Climate and Average Weather Year Round in Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

In Puerto Ayora, the summers are short, warm, and oppressive; the winters are long, comfortable, muggy, dry, and windy; and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 70°F to 81°F and is rarely below 67°F or above 83°F.

Based on the beach/pool score, the best time of year to visit Puerto Ayora for hot-weather activities is from late November to late July.

Average Temperature in Puerto Ayora
The warm season lasts for 2.9 months, from February 1 to April 29, with an average daily high temperature above 80°F. The hottest month of the year in Puerto Ayora is March, with an average high of 81°F and low of 78°F.

The cool season lasts for 4.1 months, from July 15 to November 19, with an average daily high temperature below 75°F. The coldest month of the year in Puerto Ayora is September, with an average low of 70°F and high of 73°F.

Clouds
In Puerto Ayora, the average percentage of the sky covered by clouds experiences mild seasonal variation over the course of the year.

The clearer part of the year in Puerto Ayora begins around July 7 and lasts for 2.9 months, ending around October 2.

The clearest month of the year in Puerto Ayora is August, during which on average the sky is clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy 62% of the time.

The cloudier part of the year begins around October 2 and lasts for 9.1 months, ending around July 7.

The cloudiest month of the year in Puerto Ayora is February, during which on average the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy 50% of the time.

Precipitation
A wet day is one with at least 0.04 inches of liquid or liquid-equivalent precipitation. The chance of wet days in Puerto Ayora varies throughout the year.

The wetter season lasts 3.1 months, from January 22 to April 26, with a greater than 13% chance of a given day being a wet day. The month with the most wet days in Puerto Ayora is February, with an average of 6.2 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation.

The drier season lasts 8.9 months, from April 26 to January 22. The month with the fewest wet days in Puerto Ayora is September, with an average of 0.3 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation.

Among wet days, we distinguish between those that experience rain alone, snow alone, or a mixture of the two. The month with the most days of rain alone in Puerto Ayora is February, with an average of 6.2 days. Based on this categorization, the most common form of precipitation throughout the year is rain alone, with a peak probability of 25% on February 21.

Rainfall
To show variation within the months and not just the monthly totals, we show the rainfall accumulated over a sliding 31-day period centered around each day of the year. Puerto Ayora experiences significant seasonal variation in monthly rainfall.

The rainy period of the year lasts for 6.2 months, from December 11 to June 18, with a sliding 31-day rainfall of at least 0.5 inches. The month with the most rain in Puerto Ayora is February, with an average rainfall of 2.3 inches.

The rainless period of the year lasts for 5.8 months, from June 18 to December 11. The month with the least rain in Puerto Ayora is September, with an average rainfall of 0.0 inches.

Sun
The length of the day in Puerto Ayora does not vary substantially over the course of the year, staying within 10 minutes of 12 hours throughout. In 2022, the shortest day is June 21, with 12 hours, 5 minutes of daylight; the longest day is December 21, with 12 hours, 10 minutes of daylight.

The earliest sunrise is at 5:40 AM on November 4, and the latest sunrise is 31 minutes later at 6:11 AM on February 12. The earliest sunset is at 5:49 PM on October 31, and the latest sunset is 31 minutes later at 6:19 PM on February 9.

Daylight saving time (DST) is not observed in Puerto Ayora during 2022.

Humidity
We base the humidity comfort level on the dew point, as it determines whether perspiration will evaporate from the skin, thereby cooling the body. Lower dew points feel drier and higher dew points feel more humid. Unlike temperature, which typically varies significantly between night and day, dew point tends to change more slowly, so while the temperature may drop at night, a muggy day is typically followed by a muggy night.

Puerto Ayora experiences extreme seasonal variation in the perceived humidity.

The muggier period of the year lasts for 9.1 months, from November 6 to August 11, during which time the comfort level is muggy, oppressive, or miserable at least 61% of the time. The month with the most muggy days in Puerto Ayora is March, with 31.0 days that are muggy or worse.

The month with the fewest muggy days in Puerto Ayora is September, with 15.5 days that are muggy or worse.

