Channel Islands, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Channel Islands, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Channel Islands, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Channel Islands, California, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Channel Islands, California, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Channel Islands, California, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Channel Islands, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Channel Islands, California, United States of America by month

January

January in Channel Islands is chilly. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) to high 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Channel Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

If you go to Channel Islands in February, you will notice that it can be chilly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Channel Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

March

If you vacation in Channel Islands during March, you are likely to notice that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Channel Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

April

April for Channel Islands can be chilly. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Channel Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

If you visit Channel Islands during May, you may see that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Channel Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

If you visit Channel Islands during June, you may notice that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Channel Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to pick the necessary type. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

July

If you visit Channel Islands during July, you are likely to see that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Channel Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

If you visit Channel Islands during August, you might notice that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Channel Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the necessary kind. Many adapters currently available are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

If you are traveling to Channel Islands in September, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Channel Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the right kind. Many adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

Traveling to Channel Islands in October, you will notice that it is balmy. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Channel Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

November

November in Channel Islands can be chilly. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Channel Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the correct kind. Many adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

If you visit Channel Islands during December, you are likely to find that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Channel Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the correct type. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

What to do in Channel Islands, California, United States of America

Channel Islands, located off the coast of Southern California, is a group of eight islands, five of which make up the Channel Islands National Park. It is a paradise for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs. The following are the top tourist attractions in Channel Islands, California:

1. Scorpion Anchorage: It is one of the most popular and picturesque destinations in Santa Cruz Island. The anchorage is surrounded by towering cliffs and provides a sandy beach for swimming, hiking trails, and kayaking.

2. Painted Cave: Located on Santa Cruz Island, the Painted Cave is one of the largest sea caves in the world. The cave is about 160 feet high and extends about a quarter-mile into the cliff. Visitors can take a boat tour to see the stunning display of natural colors and rock formations.

3. Anacapa Island: Anacapa Island is the smallest of the Channel Islands and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can check out the lighthouse, hike the island, and enjoy the stunning vistas.

4. Channel Islands National Park: The Channel Islands National Park is a protected area and is home to a variety of unique plants and animals. Visitors can take guided tours, hike the trails, and watch the marine life.

5. Prisoners Harbor: Located on Santa Cruz Island, the Prisoners Harbor is a calm and serene place to visit. Visitors can check out the marine life, explore the hiking trails, and enjoy the breathtaking views.

6. Sea Lion Rookery: The Sea Lion Rookery is located on Santa Barbara Island and is the home to a large population of sea lions. Visitors can take a boat tour to watch the sea lions playing and basking in the sun.

7. Santa Cruz Island: Santa Cruz Island is the largest of the Channel Islands and offers a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. Visitors can also check out the Scorpion Anchorage, Painted Cave, and the historic ranch.

8. Anacapa Lighthouse: The Anacapa Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on Anacapa Island. Visitors can check out the museum, climb the winding stairs to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the panoramic views.

In conclusion, the Channel Islands in California offers a variety of attractions for visitors. From the stunning sea caves to the secluded beaches, the islands provide a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the California coast. It is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an adventure or a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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