Galapagos in June
Is it a Good Month to Visit the islands?
One of the most common questions we get asked: when is the best month to travel to 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 in June? Are the June seas warm enough for swimming? Our answer is always the same – June is a wonderful month at 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 Galapagos in JUNE.
What to expect at galapagos in June?
June Galapagos Climate Season:
June is the start of the COOL & DRY Galapagos 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 open deck.
June Galapagos Wildlife Season:
In COOL & DRY 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 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 is most recommended as demand starts to pick up later in the month.
Galapagos Weather June
June at Galapagos is fully into the swing of the Cool & Dry season. Skies have become cloudier with the onset of the Garua mists, and temperatures have dropped to an average of 26 degrees celcius. The plus side is that it is very pleasant weather for treking, and less humid than previous months. The rains have also stopped - June is the driest Galapagos month with just 0.15 inches of average rain fall. 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.
Average Galapagos Temperature in June
Average Galapagos Rainfall in June
Water Temperature at Galapagos in June
June water temperatures have cooled down to 23 degrees celcius. Cooler seas bring more nutrients which suits 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.
Which animals can I see at Galapagos 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 animal behavior such as breeding, nesting, hatching, feeding, growing, migrating. The Galapagos natural world is in constant change.
In general June is a month of Galapagos arrivals, welcoming migratory birds and various whales species, as well as collossalwhale 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 begining - 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. If you are looking for a complete summary of 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 15 years of experience as the trusted choice in Galapagos travel and has received special recognition from TripAdvisor for 6 consecutive years. We specialize in Galapagos Cruises, Diving Tours, and Custom-Made Galapagos Land Trips. We’d love to hear from you.
In conclusion, June is a fascinating month at the Galapagos islands. Weather wise temperatures are cool, pleasant and dry - a welcome relief from the tropical heat of earlier months. Athough seas are cooler now it is the perfect month for visitors to snorkel with abudant marine life, and watch seabirds actively building nests and pairing up. For dive enthusiasts, head up to Darwin and Wolf islands to the far north west of the archipelago for some of the best dives of your life!