Wind
This section discusses the wide-area hourly average wind vector (speed and direction) at 10 meters above the ground. The wind experienced at any given location is highly dependent on local topography and other factors, and instantaneous wind speed and direction vary more widely than hourly averages.

The average hourly wind speed in Puerto Ayora experiences significant seasonal variation over the course of the year.

The windier part of the year lasts for 8.2 months, from May 8 to January 14, with average wind speeds of more than 9.1 miles per hour. The windiest month of the year in Puerto Ayora is September, with an average hourly wind speed of 11.7 miles per hour.

The calmer time of year lasts for 3.8 months, from January 14 to May 8. The calmest month of the year in Puerto Ayora is March, with an average hourly wind speed of 6.5 miles per hour.

The predominant average hourly wind direction in Puerto Ayora varies throughout the year.

The wind is most often from the east for 2.2 months, from February 15 to April 20, with a peak percentage of 65% on March 25. The wind is most often from the south for 9.8 months, from April 20 to February 15, with a peak percentage of 91% on January 1.

Water Temperature
Puerto Ayora is located near a large body of water (e.g., ocean, sea, or large lake). This section reports on the wide-area average surface temperature of that water.

The average water temperature experiences some seasonal variation over the course of the year.

The time of year with warmer water lasts for 2.5 months, from February 5 to April 19, with an average temperature above 78°F. The month of the year in Puerto Ayora with the warmest water is March, with an average temperature of 80°F.

The time of year with cooler water lasts for 4.4 months, from July 13 to November 27, with an average temperature below 73°F. The month of the year in Puerto Ayora with the coolest water is September, with an average temperature of 71°F.

Best Time of Year to Visit
To characterize how pleasant the weather is in Puerto Ayora throughout the year, we compute two travel scores.

The tourism score favors clear, rainless days with perceived temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. Based on this score, the best time of year to visit Puerto Ayora for general outdoor tourist activities is from late May to early January, with a peak score in the first week of August.

The beach/pool score favors clear, rainless days with perceived temperatures between 75°F and 90°F. Based on this score, the best time of year to visit Puerto Ayora for hot-weather activities is from late November to late July, with a peak score in the last week of April.

Friedo, Galapagos weather forecast hourly

Cost Of Living In Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Where to stay?

There are two islands to select from. You can either fly into Baltra or San Cristobal.

San Cristobal is house to the earliest long-term people settlement of the islands and was the island where Darwin initially went ashore in 1835. This island is likewise much calmer than Santa Cruz, the center of the island chain.

You can take a trip from island to island by boat, for minutes. 30 US$ (one method). Some can be checked out in one day; others need more days, depending on where you begin.

Santa Cruz & Isabela are the other two primary and lived in islands. Unfortunately, Isabela is mainly delegated its nature, so the Internet is careless, and I recommend you take a correct vacation or vacation without gadgets there.

Santa Cruz is entirely different from San Cristobal. It’s larger, greener, richer– however, the snorkeling is less magnificent, and there are not as numerous sea lions (got ruined!).

What is truly rather unexpected is the volume of all of the islands at all times. Hopefully likewise less expensive.

Accommodations

Looking up these details online is primarily a waste of time. On both islands, we discovered THE house simply by asking residents.

On San Cristobal, we wound up remaining in a stunning apartment or condo– bedroom, living room/kitchen, and great Internet connection for 280 US$/ 2 weeks (divided by 2)! I’m sure the rate would have decreased if we had remained longer. We likewise got deals for space (for a single person) for 250 US$ for the entire month.

If you remain in San Cristobal: when you enter town (1km from the airport), you can request “La casa di Omero” (click that link) near the dining establishment Neptuno. This location is run by the best old-ish couple (and feline) in the world (and they’ve got bargains.).

Around that location is some personal houses, and individuals are exceptionally good and will attempt to assist you. In addition, a taxi will take you practically throughout town for 1 US$.

In Santa Cruz, individuals await you to leave the boat and leap at you with their deals. Constantly point out that you will not pay more than 10$ a night, as you are remaining for a longer time. They will constantly get you to somebody who provides what you require.

