There is something fascinating to see in the Galapagos every month of the year. The peak season runs from mid-June through to early September, and again from mid-December through to mid-January. There are strict limits on the number of visitors allowed to the islands at any one time, so even during the peak season there will never be vast crowds. However, if your preference is for solitude, you may choose to visit in the less popular months out of season. There is never a bad time to go to the Galapagos, so we have compiled a quick summary of the seasons, followed by a more detailed Natural Calendar, to help you decide what time of year is right for you.

December through May - Late December to early January is the high season, when you can expect bigger crowds than during the rest of the year. At this time the air and water are warm. It is also, simultaneously, the rainy season and the sunniest time of the year. You can expect almost daily light drizzle but very pleasant temperatures.

The warm water makes snorkelling comfortable even for long periods. The downside is that there are less fish to see than at other times later in the year. However, there is plenty of action on dry land - this is the breeding season for land birds, when you can see some fascinating and unusual mating rituals. It is also the best time of year for turtles. You can watch sea turtles nesting on the beach and, from March to May, you can see land tortoises making their way down from the highlands to search the lowlands for a mate.

The rainy season is also the breeding season for sea lions, when the males fight aggressive battles for the flippers of the females. The impossibly cute newborn pups start crawling around the islands around March and April.

The rains start to ease off in February, March, and April, and bright flowers start to bloom all over the islands. The seas are also much calmer at this time of year, which is a definite advantage for those prone to seasickness.

June through November - At this time of year the cold Humboldt Current sweeps up from the southern end of South America into the Galapagos. It brings cold water and cold weather in its wake, but it also brings water rich in nutrients and plankton, which attract the fish and birds. While the skies can often be overcast during this period, it is rare to see rain. The winds pick up now, and the seas become rougher.

From a diving perspective, this is undoubtedly the best time of year to visit the Galapagos. There is a now a great variety of marine life to see, but the downside is that the water is much colder. There are more seabirds now, following the plentiful supplies of fish, as well as more penguins following the cold currents. Albatrosses arrive on Espanola in June and stay until December, and elusive owls mate on Genovesa during June and July. This is also the mating period for blue-footed boobies, when you can witness their superb mating ritual, known as 'sky point'.

There is much to see in the Galapagos during this time of year, but be prepared for cool weather. It is recommended that you bring a wet suit if you own one.

• Natural Events - Month by Month Calendar