Galapagos Climate
The Galapagos Islands have a sub-tropical climate with two seasons - the rainy season and the dry season. Ocean currents are largely responsible for the climate of the islands. Though located on the equator the temperatures are much more mild than one would imagine due to the cold current traveling north from Antarctica.

The rainy season begins in November and runs until June. Unlike the name suggests the weather is typically warm and sunny. The water temperatures reach a comfortable 75º F (24º C), and occasional tropical rainstorms can occur. March and April are generally considered the best months for visiting the islands. When the weather is warm, the winds are light, the sea is calm, and the birds are nesting.

After April the weather becomes cooler. July to November marks the dry season. Temperatures become cooler and the skies cloudier although it seldom rains. Water temperatures drop to 70º F (21ºC) or below and the winds can make the water choppy. A sweater or jacket may be necessary on cloudy days and at night. August and September tend to be considered the "worst" months to visit when there is little sun, it can be quite cold, and the water the roughest. November is the best month to visit during the dry season as the crowds are at their lowest and the weather is getting progressively better.

In years with the El Niño Current heavy rain comes from the north from December to March. The warmer temperatures and heavy rains break the food chain and interrupt the breeding cycle. Though this is not a yearly occurrence the increase in water temperatures can have a dramatic influence on the wildlife of the islands. Seabirds, Galapagos Penguins, Marine Iguanas and Fur Seals have all suffered from diminished numbers in years with the El Niño.

The Galapagos Islands, also known as the small state islands span the ocean regions of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic, as well as the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas.  Although the Galapagos are not a homogenous group, they do in fact share many common features that serve to increase their vulnerability to projected impacts of climate change.  These characteristics include their small physical size and the fact that they are surrounded by large expanses of ocean; limited natural resources; proneness to natural disasters and extreme events.

  The most significant and immediate consequences for the Galapagos are likely to be related to changes in sea levels, rainfall regimes, soil moisture budgets, and prevailing winds (speed and direction).  Review of past and present trends of climate and climate variability indicates that the temperatures have been increasing by as much as 0.1c. Per decade, and sea level has risen by 2 mm a year. Although there will be regional variation in the signal, it is known that sea level will rise by as much as 5mm a year the next 100 years as a result of global warming.  This will have serious consequences for the social and economic development of the Galapagos Islands.