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
- Important essentials for Channel Islands
- Activities for Channel Islands
- Channel Islands in January: weather and what to pack
- Channel Islands in February: weather and what to pack
- Channel Islands in March: weather and what to pack
- Channel Islands in April: weather and what to pack
- Channel Islands in May: weather and what to pack
- Channel Islands in June: weather and what to pack
- Channel Islands in July: weather and what to pack
- Channel Islands in August: weather and what to pack
- Channel Islands in September: weather and what to pack
- Channel Islands in October: weather and what to pack
- Channel Islands in November: weather and what to pack
- Channel Islands in December: weather and what to pack
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
Light jacket or fleece
Light and heavy skirts
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Extra socks
Pants or jeans
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly option.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb value.
Emergency motion sickness relief
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
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light and heavy skirts
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Light jacket or fleece
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb value.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
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
Light and heavy skirts
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Light jacket or fleece
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Extra socks
Pants or jeans
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
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
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Extra socks
Light and heavy skirts
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Pants or jeans
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Light jacket or fleece
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great one.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
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
Light jacket or fleece
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
Light and heavy skirts
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Health
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent value.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Emergency motion sickness relief
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
Light and heavy skirts
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Light jacket or fleece
Extra socks
Pants or jeans
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
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
Pants or jeans
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Light and heavy skirts
Extra socks
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Light jacket or fleece
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly option.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
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
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light skirts
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Short pants or heavy shorts
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Sandals
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.If you're going to the beach
If you're going to the beach:
Health
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good kit.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
Emergency motion sickness relief
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
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light skirts
Breathable footwear or sandals
A mix of long and short sleeve shirts
Extra socks
Sandals
Bug repellent
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sunscreen lotion
Travel shoe storage
To protect your other stuff from dirty shoes and sandals,
travel shoe storage.If you're going to the beach
If you're going to the beach:
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great one.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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
Light jacket or fleece
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Light and heavy skirts
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly product.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
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
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.Light and heavy skirts
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Light jacket or fleece
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
Health
Emergency motion sickness relief
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb value.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
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
Sneakers or comfortable shoes
Light and heavy skirts
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
Pants or jeans
Light jacket or fleece
Extra socks
Dresses
You can find some great options here
Travel shoe storage
If you bring multiple shoe options,
travel shoe storage.
Health
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb value.
Emergency motion sickness relief
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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