Visits to the Galapagos Islands are popular in June with good reason – it is a great time of year to take a Galapagos Islands cruise or enjoy a Galapagos land based option. The weather is cooler, and though it can be a little overcast at times, temperatures are more pleasant than they can be at other times of the year. The wildlife is active and there are several interesting highlights to be seen during June in Galapagos. The following is our guide to the Galapagos Islands in June, including information about Galapagos weather in June, Galapagos wildlife, activities in the Galapagos in June and also what you need to know about costs and demand during this high season month.
For those that prefer cooler temperatures, Galapagos weather in June may be just about perfect. The likely maximum temperature experienced on any day will be 26 degrees Celsius or 79 degrees Fahrenheit, while the lowest temperature averages around 21 degrees Celsius or 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The water temperature is on average around 24 degrees Celsius (or 76 degrees Fahrenheit), making dips in the sea rather pleasant at this time of year. The amount of rainfall on average is low at this time of year, at 0.6 inches or 1.5 centimeters, so you probably will not experience much rain.
One important point to consider about the Galapagos weather in May is that June marks the commencement of the Garua season. This is a time of year that brings skies that can be overcast, and water that is not so clear. There can also be drizzle during the day. The Garua season runs from June through to December.
During June, Galapagos wildlife continues to be rather active, and birdlife in particular is good to observe at this time of year. In particular, flightless cormorants nest on Fernandina Island during June. They may be viewed on doing so on the east coast of the island. If this is something you particularly want to see, make sure that your Galapagos Islands cruise visits Fernandina Island, as many of the cruises do not go out this way.
Other nesting birds during June include the Galapagos penguin. These creatures tend to nest in caves, or at least where they will not be in the sunlight. The greater flamingo starts breeding in June, and it can be a special treat to observe this colorful bird building nests during this month. Another delightful and colorful sight during this month is that of the male magnificent frigate bird, who sometimes starts displaying his bright red pouch during June. This can often be seen on North Seymour Island, which is good news for those on Galapagos Island cruises and Galapagos land based options, as this island is close to Santa Cruz (where many land-based options are based) and many cruises stop here too.
Animal life is also active during June in Galapagos. On Santa Cruz Island the giant tortoises that are usually found in the highlands will move towards the lowlands. They do this so they can find good places to nest. In the sea, humpback whales may sometimes be observed, as they often get to the Ecuador coast and Galapagos during June.
Activities in the Galapagos in June are similar to those at other times of the year, since it is possible to partake in any activity during any month of the year. As mentioned, the water is not so clear at this time of year due to the onset of the Garua season. While you might think that would be bad for snorkeling, actually the fact that temperatures are not so warm at this time of year leads to plankton and nutrients coming up from the direction of the Antarctic. This means there is plenty of food for the marine life, and this is very beneficial for water pursuits such snorkeling and diving. You are sure to observe some fascinating marine creatures under the water at this time of year.
One very good activity in June in Galapagos is birdwatching, and birdwatchers should seriously consider scheduling their visit for this time of year. The Galapagos bird life is very active in June. There are lots of birds breeding and nesting in the archipelago at this time of year. If you like birdwatching combined with photography, then there are some excellent photographic opportunities to get pictures of flightless cormorants nesting on Fernandina Island.
June is most definitely high season in the Galapagos Islands. School has come to the end for the year in North America and Europe, and this means that space on boats is at a premium. As a result, June can be a more expensive time of year to take a Galapagos Islands cruise, or to visit in general. Those thinking that they might try and get a last-minute cruise to find a cheaper deal may find themselves out of luck during June in Galapagos, as boats do fill up, given the high tourist demand at this time. It is best to book in advance if you want to visit the Galapagos Islands in June, while our prices are always the best available in the market, there is a particular cruise that offers excellent rates for our clients planning a trip in June, that is the Infinity Galapagos boat, make sure to consider this option when looking for the best fit for your visit.
Our Insider veredict
June is a busy month to visit the Galapagos Islands, as children are out of school in North America and Europe. This means that it is high season and a pricier time of year to visit. It is also busy in June because there is plenty to see and do in the Galapagos Islands in June, and the weather is pleasing too – cooler than in other months, though still warm, and with sea temperatures that are rather pleasant as well. If you want to visit Galapagos in June be sure to get in touch with us and we can find you the best deals and opportunities for a visit during this month, whether it is a Galapagos Islands cruise or a Galapagos land based option that you are looking for. For birdwatchers in particular, a Galapagos Islands trip in June is probably a very good option.