Wondering when to plan your trip to Catalina Island? After our 5-day trip to Avalon, we’ve got the details for the best times to visit. Keep reading for insights on the ideal months to travel, when to find the best deals, what to expect from the weather each season, and tips for making the most of your visit. Whether you’re chasing sunshine or avoiding crowds, we’ll help you pick the perfect time to go!
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Planning your trip to Catalina Island? Here are the best tours, hotels, and ferry service:
📸 Best Tours In Catalina Island:
- Private Guided Golf Cart Tour of Avalon (see more sights in less time)
- Mermaid Photo Shoot
- Bison Expedition
- 2 hour Inside Adventure Tour (visit the highest point of the island!)
- Undersea Expedition Tour (5 feet below the sea)
- 45 Minute Semi-Submarine Tour (best thing to do with kids!)
- Glass Bottom Boat Tour (see schools of fish without scuba diving or snorkeling)
😴 Best Hotels On Catalina Island:
- Hotel Atwater (💲) (free access to Descanso Beach Club)
- The Avalon Hotel in Catalina Island (💲💲) (360 views of Avalon!)
- Hamilton Cove (💲💲💲) (includes golf cart to explore the island)
⛴️ Best Ferry Service: Catalina Express (cheapest and quickest way)
Best Time To Visit Catalina Island
The best time to visit Catalina Island depends on personal preferences and interests. The peak tourist season runs from June through August when the weather is warm and sunny, and the island is bustling with activity.
But, for those looking for a quieter and more affordable experience, September to May is a great time to visit. The weather is still pleasant during this time, and there are fewer crowds, allowing for a more peaceful and relaxing vacation.
Catalina Island In January
The weather in January is rainier and windier than in the spring, summer, and fall. The weather and water temperature are also colder.
The average temperature in January is 59°F (15°C). Maximum temperatures can reach 65°F (18°C) and minimum temperatures can dip to 54°F (12°C). You’ll find the weather to be a consistent 65°F throughout January.
👉 Check out Catalina Island in January for more info & tips on the humidity, rain, wind, and more during this month.
Catalina Island In February
The weather in February is the most unfavorable compared to the other months with it being the cloudiest and bringing in the most rain.
The weather and water temperature are also colder during the winter months. But with not the best weather comes the least crowds.
The average temperature in February is 58°F (14°C). Maximum temperatures can reach 64°F (17°C) and minimum temperatures can dip to 53°F (11°C).
👉 Check out Catalina Island in February for more info & tips on the humidity, rain, wind, and more during this month.
Catalina Island In March
While March has similar weather as the winter months (December, January, and February), the days are less cloudier and you can expect less rain.
The water temperature in March is as cold as in January and February so it’s best to grab a wetsuit if you plan to be in the water.
The average temperature in March is 58°F (14°C). Maximum temperatures can reach 65°F (18°C) and minimum temperatures can dip to 52°F (11°C).
👉 Check out Catalina Island in March for more info & tips on the humidity, rain, wind, and more during this month.
Catalina Island In April
April is the start of warmer weather and water temperatures. The days are less cloudier and you can expect less rain compared to November thru March.
The average temperature in April is 60°F (15.5°C). Maximum temperatures can reach 67°F (19.4°C) and minimum temperatures can dip to 54°F (12.2°C).
👉 Check out Catalina Island in April for more info & tips on the humidity, rain, wind, and more during this month.
Catalina Island In May
May has warmer weather and water temperatures and the least cloudy and rainy skies compared to the winter and spring months.
The average temperature in May is 62°F (16.6°C). Maximum temperatures can reach 69°F (20.5°C) and minimum temperatures can dip to 56°F (13.3°C).
👉 Check out Catalina Island in May for more info & tips on the humidity, rain, wind, and more during this month.
Catalina Island In June
June brings in decent weather and water temperature that’s warmer than the winter and spring months but not hot as the July-September months. It’s also less cloudy and rainy than the weather from October through May.
The average temperature in June is 65°F (18.3°C). Maximum temperatures can reach 73°F (22.7°C) and minimum temperatures can dip to 59°F (15°C).
👉 Check out Catalina Island in June for more info & tips on the humidity, rain, wind, and more during this month.
Catalina Island In July
July brings 70F weather and warmer water temperatures compared to winter, spring, and fall months. It’s also less cloudy with no rain in July.
The average temperature in July is 70°F (21.1°C). Maximum temperatures can reach 78°F (25.5°C) and minimum temperatures can dip to 64°F (17.7°C).
👉 Check out Catalina Island in July for more info & tips on the humidity, rain, wind, and more during this month.
Catalina Island In August
August brings weather that can go up to 80F and the warmest water temperatures compared to the other months. It’s also the least cloudy with no rain in August.
