Galapagos Weather in June
Is June a Good Month to Visit the Galapagos?
One of the most common questions we get asked is: when is the best month to travel to the Galapagos? Is our vacation to Galapagos in June a good idea, or should we go in May or July? Is it too hot/cold/rainy at the Galapagos in June? Are the June Galapagos seas warm enough for swimming? Our answer is always the same – June is a wonderful month at the Galapagos, and so too are all the other months! The Galapagos Islands are an all-year-round travel destination, with comfortable weather and great wildlife viewing every month of the year. So yes, June is as good a month as any to visit Galapagos.
Read on for weather and wildlife tips if you are planning your vacation to visit the Galapagos in JUNE.
What to Expect at the Galapagos Islands in June?
June Galapagos Weather Season:
June at Galapagos is the start of the COOL & DRY climate season, so expect cloudy skies, cooler but comfortable temperatures, and mostly dry weather. This is a great month for tourists who prefer to avoid the tropical heat and humidity earlier in the year. Remember to use strong sun protection as it's easy to burn even under cloudy skies close to the equator. A sweater might be a good idea to use at night if you are out on the open deck. June is also the first month of the year when visitors might want to rent a wetsuit for Galapagos snorkeling.
June Galapagos Wildlife Season:
In COOL & DRY Galapagos months like June, the cold Humboldt current brings rich nutrients from the Antarctic. This is perfect for marine species like Sealions, Sea Turtles, and marine birds who find food plentiful. Huge whale sharks are also attracted to this feeding frenzy.
The island highlands vegetation and trees are starting to lose their leaves, looking a little bare. Don’t worry though, the land Galapagos species are also easily spotted in June, even though there is less green food available for them.
June Galapagos Tourist Season:
June in Galapagos sees REGULAR demand for both cruise and land tour spaces - this is a good month to travel before the crowds of July and August high season. The first two weeks of June are most recommended as demand starts to pick up later in the month.
Galapagos Islands Weather in June
June at the Galapagos is fully into the swing of the Cool and Dry season. Skies have become cloudier with the onset of the Garua mists, and temperatures have dropped to an average of 26 degrees Celsius. The plus side is that it is very pleasant weather for trekking, and less humid than in previous months.
The rains have also stopped - June is the driest Galapagos month with just 0.15 inches of average rainfall. Behind the clouds the June equatorial sun is still very strong, so high-protection sun cream, sunglasses, and a sun hat are still a must.
Galapagos Islands Temperature in June
Rainfall at the Galapagos in June
Galapagos Water Temperature in June
June Galapagos water temperatures have cooled down to 23 degrees Celsius. Cooler seas bring more nutrients that suit all marine species and seabirds, so expect spectacular underwater snorkeling and diving action. However, with the cooler water temperature some Galapagos visitors might prefer to enter the water with a wetsuit - these can be rented at extra cost aboard most cruise yachts or at local agencies in Puerto Ayora.
Wildlife at the Galapagos Islands in June
Is June in Galapagos a good month for wildlife? Remember, every month at the Galapagos Islands (including June) is amazing for wildlife spotting, and almost all land and marine species can in fact be found all year round.
That said, each month does bring something different to the archipelago. Subtle changes in Galapagos Islands' animal behavior such as breeding, nesting, hatching, feeding, growing, and migrating. The Galapagos natural world is in constant change.
In general, June is a month of Galapagos arrivals, welcoming migratory birds and various whale species, as well as colossal whale sharks to Darwin & Wolf Islands. All of these new arrivals are attracted by the cooler nutrient-rich waters - their ideal feeding grounds. The Galapagos whale watching season is just beginning - the best place to spot whales is often in the Bolivar Channel between Isabela and Fernandina island, although a little luck is required. Diving with whale sharks is another incredible Galapagos bucket list must-do - live aboard scuba cruises take divers to the heart of the action.
Galapagos sea birds like boobies and albatross take advantage of the food surplus to nest - there should be plenty of fish for the little ones when they hatch! June also sees nesting activity on Fernandina Island where penguins and flightless cormorants are preparing to mate. One of the more spectacular Galapagos species to watch in June is the Frigate bird. Males inflate their red-throat pouches to attract females to their nest. A great spot to catch this action is on North Seymour Island.
Check out the infographic below for some of the special wildlife highlights to expect at Galapagos in June.
We really hope that this June in Galapagos blog was useful for trip planning. If you are looking for a complete summary of the Galapagos climate across the year, then also check out our general Galapagos Weather blog.
If you need any help planning your Galapagos Vacation (in June or any other month!), then get in touch for a FREE GALAPAGOS VACATION QUOTE.
Happy Gringo has over 18 years of experience as the trusted choice in Galapagos travel and has received special recognition from TripAdvisor for 8 consecutive years. We specialize in Galapagos Cruises, Diving Tours, and Custom-Made Galapagos Land Trips. We’d love to hear from you.
In conclusion, Galapagos in June is a fascinating month for visitors. Weather-wise June Galapagos temperatures are cool, pleasant, and dry - a welcome relief from the tropical heat of earlier months. Although seas are cooler now it is the perfect month for visitors to snorkel with abundant marine life, and watch seabirds actively building nests and pairing up. For dive enthusiasts, head up to Darwin and Wolf Islands to the far northwest of the archipelago for some of the best dives of your life!
