Galapagos Weather in March
Is March 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 the Galapagos in March a good idea, or should we go in February or April? Is it too hot/cold/rainy at the Galapagos in March? Are the March Galapagos seas warm enough for swimming? Our answer is always the same – March is a great 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, March is as good a month as any to visit Galapagos.
Read on for everything you need to know about the Galapagos Weather in MARCH – temperatures, rainfall, and wildlife highlights.
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March Galapagos Weather Season:
March is in the middle of the Galapagos Islands' WARM & WET climate season, so expect plenty of sunny days, with occasional heavy showers, and some humidity. Sunblock, a hat, and sunglasses are a must as the March tropical sun is scorching. It's also a good idea to pack a light rain jacket just in case you get caught in a shower.
March Galapagos Wildlife Season:
In WARM & WET Galapagos months like March, the rains and sunshine transform the island highlands into a lush and green Paradise. March in the Galapagos is perfect for land species such as the Giant Tortoise, Land Iguanas, Darwin Finches & other land birds, who find food plentiful and become more active.
Don’t worry, the Galapagos marine species are also easily spotted in March, even though the warmer seas mean fewer nutrients for them to feed on. Some species actually prefer the warmer tropical waters - hammerhead sharks for example congregate at the Galapagos in large numbers during this season.
March Galapagos Tourist Season:
March in Galapagos sees REGULAR demand for Galapagos cruise spaces throughout the month. Possible exceptions are if Carnaval public holiday weekend or Easter, which, occasionally falls during this month, then demand from Ecuadorian travelers is very high and Galapagos flight spaces may be full. March is also a good month for Galapagos Land Tours.
Galapagos Weather in March
March in Galapagos is a month of contrasts - both the warmest and the rainiest month on the islands. Temperatures average 31 degrees Celsius, with 2 inches of rain falling through the month. So most days you’ll be in shorts and a T-shirt and slapping sun cream on your back, but it’s a good idea to keep a raincoat handy too, just in case of March Galapagos showers.
Average Galapagos Temperature in March
Rainfall at the Galapagos Islands in March
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From a Galapagos destination expert todayGalapagos Water Temperature in March
March Galapagos water temperatures are pleasantly warm (25 degrees Celsius), making it a great month for swimming and snorkeling. Most March Galapagos visitors will not need a wetsuit to enter the waters for snorkeling but should be aware that currents and surges may be stronger than usual.
Galapagos Wildlife in March
Is March in Galapagos a good month for wildlife? Remember, every month at the Galapagos Islands (including March) 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 animal behavior such as breeding, nesting, hatching, feeding, growing, and migrating. The Galapagos natural world is in constant change.
March is special for the return of the Waved Albatross to Española Island. After feeding in the open ocean these past 3 months, they return to the Galapagos Islands to nest and mate. Albatrosses mate for life, so these are very tender moments as couples reform their unique bond together. Late March and April mark peak Albatross arrivals.
Red-footed Boobies are also busy, with eggs hatching to produce cute and fluffy chicks. Galapagos in March is therefore a great month to visit Genovesa island to witness this spectacle.
Frigate birds are in mating season, so look out for males in their nest with puffed-out red pouches. This fascinating behavior is to attract females who fly overhead sizing up their options. Other nesting species include land and marine iguanas - they dig their nests in the sand and can become rather territorial.
While some species begin nesting, others are ahead of the game. Galapagos Flamingo chicks begin hatching in the month of March. Flamingos live together in tight communities in brackish lagoons, and share the responsibility of child-care in a group creche, allowing parents time to search for food. Giant tortoise babies also continue to hatch on the lowlands of the main islands.
In the ocean, Galapagos in March is a good month to spot Hammerhead Sharks and Manta rays who enjoy the warmer tropical waters this time of year. Darwin and Wolf islands are the best places to spot them in large groups on a dive cruise or try Kicker Rock close to San Cristobal island.
Check out the infographic below for some of the special wildlife highlights to expect at the Galapagos Islands in March.
We really hope that this March 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 March or any other month!), then just drop us a line.
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
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In conclusion, pleasant Galapagos Weather in March makes it a wonderful month to visit, with blue skies and plenty of sunshine. The island highlands are lush with green vegetation and top wildlife spotting opportunities. Hammerhead sharks and Manta Rays make great ticks for diving bucket lists. There's also lots of nesting and hatching going on, plus the return of the graceful Galapagos Albatross. If you had any doubts about traveling to Galapagos in March, hopefully, you are now ready to book your trip and pack your bags!
