March is one of the warmest months in the Galapagos, both on land and in the water. With northern and southern swells rolling through, it’s also one of the best times for surfing, attracting wave-seekers from all over.
The islands’ natural beauty truly shines in March, offering plenty to see and do across the archipelago. Many bird species are in their breeding season, so you’ll have the chance to witness waved albatross and male frigate birds putting on vibrant displays to attract mates.
Toward the end of the month, the Holy Week festivities add an extra layer of excitement, with parades, delicious food, and a lively atmosphere. Read on to learn more about visiting the Galapagos in March in this in-depth travel guide.
Galapagos in March: A Quick Glance
- Air temperature: 25-31°C / 77-88°F
- Sea temperature: 76°C / 24°C
- Average rainfall: 5.1cm / 2in
- Rain: Intermittent rain showers
- Clear skies: 5-7 hours
- Wind force: 1-4
- Underwater visibility: approx 10-30m
- Flora: Green vegetation fades to purple, red, and orange
- Fauna: Mating season for many animals, Waved albatross return to the islands for summer
Galapagos in March: Wildlife
One of the major highlights in March is the arrival of the waved albatross to the Galapagos, particularly on Española Island. While March is an exciting time for Galapagos cruises, it’s best to plan for later in the year if seeing a waved albatross is a priority, as sightings early in the month aren’t always guaranteed.
March is a fantastic time to witness breeding activity among various birds and animals. Green sea turtles and both marine and land iguanas nest in the Galapagos during this month, creating unique opportunities for wildlife observation. Land iguanas may even become a bit territorial, as females protect their nesting areas from others. It’s also a treat to see female sea turtles occasionally venturing onto land—an unusual sight that makes March especially memorable for nature lovers.
At this time of year, other nesting birds in the Galapagos islands include:
- Penguins
- Frigate birds
- Flightless cormorants
- Greater flamingos
Galapagos in March: Tourist Crowds
March is one of the quieter months in the Galapagos, making it a great time for budget-friendly travel with lower hotel and airfare rates. If you’re looking for a good deal, this is definitely the month to go.
As Easter and spring break near toward the end of the month, prices might start to increase, but early March remains a great time for affordable travel. For those who prefer fewer crowds, visiting during the first to mid-March is ideal. Despite being part of the rainy season, there’s still plenty to explore, and the added solitude only enhances the experience, allowing you to connect more deeply with the islands.
Galapagos in March: Weather
March is the peak of the rainy season in the Galapagos, making it one of the wetter months of the year. The weather can be quite hot and humid, but a plus side is that even typically cooler spots, like the western islands, stay pleasantly warm.
The rain can lead to sea surges, which may occasionally complicate island-hopping by cruise. We noticed this mostly impacted areas like North Seymour Island and Gardner Bay. While the rain adds a tropical vibe, it’s good to be prepared for potential delays in travel between islands during this time.
Galapagos in March: Activities
March offers exceptional opportunities to observe the breeding season for many Galapagos species. Green sea turtles, marine iguanas, and land iguanas are all nesting, and if you’re lucky, you might even witness sea turtles emerging from the ocean to lay their eggs—a rare and fascinating sight.
The warm seas and mostly sunny days make March ideal for snorkeling with playful sea lions or walking through colonies of blue-footed boobies. Hiking at Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island is also a treat this time of year, with clear blue skies often emerging after rain, providing breathtaking views. The mix of wildlife and scenic beauty makes March a standout month for exploration.
Bottom Line
March offers some unique advantages for visiting the Galapagos Islands. If you don’t mind a bit of rain and warmer temperatures, this month can be a fantastic opportunity to find discounted rates on Galapagos cruises or land tours.
With the warmer weather, snorkeling is especially enjoyable due to the inviting water temperatures. And if luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of the waved albatross returning to Española Island.
Ultimately, whether March is the best time for you to visit depends on your interests and what you’re hoping to experience. For those who love wildlife, warmer seas, and a quieter atmosphere, March can be a truly rewarding time to explore the Galapagos.
