As we live in California, we can tell you all you need to know about Catalina Island in January.

Catalina Island is one of the best day trips to take from Los Angeles. Thinking about the best time to visit Catalina Island?

While spring and fall are the best times to visit, visiting Catalina Island in January does come with its advantages. It’s a great place to celebrate the beginning of the year and winter is the least crowded. 

PRO TIPS

Planning your trip to Catalina Island? Here are the best tours, hotels, and ferry service: 

📸 Best Tours In Catalina Island:

😴 Best Hotels On Catalina Island:

⛴️ Best Ferry Service: Catalina Express (cheapest and quickest way)

January Weather In Catalina Island

The weather in January is rainier and windier than in the spring, summer, and fall. The weather and water temperature are also colder.

During the winter, the water can be uneven leading to a rough ride on the ferry to Catalina island. If you get seasick, then visiting the island during the winter isn’t recommended. But if you enjoy adventure, then it’ll be a fun bumpy ride.

Average Temperature In Catalina Island In January

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 mostly consistent 65°F throughout January. 

How Sunny Is It On Catalina Island In January

It is sunny in January with an average of 224 hours of sun throughout the month. Each day has an average of 10.2 hours of daylight. 

Does It Rain In January

graph showing Average Monthly Rainfall at Catalina Airport
© WeatherSpark.com

Yes, it rains in January. Compared to the fall and spring months, January gets more rain and there’s a 15-17% chance of a rainy day. If it rains, there are 2.4 inches of precipitation. 

How Humid Is Catalina Island In January

graph showing Humidity Comfort Levels at Catalina Airport
© WeatherSpark.com

Catalina Island is not humid in January compared to the rest of the months. Catalina Island’s humidity comfort level is at 0% in January. 

How Windy Is Catalina Island In January

graph showing Average Wind Speed at Catalina Airport
© WeatherSpark.com

It is windy in January with an average wind speed of 8.8 mph but the windiest months are March and April. The least windy months are July and August.

Is The Water Warm In Catalina Island In January

graph showing Average Water Temperature at Catalina Airport
© WeatherSpark.com

No, the water is cold in January. The water is colder than the water in June through October. The average water temperature in January is 59°F and stays constant throughout the month. 

If you plan you stay in the water for a long time or if the water isn’t the right temperature for you, you can grab a thick wetsuit to keep you warm and cozy in the cold waters.

Holidays & Festivals In Catalina Island In January

If you’re planning a trip in January, check out these events happening this month:

Polar Bear Swim & Plunge: Join the Polar Plunge on the first day of the year and enjoy hot chocolate at the end.

Annual Avalon Benefit 50K/50 Mile Run: Run through the entire length of the island and back to Avalon. 

Best Things To Do In Catalina Island

Catalina Island is one of the best islands in California. There are so many things to do in Catalina Island for any age. If you’re planning a trip for the first time to this amazing island, then we recommend you check out these once-in-a-lifetime tours to do.

Catalina Island Casino Tour: Explore this 1929 casino, its art deco murals, and history.

Semi-Submarine Tour: Check out the underwater world; it’s one of the best things to do with kids.

Catalina Glass Bottom Boat Tour: Discover different fish species without needing to dive underwater. 

Golf Cart Tour: A unique way to travel through this island through this tour.

Where Is Catalina Island

Catalina Island is located off the coast of Southern California. It’s 29 miles west of Long Beach. Catalina Island is 22 miles long and 8 miles at its widest point. 

Map:  

How To Get To Catalina Island

The best way to get to Catalina Island is through a ferry. It’s just a 1-hour ferry ride that’s offered by Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer.

You can choose to depart from any of these 4 cities closest to Catalina Island: Dana Point, Long Beach, Newport Beach, and San Pedro.  

Easily book a round-trip ferry to Catalina Island from Long Beach or San Pedro.

If you’re worried about getting seasick, you can choose to fly from mainland California to Catalina Island via IEX Helicopters

If you’re flying into mainland California to visit Catalina Island, the closest airport is Long Beach Airport.

But you can find better options at Los Angeles International Airport which isn’t too far from Long Beach. You can rent a car at the airport to head to the ferry ports.  

How To Get Around Catalina Island

The best way to explore this island is by walking around. But the next best way (that we recommend!) is to get around in golf carts.

You’ll see locals traveling around in golf carts. It’s a fun way to check out the island! You can either rent a golf cart or book a golf cart tour.

a parked golf cart at sunset

You can also take the bus and choose among these options: Avalon Transit, Wildlands Express Shuttle, and Catalina Transportation Services (which also has a taxi service).

While there is no Uber or Lyft on the island and you can’t take your car either, you can get a taxi. You’ll find taxis as you exit the ferry terminal and the taxi stand (where Metropole Avenue meets Crescent Avenue). 

Where To Stay On Catalina Island

Catalina Island has a variety of accommodations: hotels, resorts, campgrounds and more. We recommend these 3 options:

Budget-Friendly Option: Hotel Atwater

Mid-Priced Option: The Avalon Hotel in Catalina Island

Lux Option: Hamilton Cove

Frequently Asked Questions

Is January a good time to go to Catalina Island?

If you’re looking to go during the off-season, then January is a good time to visit Catalina Island. There are still a lot of sunny days with mild 59F weather.

What’s the best time of year to go to Catalina Island?

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. 

Is Catalina Island tap water safe to drink?

Yes, tap water is safe to drink on Catalina Island and meets health standards. It’s best to bring along a reusable water bottle to keep you hydrated throughout the day. 

What should I pack for Catalina Island?

Since Catalina Island is an island, make sure you’re packing your beach items among with other packing essentials

Is there Uber on Catalina island? 

There is no Uber or Lyft on Catalina Island. Cars – either your own or a rental – aren’t allowed either. You can explore the island by foot, shuttle bus, renting or touring in a golf cart

Final Thoughts

A lesser-known vacation spot, Catalina Island has a host of things to see and do both on land and under the sea. Catalina Island is definitely worth a visit, especially in January when crowds are much smaller than in the summertime.

In short, Catalina Island is a beautiful California gem located close to the Los Angeles area that offers tons of fun for solo travelers, couples, and the whole family. It’s the perfect weekend getaway for you, your friends, and your family.

Not Interested In Catalina Island In January?

If you’re not planning to visit Catalina Island in January, then check out these posts about visiting Catalina Island during the other months:


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