Ecuador, South America

Galapagos Islands in December

The warm season returns and giant tortoise eggs hatch. Christmas through New Year is peak pricing; early December is excellent.

GoodWarming, highs near 81F (27C), water near 73F (23C)

Sally Lightfoot crab, Galapagos Islands — Galapagos IslandsPhoto: Lieutenant Elizabeth Crapo, NOAA Corps, Public domain

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Galapagos Islands. The warm season returns and giant tortoise eggs hatch. Christmas through New Year is peak pricing; early December is excellent.

Weather: Warming, highs near 81F (27C), water near 73F (23C)
Crowds: 4 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What December is like in Galapagos Islands

December marks the return of the warm season. Highs climb to about 81F (27C), the water warms to around 73F (23C), and skies turn sunnier with occasional showers. Early December is excellent, with calmer seas and moderate crowds. Christmas through New Year is peak pricing, and cruise berths sell out months ahead.

Early December suits families, couples, and anyone who wants warm-season conditions without holiday prices. The holiday weeks suit families tied to school breaks who book far in advance. If you want quieter islands at good value, November is the better pick.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Galapagos Islands this month.

Giant tortoise eggs hatch

Hatchling tortoises start emerging, and the breeding center at the Charles Darwin Research Station is a great place to learn about them.

Sea turtle nesting begins

Green sea turtles start coming ashore to nest as the warm season returns.

Warming water

Snorkeling gets more comfortable, and a light wetsuit is usually enough.

What to pack for December

A shorty wetsuit or rash guard
Reef-safe sunscreen
A light rain jacket for showers
Sandals for wet landings

Our timing tip

Travel in the first two weeks of December for warm-season conditions at lower prices, and book holiday cruises nine to twelve months ahead.

Book Galapagos Islands for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Galapagos Islands
Opens a hotel search for Galapagos Islands in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Galapagos Islands
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Galapagos Islands
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Galapagos Islands for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Waved albatross season on Espanola

Roughly April through December

Nearly the entire world population nests on Espanola. Courtship dances peak in the early months.

Green sea turtle nesting

Roughly December through June

Turtles come ashore to nest in the warm season, with hatchlings emerging from around March.

Things to do in Galapagos Islands

Full guide

Charles Darwin Research Station

On Santa Cruz, the main place to learn about tortoise conservation and the islands' science.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Santa Cruz highlands tortoise reserves

See wild giant tortoises grazing in the misty highlands. Mornings are cooler and the tortoises more active.

Tickets and tours →

Espanola Island

Waved albatross colonies from roughly April to December, plus blue-footed boobies and colorful marine iguanas. Reached by cruise or select day tours.

Tickets and tours →

Bartolome and Pinnacle Rock

Climb to the classic viewpoint, then snorkel with penguins in the bay.

Tickets and tours →

Isabela Island

The largest island, with the Sierra Negra volcano, flamingo lagoons, and penguins along the coast near Puerto Villamil.

Tickets and tours →

North Seymour

Frigatebird and blue-footed booby colonies close to Santa Cruz. The easiest place to see the booby courtship dance.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Avoid late June through August and Christmas to New Year, when cruises sell out and prices peak.
April, May, and November give the best balance of wildlife, sea conditions, and availability.
Book small expedition cruises 6 to 12 months ahead for high season; last-minute deals sometimes appear in Quito or Puerto Ayora in the shoulder months.
On land-based trips, stay on Isabela or San Cristobal for a quieter base than Santa Cruz.

Know before you go

Some cruise boats go into dry dock for maintenance around September and October, limiting options in those months.
Visitor sites are strictly regulated: most require a licensed naturalist guide, and itineraries are set by the park, so not every boat visits every island.
The park entry fee is paid in cash on arrival, and the transit control card is bought in Quito or Guayaquil before the flight.
Rough seas in August and September can lead to changes in day tours and uncomfortable crossings between islands.

Galapagos Islands in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Galapagos Islands?

December is a good month to visit Galapagos Islands. The warm season returns and giant tortoise eggs hatch. Christmas through New Year is peak pricing; early December is excellent.

What is the weather like in Galapagos Islands in December?

Warming, highs near 81F (27C), water near 73F (23C).

Is Galapagos Islands crowded in December?

Galapagos Islands is busy in December, though mornings and late afternoons stay workable.

What is happening in Galapagos Islands in December?

Waved albatross season on Espanola (roughly april through december); Green sea turtle nesting (roughly december through june).