Ecuador, South America

Galapagos Islands in January

Warm season begins in earnest. Green sea turtles nest on the beaches and land birds start breeding. Early January is still holiday peak.

GoodWarm and sunny with showers, highs near 84F (29C), water near 75F (24C)

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

The straight answer

January is a good month to visit Galapagos Islands. Warm season begins in earnest. Green sea turtles nest on the beaches and land birds start breeding. Early January is still holiday peak.

Weather: Warm and sunny with showers, highs near 84F (29C), water near 75F (24C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What January is like in Galapagos Islands

January is when the Galapagos warm season gets going. Highs are near 84F (29C), skies are mostly sunny with short tropical showers, and the water is around 75F (24C), comfortable for snorkeling with little or no wetsuit. Seas are generally calm. The first week is still holiday peak, with high prices and full boats, then things ease a little.

January suits families and snorkelers who want warm water and gentle seas. Green sea turtles are nesting on the beaches and land birds start breeding. If you want the waved albatross on Espanola, you are too early; April and May are better for that.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Galapagos Islands this month.

Green sea turtle nesting

Turtles come ashore to nest on sandy beaches in the warm season, and you may see their tracks on morning walks.

Warm-water snorkeling

Calm, warm seas make it an easy month for kids and new snorkelers.

Land birds breeding

The warm season rains bring out greenery and nesting activity among Darwin's finches and other land birds.

What to pack for January

Reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard
A light rain jacket for short showers
A wide-brimmed hat
Sturdy sandals for wet landings

Our timing tip

Book for mid to late January to avoid holiday peak pricing, and reserve cruise berths well in advance.

Book Galapagos Islands for January.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

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

What's on in January

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Galapagos Islands?

January is a good month to visit Galapagos Islands. Warm season begins in earnest. Green sea turtles nest on the beaches and land birds start breeding. Early January is still holiday peak.

What is the weather like in Galapagos Islands in January?

Warm and sunny with showers, highs near 84F (29C), water near 75F (24C).

Is Galapagos Islands crowded in January?

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

What is happening in Galapagos Islands in January?

Green sea turtle nesting (roughly december through june).