Paul Schicke
Written by Paul Schicke Senior Expedition Designer

Updated: April 20, 2026
Published: July 15, 2019

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A Sea lion perked up on the rocky Galapagos shore

While the busiest times in the Galapagos are during school holidays including winter and spring breaks and summer vacation, our Quasar team loves sharing some of the amazing benefits of visiting at other times of year. Because of the unique temperate climate of the islands (which ranges between an average high of 88 to 79 F / 31 to 26 C year round), anytime is a great time to visit— and you might be rewarded with annual Galapagos wildlife events and climate conditions you’ll only find at certain times of year.

Here are 6 reasons to visit the Galapagos in March, from incredible snorkeling conditions to amazing wildlife encounters.

Temperatures for Galapagos Islands in March:

Average Low: Average High: Water Temperature: Average Rainfall:
74°F / 23°C 88°F / 31°C 76°F / 24°C 2.00 inches / 5.08 cm

Key Takeaways

  • March is one of the warmest and sunniest months in the Galapagos - with hot temperatures, calm seas, and occasional brief tropical showers.
  • Wildlife activity remains rich and varied - including marine life in warm waters and seasonal nesting and courtship behaviors across the islands.
  • A rewarding time to visit with fewer crowds than peak holidays - offering a balance of vibrant conditions and more relaxed, immersive experiences.
  • Snorkeling and diving conditions are among the best of the year - warm, clear waters offer excellent visibility and extended time in the ocean.

1. Incredible Visibility Underwater

The months of January through February bring currents of water that result in a truly distinctive trait—coastal waters around the Galapagos during these months are at the absolute clearest they’ll be all year. This means that if snorkeling in the Galapagos is your activity of choice, there’s no better place or time to do it than March in the Galapagos. However, it should be noted that waters here Galapagos are incredibly clear year-round—January through March simply sees them at their clearest.

A graceful adult Green Sea Turtle in high visibility underwater in the Galapagos

2. Highest Water Temperature of the Year

It’s not just incredibly clarity that you’ll love about Galapagos waters in March—it’s also the warmest it will be all year. March and April represent peak water temperature for the Islands, with the water averaging 77°F (25°C). There’s nothing better than stepping into the instantly comfortable water and enjoying a laid-back snorkeling adventure. Ideal for swimming, wading around, or exploring, we can’t say enough about the gorgeous waters that occur during this season.

Ecstatic boy in warm Galapagos ocean water

3. Land Iguanas Battle & Mate

Not all is warmth and sunshine in March. During this period, some native Island residents engage in fierce battles for supremacy and the right to partner up with females. We’re speaking, of course, about the famous land iguanas of the Galapagos.

Galapagos Land Iguanas fighting for superiority over female mating season

4. Nesting Green Sea Turtles

While their Iguana cousins are battling it out, Green Sea Turtles on the Galapagos are nesting peacefully and laying eggs along the coast. These beautiful beings take this time of year to find safe spaces for their eggs to lay and hatch, and eventually the tiny creatures will make their way back to the sea, where many will live for over a century.

Witnessing these nesting creatures in their natural habitat is truly special, and March marks one of the best times of year to see it happen.

March mating season for Green Sea Turtles, egg nesting in beach

5. Great Frigatebirds Nest on Genovesa (Tower) Island

Speaking of nesting wildlife, the Magnificent Great Frigatebird begins nesting on Genovesa Island in March. This large seabird, famous for the striking black and red feather pattern in males and the gorgeous white and black contrasts of the females, annually lands in the Galapagos to create one of its largest nesting populations on the globe. This occurs on Genovesa Island, and our Quasar expeditions allow you to get up close with these beautiful birds in their natural nesting habitat.

6. Lots of Sunny Skies

Throughout all of these adventures, you’ll enjoy sunny skies and warm weather as March brings some of the year’s clearest skies to the Galapagos. Bring your sunblock, sunglasses and a hat, and get ready to experience everything the Islands have to offer under brilliant blue skies and the bright island sun.

Clear blue skies, view of Grace yacht from land on Galapagos Islands


March is a wonderful time to experience some of the Galapagos’ incredible wildlife, marine life, and landscape. But the most wonderful thing about these treasured Islands is that any time truly a good time to visit—each time of year brings its own surprises and experiences to behold.

Click here for more information on Galapagos Islands Weather
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Paul Schicke
By Paul Schicke
Senior Expedition Designer

Hello! My name is Paul. I am photographer, traveler, teacher and writer. I have extensive experience in travel to Galapagos, Peru, Patagonia and the western seaboard of South America specializing in ways travelers can experience these once-in-a-life destinations like locals on the road. Lover of wine, chocolate, travel, coffee, and helping others plan vacations of a lifetime!

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