We initially wound up at a hotel with our personal space, and it was rather good; however, the Internet drew. So we asked random residents in the streets (wandering about a bit additional far from the center). Sure enough, at the 2nd effort, we got the genuine offer– a big house with three bedrooms, two restrooms, a huge living room, a cooking area, a balcony with hammock, and a personal back and front yard with Wi-Fi for 10$ per night each. And I’m quite sure we even got the very best Internet connection on the entire island!

The residents weren’t taking advantage of tourists on the islands, as all the cash was being invested in huge hotels and would go to corporations and the federal government. They then chose to do a demonstration and throw down the gauntlet. They began developing good apartments or condos for travelers straight off their houses, using a more affordable option for long-lasting stays. You require to ask.

Where to Stay in Galapagos?

The Galapagos Islands are a remote island chain presently administered by Ecuador. These islands are understood for their biodiversity and are a terrific location for travelers thinking about nature, treking, and the environment! The remote place and small population likewise make them an excellent option for visitors trying to find solitude far from larger civilization.

There are nineteen islands overall– though just 4 of these are completely occupied. Getting in between islands can be expensive, so it’s essential to comprehend what everyone needs to provide before preparing your travel plan. 2 of the islands even have their direct flights to Quito.

1. Santa Cruz.

Regarding tourists, Santa Cruz is the most popular island in the whole island chain! The primary airport is on a different island– Baltra– nevertheless, Santa Cruz is the closest populated island and is just a brief ferryboat flight away. This makes it the most hassle-free alternative if you remain for a couple of days.

Convenience aside, Santa Cruz Island is house to the most popular nature reserves and has a lot of water sports activities! Moreover, the island played a significant function throughout the eco-tourism boom in the location and has the biggest collection of hotels in Galapagos and dining establishments and buys visitors to delight in throughout their stay.

2. San Cristóbal.

San Cristóbal is the most populated island in the Galapagos and is house to the administrative capital– Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Therefore, for visitors on a budget plan, San Cristóbal is somewhat more affordable than somewhere else in the Galapagos Islands, thanks to this big population. Most excellent from the mainland show up here before continuing to the other islands!

It is likewise the very best island for finding regional culture! Relatively comparable to the culture of mainland Ecuador, the seclusion has offered the Galapagos Islands some peculiarities that can be finest observed in the capital. For example, this is the only part of the island chain with numerous bars– and even a club.

3. Isabela.

The biggest island in the island chain, Isabela, is nonetheless rather little population-wise-making it a fantastic choice if you desire an easy-going and unwinded beach vacation! For households, there are a lot of activities throughout the island to keep the kids amused, whilst grownups will enjoy the white sandy beaches and easy-going bars.

This is where all of Galapagos’s finest dining establishments, bars, and hotels are situated. Unfortunately, there are no banks on the island, so make sure to bring plenty of money with you!

4. Floreana.

Floreana is quickly the most distinct of all the islands regarding culture! Without a doubt, the least inhabited and tiniest in size of the lived-in islands, Floreana is a location for visitors that wish to experience real privacy. Tourist has gotten rather in the last few years; however, there is still no place near the level of other islands.

Floreana has an intriguing history, including the first Norwegian inhabitants in the islands, and has gone from being among the least preferable islands to a satisfying trip area! There may not be as numerous activities as on other islands, but it is a daring experience.

What are the important things to do in Galapagos Islands?

1. Snorkeling.

An emphasis for lots of visitors to the Galapagos Islands, snorkeling is the opportunity to get up-close and individual with the wildlife of the seas. Unlike diving, you do not require any training or experience to snorkel; nevertheless, due to the nature of the Pacific Ocean and the currents around the islands, in addition to preservation factors to consider for the reefs and their occupants, you will be informed completely before the activity. Therefore, it is advised that you snorkel with a “friend” or a group to which you bring an undersea video camera for shots of green sea turtles, the world’s tiniest penguin, and some stunning reef fish.

Depending on how strong a swimmer you are, there are several snorkel websites around the Galapagos Islands. This makes it simple for you to rest if you get tired. In addition, these websites use the possibility to get up close and individual with sharks, eels, rays, and more.

