Galápagos packing is about sun, sea and rules. Strict biosecurity means no seeds or fruit, and luggage gets sealed and inspected. These numbers are from Baltra (Seymour) airport; the Santa Cruz highlands are cooler and misty in the garúa season (June–November), when the sea is cold enough for a wetsuit.
Galápagos weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 30°C86°F | 30°C86°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 30°C86°F | 29°C84°F | 28°C82°F | 28°C82°F | 28°C82°F | 28°C82°F | 28°C82°F | 29°C84°F |
| Low | 23°C73°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 23°C73°F | 22°C72°F | 22°C72°F | 21°C70°F | 21°C70°F | 21°C70°F | 21°C70°F | 22°C72°F |
| Rain days | 11 | 19 | 23 | 17 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
What to bring to Galápagos
0 of 23 packed- Dramamine Less Drowsy ChewablesHealth & Safety
Open-water crossings between islands can be rough, so pack seasickness chews for a Galápagos boat trip.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Wet landings from a panga splash everything, and this cube keeps clothes and electronics dry.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Clogs handle wet beach landings and boat decks, then rinse clean before the next island.
- RAYMYLO 64 oz Insulated Water BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
A big cold bottle for long, hot days at 30–31°C (86–88°F) on islands with no shade.
- Peak Design Capture Clip V3Camera & Photo
A camera clip keeps your hands free on rough lava trails and boat landings.
- A warm wrapClothing
A warm layer for boat decks in garúa season and the misty Santa Cruz highlands.
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
A small first aid kit for lava rock scrapes and boat days far from town.
Clothing
- Rash guard · 1Sun cover while snorkeling
- Swimsuits · 2
- Quick-dry shirts · 4
- Quick-dry shorts or pants · 3
- Lightweight rain jacket · 1Warm season is the rainiest, Jan–May
- Wide-brim hat with strap · 1Strong sun on open boat decks
Footwear
- Closed-toe shoes with grip · 1 pairDry landings step onto rough lava rock
Gear
- Snorkel mask · 1Sea is cold in garúa season, Jun–Nov
- Small dry bag · 1Wet panga landings onto sand
- Compact binoculars · 1
- Sunglasses with strap · 1
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insuranceRemote islands, limited medical care
- Cash in small billsFor tips and island fees
Tech
- Phone charger and cable
Warm season (January–May)
Hot, sunny and the rainiest time. Highs reach 30°C (86°F) in January and February and 31°C (88°F) in March and April, then 30°C (86°F) in May, with lows of 23–24°C (73–75°F). Rain days rise from 11 in January to 23 in March, then fall to 9 in May. Pack light clothes, strong sun protection and a light rain jacket.
Garúa season (June–November)
Cooler and drier at the coast. Highs are 28–29°C (82–84°F) and lows 21–22°C (70–72°F). Rain days drop to 3 in June, 2 in July and 0 from August to October, though misty garúa drizzle covers the highlands. The sea is cold, so a wetsuit for snorkeling helps. Pack a warm layer for boat decks and the highlands.
December
A transition month. The high is 29°C (84°F), the low 22°C (72°F) and there are 2 rain days. Water starts to warm up. Pack for both seasons: sun protection, a light layer and a rash guard or wetsuit.
What shoes should you pack for Galápagos?
Water-friendly sandals or clogs and closed-toe shoes with grip. Many landings are wet, onto sand from a panga (small boat), and dry landings step onto rough lava rock. Bring both.
What do people wear in Galápagos?
Casual, sun-smart clothes. Shorts, long-sleeve sun shirts, hats and sandals are normal on boats and in towns. Bring a light jacket for evenings on deck and a wetsuit or rash guard for snorkeling.
What to pack for a Galápagos boat cruise?
Motion-sickness tablets, a dry bag and sun protection. Open-water crossings between islands can be rough. Pack seasickness remedies, a waterproof bag for wet landings, a warm layer for the deck, and reef-friendly sunscreen.
What can't you bring to the Galápagos?
Seeds, fruit and other organic material. The islands have strict biosecurity, and luggage is inspected and sealed before you fly in. A national park entry fee also applies on arrival. Clean sand and seeds off your shoes before you pack them.
What plugs does Galápagos use?
Ecuador uses Type A and B sockets at 120V. US plugs work without an adapter. UK, EU and Australian visitors need an adapter.
Tours and things to do in Galápagos
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Galápagos.
What should you leave at home for Galápagos?
Food, especially fresh fruit and seeds, which biosecurity checks will remove. Leave dressy clothes and hard-sided luggage too; boats have little storage.
Around Galápagos
Packing for Galápagos: questions people ask
What is the best time to visit Galápagos for warm water?
The warm season, January to May. Highs reach 30–31°C (86–88°F) and the sea is warmer for snorkeling.
Do I need a wetsuit in Galápagos?
In the garúa season, June to November, a wetsuit helps because the sea is cold.
Does it rain in Galápagos?
Mostly in the warm season. March averages 23 rain days at Baltra, while August to October average 0.
Can I bring snacks to the Galápagos?
Packaged snacks are typically fine, but fresh fruit, seeds and other organic material are not, and luggage is inspected.
Do I need a plug adapter in Ecuador?
Not from the US. Ecuador uses Type A and B sockets at 120V. UK, EU and Australian visitors need one.
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