Ecuador, South America

Galapagos Islands in February

Calm seas and the warmest water, great for snorkeling. Marine iguanas turn red and green on Espanola during breeding season.

GoodHot and humid, highs near 86F (30C), water near 77F (25C)

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

The straight answer

February is a good month to visit Galapagos Islands. Calm seas and the warmest water, great for snorkeling. Marine iguanas turn red and green on Espanola during breeding season.

Weather: Hot and humid, highs near 86F (30C), water near 77F (25C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What February is like in Galapagos Islands

February is hot and humid, with highs near 86F (30C) and short showers. Seas are calm and the water is among the warmest of the year, around 77F (25C), which makes for excellent snorkeling. The islands are green after the rains. Crowds and prices are fairly high but below the summer and holiday peaks.

February suits snorkelers, families, and anyone who gets seasick easily, since the crossings between islands are gentle. It is not the month for waved albatrosses, which return from around April. If you prefer cooler air and more marine life, the cool season from June is a different, rougher kind of trip.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Galapagos Islands this month.

Colorful marine iguanas on Espanola

During breeding season, marine iguanas on Espanola turn red and green, a striking sight.

The warmest water

Long snorkels are comfortable without a wetsuit, great for kids.

Calm crossings

Smooth seas make cruises and day boats much easier on sensitive stomachs.

What to pack for February

Two swimsuits
A rash guard for sun protection in the water
Light, breathable clothes
A waterproof phone pouch
Insect repellent

Our timing tip

Choose an itinerary that includes Espanola if you want to see the red and green marine iguanas in their breeding colors.

Book Galapagos Islands for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Galapagos Islands
Opens a hotel search for Galapagos Islands in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
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 February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

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 February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Galapagos Islands?

February is a good month to visit Galapagos Islands. Calm seas and the warmest water, great for snorkeling. Marine iguanas turn red and green on Espanola during breeding season.

What is the weather like in Galapagos Islands in February?

Hot and humid, highs near 86F (30C), water near 77F (25C).

Is Galapagos Islands crowded in February?

Crowds in Galapagos Islands are moderate in February; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Galapagos Islands in February?

Green sea turtle nesting (roughly december through june).