2. Treking.

The Galapagos Islands are safeguarded by their national forest status, and not every part of the park can be checked out by visitors. However, set tracks have been marked for visitors wanting to trek around the sensational surface of the islands. Take a special lava rock path where you will see blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and sea lions, stroll to the top of the Sierra Negra, the 2nd biggest volcano caldera on the planet, and trek throughout beaches and along mangrove estuaries to get a genuine concept of the significantly varied landscape of the Galapagos Islands.

3. Sea Kayaking.

Like snorkeling, you do not require any previous experience to attempt your hand at sea kayaking. Paddle along the rugged coastline of the Galapagos and check out secret coves, mangrove estuaries, and spectacular beaches. You need to see various animals swimming by you as you learn about the Pacific Ocean, consisting of Galapagos penguins and sea lions!

Remember that you require the appropriate approval to sea kayak in the Galapagos from the Galapagos National Park, so ensure you follow the standards before requiring the water.

4. Surfing.

If you are an eager internet user, you can likewise browse on a few of the beaches, such as Galapagos Beach; however, ensure you examine the beach’s policies before employing or purchasing aboard. Know the ground under the water can be a little rocky (so bring water shoes), and the water can be cold! Be prepared to share the beach with the regional homeowners of the Galapagos, the beach-loving wildlife.

5. Horseback Riding.

To truly take a step back in time, attempt your hand at horseback riding on the Galapagos Islands. The majority of the horseback riding activities happen on the hillsides of Santa Cruz, a path that provides magnificent sights of the surrounding landscapes and incredible wildlife. Be alert that if you are a newbie, it is best to lease a mixed-blood “Criollo” horse.

6. Mountain Biking.

Biking on the Galapagos Islands is the supreme biking experience. Register for intermediate and sophisticated biking trips of the islands, and participate in endurance obstacles and enjoyable flights through the remarkable surroundings. Coast from a few of the acmes on the island to the bottom while learning more about the way of living on the island and the native plants and animals.

7. Diving.

You can sign up for a scuba diving course (PADI) on the islands in advance; however, without previous training or adequate experience, you will not be able to make some of the innovative dives readily available. Some of the finest areas consist of Wolf Island and Darwin Island.

8. Panga (Dinghy) Rides.

Panga and rowboat vessels functioned as the primary transport approach between cruise boats and visited websites on numerous islands. At numerous times throughout a Galapagos travel experience, you will have the opportunity to delight in a rowboat or panga trips on coasts, caves, and caverns. This activity is terrific to photo Galapagos wildlife on shores.

9. Find Out About Galapagos Conservation At The Charles Darwin Research Station.

Near Puerto Ayora, the Charles Darwin Research Station deserves a checkout targeted at both grownups and kids. But, first, discover the islands’ nature; in addition to the essential preservation work, the Charles Darwin Foundation has assisted in putting in place. Here you can likewise find the popular giant-tortoise breeding program and satisfy some infant giant tortoises!

10. Struck The Beach.

A common Galapagos beach appears like crystal clear blue waters, white sand, and lazy sea-lions. Whether it’s sun-bathing together with sea lions, snorkeling with penguins, or viewing sea turtles lay their eggs, investing a long time on a Galapagos beach is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Keep an eye out for concealed rocks and rays below your feet if you are paddling on specific beaches, and constantly be considerate of your wilder next-door neighbors.

Food & Cuisine in the Galapagos Islands

In the heart of among the most plentiful marine environments on earth, it’s no surprise that most of the meals in the Galapagos are seafood-based, consisting of a varied, tasty mix of fish and shellfish consisting of shrimp, oysters, lobster, squid, and octopus. In addition, sides regularly consist of a variation of plantains or yucca, in your area grown veggies, and a soup, accompanied by newly squeezed juices, mixed drinks, or natural coffee grown right in the highlands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal.

The Majority Of Popular Dishes

Ceviche may be the most well-known of the Galapagos meals, which is several kinds of fish or seafood covered with finely sliced tomatoes, onions, and adequate lime juice to fill a bowl. Consumed with a spoon, like a cold soup.

