Weather
The Galápagos Islands have a surprisingly cool, sub-tropical climate. Weather is regulated by the cold Humboldt, or Peruvian, current (northeasterly trade winds flowing along the western coast of South America and out to the islands) during the dry season and the warm waters from the Panama Basin during the wet season. Although there are two seasons, referred to as wet and dry, the islands only receive an average of 10" of rain per year so it is never "rainy". Temperatures vary according to the strength of the trade winds. December through June, the cooling currents subside and temperatures rise. Many consider this the hot season as opposed to the rainy season. Daytime highs are in the upper 80's and low 90's, falling to the low 70's at night.
The water temperature is also at its warmest during these months (averaging 72-76°F). February through April have the highest precipitation levels (between 1-2" per month) with the rest of year having less than 1" per month. During the months of July through November, the trade winds pick up again so the climate is cool and breezy. Many prefer to call this the cool season rather than the dry season. Air temperatures average 73°F during the day (62°F at night) and the water temperature is a chilly 68°F. The sea can be a little bit choppy during these months and the sky can be somewhat misty, a phenonmenon locally called garua.