Floreana Island
It is a very exciting time of the year in the Galápagos archipelago. Air and sea temperatures are high and provide a pleasant tropical climate for our expeditions. We really enjoy our water activities; it is hard to explain how good it feels to take a dip in the water for a swim or to enjoy the underwater world via snorkeling after a walk.
There are two main seasons on the islands. From June to December, the air is cooler and the skies are usually overcast. This is known as the cool and dry “garua” season. The Spanish word refers to the misty rain that falls abundantly on the highlands during this time of the year. From January to June, the season we are immersed in right now, air temperatures are warm and the skies are often clear. This is the warm rainy season; it rains more during these months than in the cool, dry season. Between seasons the weather is unpredictable and highly variable. The transition seasons can last for up to two months and the dates can change from year to year.
The climate in the different parts of the various islands is also very diverse. Each one of the seasons has a dramatic effect on the vegetation. In today’s picture you can appreciate how beautifully green it is now on Floreana. The contrast we saw today between the bright pink flamingos and their lush green environment was spectacular.
Sea temperatures can also vary drastically from place to place depending on the season and site. One of the most frequently asked questions is: “When is the best time of the year to come to Galápagos?” I always respond: “Any time you want!” Then I explain about the rainy and cool dry seasons and about the different breeding seasons of the various birds and animals.
I know Polaris guests who return to visit us not only once, but several times. These returning friends don’t just come back for a repeat experience of the bird and animal life. They wish to experience the different seasons as well. They are very impressed with the seasonal vegetational and climatic changes. Perhaps now that I have had a chance to explain myself, you can understand my feeling that the best time to come to Galápagos is whenever you want to!
It is a very exciting time of the year in the Galápagos archipelago. Air and sea temperatures are high and provide a pleasant tropical climate for our expeditions. We really enjoy our water activities; it is hard to explain how good it feels to take a dip in the water for a swim or to enjoy the underwater world via snorkeling after a walk.
There are two main seasons on the islands. From June to December, the air is cooler and the skies are usually overcast. This is known as the cool and dry “garua” season. The Spanish word refers to the misty rain that falls abundantly on the highlands during this time of the year. From January to June, the season we are immersed in right now, air temperatures are warm and the skies are often clear. This is the warm rainy season; it rains more during these months than in the cool, dry season. Between seasons the weather is unpredictable and highly variable. The transition seasons can last for up to two months and the dates can change from year to year.
The climate in the different parts of the various islands is also very diverse. Each one of the seasons has a dramatic effect on the vegetation. In today’s picture you can appreciate how beautifully green it is now on Floreana. The contrast we saw today between the bright pink flamingos and their lush green environment was spectacular.
Sea temperatures can also vary drastically from place to place depending on the season and site. One of the most frequently asked questions is: “When is the best time of the year to come to Galápagos?” I always respond: “Any time you want!” Then I explain about the rainy and cool dry seasons and about the different breeding seasons of the various birds and animals.
I know Polaris guests who return to visit us not only once, but several times. These returning friends don’t just come back for a repeat experience of the bird and animal life. They wish to experience the different seasons as well. They are very impressed with the seasonal vegetational and climatic changes. Perhaps now that I have had a chance to explain myself, you can understand my feeling that the best time to come to Galápagos is whenever you want to!