• Viche is a soup with a velvety peanut base with sliced veggies and a white fish like Corvina (sea bass), tilapia, or halibut.
• Arroz Marinero, or seafood rice, is preferred among tourists and residents.
• Normal Ecuadorian chicken, beef, and pork, meals most raised in your area on cattle ranches in the Galapagos

And make certain to attempt the shrimp scampi or different seafood-based soups.

While the islands might be separated, you will not suffer regarding offerings of scrumptious premium meals. The Galápagos Islands chefs pull from regional components while keeping their Ecuadorian culture undamaged. As a result, dining establishments found on the islands can supply gastronomic experiences from the high-end to the casual.

Naturally, many of the meals served on the islands focus on the abundance of fresh seafood, or fruits of the sea, without threatening any of the types discovered there. You’ll likewise discover conventional Ecuadorian meals of meat, potatoes, and rice, along with unique fruits grown on the islands.

Think about attempting these nine magnificent meals that the Galápagos Islands must currently be popular for, and delight in the very best these islands need to use.

1. Langostino Encocado (Lobster Cooked in Coconut).

The regional seafood specialization of red and green spiny lobsters is maybe the Galapagos Islands’ popular food of all time. The word encocado refers to cooking in coconut and is frequently integrated with numerous types of seafood.

Simmering together coconut milk, peppers, garlic, onions, ginger, orange, and lime, you are in for a reward with this meal. As soon as strained, this tasty liquid is served with the langostina, or lobster, developing a meal you’ll wish to take pleasure in several times throughout your check out.

2. Arroz Marinero (Seafood Rice).

Anticipate something uncommon when ordering Arroz Marinero, the island’s well-known seafood rice meal. For this specific specialized, different shellfish, like shrimp and mussels, combine their natural juices and a special group of veggies. These might include yucca, avocado, onion, chili peppers, and even plantains.

The seafood and veggie mix is then served over rice. The rice itself is not plain by any means. Rather, it is usually integrated with garlic, pepper, coriander, and the in-your-area-grown spice referred to as achiote.

You might wish to attempt a unique variation of this meal, including rice with Camarones. Camarones resemble shrimp and are a typically discovered food in Galapagos meals.

3. Canchalagua Ceviche.

Islands and ceviche naturally fit; in the Galápagos, one delightful variation is made with a unique regional reward. Canchalagua, a kind of mollusk endemic to the islands, can be found in round black shells and is considered special. Its taste looks like clams or other shellfish, and its somewhat rubbery texture may advise you of octopus.

Integrated with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and lemon juice, this ceviche is a secret you’ll wish to show other tourists along with your pals back house. Canchalagua Ceviche is especially popular in high-end dining establishments on the island of San Cristobal.

4. Sopa Marinera (Seafood Soup).

A standard soup served on the Galápagos Islands is the Sopa Marinera or seafood soup. While dining establishments might vary in their main ingredients, the most typically utilized seafood consists of clams, shrimp, crab, and different in your area sourced fish.

The broth itself is ready particularly to draw out the tastes of the seafood. It might consist of red and white onions, tomatoes, ground peanuts, Gewurztraminer, coriander, achiote, bay leaf, olive oil, flour, salt, and pepper.

A velvety, peanut-based, stew-like soup with regional veggies, Sopa Marinera is popular throughout the Galápagos and is currently among its most popular meals.

5. Sopa Biche.

Sopa Biche is a slushy Ecuadorian meal with a large consistency and a strong seafood fragrance. The tastes of this soup are as exceptional as the scent and well worth attempting while on the Galápagos.

Including the extremely valued Corvina, a company white fish with a sweet, moderate taste, this meal is prepared with peanuts, onions, corn, yucca, plantains, and cilantro. Corvina occupies the islands’ seaside locations and is enjoyed in numerous methods, consisting of raw, grilled, or yummy soup.

