While there aren't any traditional Galapagos Islands holidays or festivals, there are key events for the main residents, the animals, based on the season and weather. No matter what month you arrive, you’re sure to be engulfed in natural bliss, but these key monthly highlights might be helpful to plan your trip around what creatures you’re most interested in seeing.

January

The green sea turtle arrives to lay their eggs and land iguanas begin reproducing on Isabela.

February

Flamingos start nesting on Floreana, Bahamas pintails begin their breeding season and nesting season of the Galapagos dove reaches its peak.

March

Marine iguanas nest in Fernandina and on the 21st, the summer equinox signals the arrival of the waved albatross to Española.

April

Hatching season begins for the green sea turtle and the land iguana.

May

The blue footed boobies begin their courtship and waved albatrosses start to lay their eggs on Española.

June

June in the Galapagos marks the beginning of the cold garúa season (dry winds that hit the slopes of the Andes creating a low-level cloud cover). Giant tortoises begin nesting.

July

Whales are more likely to be spotted off the Western coast of Isabela and lava lizards begin their mating ritual which runs through November.

August

The Galapagos hawks court on Española and Santiago, while mask boobies and swallow tail gulls nest on Genovesa.

September

September is the peak of cold season which sees more active penguins, sea lions and marine birds throughout the beaches of the Galapagos.

October

The Galapagos fur seals begin their mating period and giant tortoises lay eggs.

November

Sea lion pups are born and brown noddies begin breeding.

December

The rainy season begins, causing the whole area to be bathed in greenery. Green sea turtles begin mating and giant tortoise eggs start hatching.