The average temperature in August is 72°F (22.2°C). Maximum temperatures can reach 80°F (26.6°C) and minimum temperatures can dip to 66°F (18.8°C).
👉 Check out Catalina Island in August for more info & tips on the humidity, rain, wind, and more during this month.
Catalina Island In September
September still has summer weather and the warmest water temperatures compared to the other months. It’s also the least cloudy with some rain in September.
The average temperature in September is 72°F (22.2°C). Maximum temperatures can reach 79°F (26.1°C) and minimum temperatures can dip to 66°F (18.8°C).
👉 Check out Catalina Island in September for more info & tips on the humidity, rain, wind, and more during this month.
Catalina Island In October
The weather in October is better than in the summer and winter months and most of the tours are still available this month. You’ll see fewer clouds in the fall compared to the heavy overcast in the summer.
The average temperature in October is 68°F (20°C). Maximum temperatures can reach 75°F (24°C) and minimum temperatures can dip to 61°F (16°C).
👉 Check out Catalina Island in October for more info & tips on the humidity, rain, wind, and more during this month.
Catalina Island In November
If you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway, November can be a great time to visit as there are fewer crowds and lower prices on accommodations and activities.
The average temperature in November is 63°F (17°C). Maximum temperatures can reach 69°F (21°C) and minimum temperatures can dip to 57°F (14°C).
👉 Check out Catalina Island in November for more info & tips on the humidity, rain, wind, and more during this month.
Catalina Island In December
Winter will bring in chillier weather and lower water temperatures. The weather in December is rainier, windier, and cloudier than in the spring, summer, and fall months.
👉 Check out Catalina Island in December for more info & tips on the humidity, rain, wind, and more during this month.
Cheapest Time To Go To Catalina Island
The cheapest time to go to Catalina Island is during the off-season, which typically runs from November to March.
During this time, you can often find discounted hotel rates and fewer crowds. But some businesses and attractions may have reduced hours or be closed during this time.
⭐ Here’s the cheapest way to get to Catalina Island.
Best Month To Visit Catalina Island
The best month to visit Catalina Island depends on your preferences and what activities you want to do.
If you prefer warmer weather and water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, then the summer months of June through August would be ideal.
But these months are also the busiest and most expensive, so if you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, you might want to consider visiting in the shoulder months of May or September.
Plus, if you want to see the island’s wildflowers in bloom, then the best time to visit would be in the spring months of March through May.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best to visit Catalina Island during the spring and fall. Temperatures tend to be mild, crowds are gone for the most part, and you can really feel the change in seasons.
It’s best to spend at least 2-3 days on the island to fully immerse yourself in island life just outside of mainland California.
The off-season for Catalina Island typically runs from November to March, outside of major holidays and events.
The best time to snorkel at Catalina Island is during the summer months when the water is at its warmest and calmest. During this time, visibility is also good, allowing for the best snorkeling experience.
Yes, October can be a good time to visit Catalina Island as it is part of the island’s shoulder season. The weather is generally still mild, the crowds are typically smaller, and accommodations may offer lower rates.
Yes, November is considered an off-season month for tourism in Catalina Island, as the weather can be cooler and less predictable, with a higher chance of rain and rough seas.
Yes, Catalina Island is definitely worth it! There is so much untouched natural beauty and lifetime tours to do on this island. Plus it’s more accessible and cheaper to get to Catalina for island life compared to other island destinations.
While it’s not mandatory to carry passports to go to Catalina Island and there aren’t any immigration checks, it’s best to carry a government-issued identification like a driver’s license, Real ID, or passport in case of emergencies.
Yes, you can bring your dog to Catalina Island, however, there are a few restrictions. For your pet’s safety, they must be kept leashed wherever you take them, and unfortunately, they may not be able to join you on certain beaches or attractions.
You can take the Catalina Express from San Pedro to Two Harbors but they don’t run a regular schedule. It’s best to take a ferry from San Pedro or Long Beach to Avalon. You can get to Two Harbors from Avalon either by boat or taxi.
Yes, you can live on Catalina Island. There are different residential options, including apartments, condominiums, and single-family homes in Avalon.
Some of the best restaurants on Catalina Island include Steve’s Steakhouse and Seafood, Bluewater Grill, Descanso Beach Club, and the Lobster Trap.
Final Thoughts
The best time to visit Catalina Island varies depending on individual preferences and interests. While the high tourist season falls between June and August when the island is lively with activities and warm weather, those looking for a more budget-friendly and serene vacation should consider visiting from September to May. During this time, the weather is still enjoyable, and the crowds are less, providing a tranquil and peaceful experience.
Read More From Bae Area and Beyond
21 Best Restaurants In Catalina Island
15 Unforgettable Perks of Staying at This Catalina Island Hotel
11 Best Tours On Catalina Island
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