6. Encebollado.

A thick fish-based soup, Encebollado is possibly the most popular meal throughout the Galapagos Islands. Including boiled cassava (yucca), the best albacore tuna, onions, tomato, pepper, and coriander, this tasty soup is filling and tasty whenever of day.

It is likewise reported that Encebollado is vital for anybody imbibing a little too greatly the night in the past, supplying an efficient hangover relief so you can return to experiencing the island charm quicker.

7. Seco.

If you’re not excessively keen on seafood or require a modification of rate throughout your island, you can buy a meaty variation of a Seco meal. Pick between various kinds of meat, each being slow-cooked within a delicious, aromatic sauce. Seco de Pollo includes chicken, while other choices consist of lamb (Borrego or Cordero), goat, or beef.

Whichever tasty meat you select is served over rice, with avocado pieces and fried plantains on the side. Include a salad with more veggies, and you have an Ecuadorian-style meal total with whatever you require.

8. Arroz con Menestras.

For the vegetarians in the group, alternatives can be restricted; however, this is one you’ll wish to attempt. Arroz con Menestra looks like a lentil stew, including lentils grown in the location and frequently integrated with other kinds of beans. You can likewise buy this with fried or roasted meat and delight in a side of avocado pieces and patacones, which are thick pieces of fried plantains.

9. Bolon de Verde.

Include a side of unique fruits discovered on the island, such as guava, papaya, plantains, or tree tomato. Also, include a cup of the specialized coffee understood as Arábiga Bourbon Antiguo, an uncommon reward discovered on the islands.

As you can see, gastronomy on the Galapagos Islands lives well and waiting on you. All 9 of these genuine meals are beautiful in taste and gorgeous in the discussion, so you’ll remember them long after you return house.

Individuals from all over the world go to the Galapagos Islands to see the remarkable wildlife. At night when they desire a break from all the outside experiences, lots of visitors try to find the locations that provide the very best nightlife on the Galapagos. Puerto Ayora is the most active city at night; Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island) and even Puerto Villamil (Isabela Island) hold some intriguing stops for some amusing island nightlife.

The Very Best Nightlife on the Galapagos– Santa Cruz Island

Puerto Ayora is found on Santa Cruz Island, the biggest town in the Galapagos Islands. It is centrally situated amongst the islands and is a fantastic base for individuals to check out other islands.

The town was settled by Norwegian, German, and Swiss households four generations earlier, and many of their descendants still operate in the tourist market. Most of the primary hotels and dining establishments, clubs, coffee shops, and clubs are on Avenida Charles Darwin. It runs along the waterside between the Charles Darwin Research Station at the northern end and the community dock at the southern end.

The Bongo Bar

The Bongo Bar is the leading hotspot in Puerto Ayora. The bar has a broad range of customers: residents, travelers, and biologist guides who take their visitors around the islands.

Buganvilla

Buganvilla is situated at the northern end of Avenida Darwin and is open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. On numerous weekends, the Buganvilla uses live music, and clients delight in a swimming pool and a Foosball table.

Limón y Café

Limón y Café is an outside bar where the casual, regional, more youthful crowd gathers. It has a bar as well as wood tables and serves cold beer. The residents call it Puerto Ayora’s regional Cheers because the personnel members understand the names of repeat clients.

Garrapata

Garrapata is an al fresco dining establishment that uses outstanding Ecuadorian and worldwide meals. Its rates might be a bit higher than other superior dining establishments; however, it draws in a dynamic crowd practically every night. It is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

El Amanecer

El Amanecer is not strictly a club; it is, in fact, a liquor store. It is constantly open late at night when the other hotspots close down, offering internal tequila shots. This guarantees routine customers of residents and visitors wanting to extend their partying till dawn.

La Panga

La Panga is the most popular disco in Puerto Ayora. It has a complete bar that provides beverages with a regional taste. Salsa partners are discovered on the little dance flooring, and others dance the night away nevertheless they desire.

Madera Fina

The older crowd often visits Madera Fina. So naturally, you will not discover wild dancing like that of La Panga; however, it is a fantastic location to unwind, and the dance flooring has a lot of space. It is open from 8:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. on weekends and serves from a complete bar.