Ecuador, South America

Galapagos Islands in September

Cold water and rough seas, but few visitors. Some cruise boats schedule dry-dock maintenance around September and October.

Quiet valueCoolest month, highs near 75F (24C), water near 66F (19C)

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

The straight answer

September is a quiet, good-value month to visit Galapagos Islands. Cold water and rough seas, but few visitors. Some cruise boats schedule dry-dock maintenance around September and October.

Weather: Coolest month, highs near 75F (24C), water near 66F (19C)
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What September is like in Galapagos Islands

September is the coolest month in the Galapagos, with highs near 75F (24C) and water around 66F (19C). Skies are often gray, seas can be rough, and snorkeling needs a proper wetsuit. Visitor numbers drop sharply after the summer rush, and prices ease. Some cruise boats go into dry dock for maintenance around September and October, so options are more limited.

September suits hardy travelers and wildlife lovers who want fewer crowds and lower prices, and who do not mind cold water. Families with young kids and anyone prone to seasickness will be happier in April, May, or November.

Make the most of September

What is especially good about Galapagos Islands this month.

Fewer visitors

Popular landing sites are quiet, and it is easier to find good cruise deals.

Active sea lions

Young sea lions are curious and playful in the cooler water.

Seabird colonies

Albatrosses, boobies, and frigatebirds are all active, making it a strong month for birders.

What to pack for September

A thick full wetsuit
Warm layers and a windbreaker
Seasickness remedies
A towel poncho for warming up after cold snorkels

Our timing tip

Check which boats are in dry dock before you plan, and book land-based trips if your favorite cruise is not running.

Book Galapagos Islands for September.

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

What's on in September

Waved albatross season on Espanola

Roughly April through December

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

Sea lion pupping

Roughly June through November, peaking in August

Pups crowd the beaches, and young sea lions become playful snorkel companions.

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 September, quick answers

Is September a good time to visit Galapagos Islands?

September is a quiet, good-value month to visit Galapagos Islands. Cold water and rough seas, but few visitors. Some cruise boats schedule dry-dock maintenance around September and October.

What is the weather like in Galapagos Islands in September?

Coolest month, highs near 75F (24C), water near 66F (19C).

Is Galapagos Islands crowded in September?

September is one of the quieter months in Galapagos Islands; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Galapagos Islands in September?

Waved albatross season on Espanola (roughly april through december); Sea lion pupping (roughly june through november, peaking in august).