, sunny days aren’t always guaranteed this month. The cooler air brings a different kind of charm, but it’s worth planning accordingly if you’re hoping to soak up some rays.
Bottom Line
August is a fantastic month to visit the Galapagos Islands. There is plenty of animal activity both on land and on the water. It’s the best month to spot Galapagos whales and keep an eye out for dolphins.
August is truly an incredible time to visit the Galapagos Islands, with abundant animal activity both on land and in the water. For us, it was the perfect month to catch sight of Galapagos whales, and we were thrilled to spot dolphins as well. The wildlife encounters in August make each day feel like a new adventure, with something special waiting around every corner.
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In summary, August is an excellent time to explore the Galapagos, with the benefit of milder weather—no intense tropical sun or high humidity to contend with. For us, this made every activity more enjoyable, from hiking to wildlife watching. The only downside is that August’s popularity means there are more visitors, and prices can be a bit higher. But even with the extra crowds, the experience was absolutely worth it, as the unique beauty of the islands truly shines this time of year.
Planning trip to Ecuador?
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