San Juan Islands, Washington, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for San Juan Islands, Washington, United States of America? If you're planning to go to San Juan Islands, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to San Juan Islands, Washington, United States of America

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

What to wear/what to pack for San Juan Islands, Washington, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for San Juan Islands, Washington, United States of America by month

January

If you vacation in San Juan Islands during January, you are likely to see that it can be very chilly and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 30s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time and snow occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

In February, San Juan Islands is brisk and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 40s F (single digits C) and regularly jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the 30s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for San Juan Islands, with several of the days of the month having rain. In February, humidity reaches as high as 80%.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you 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 peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the right type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

March in San Juan Islands is cold and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 30s 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 San Juan 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 things.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

April

April in San Juan Islands is crisp and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C) to 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 30s F (single digits C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Juan 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

May

If you vacation in San Juan Islands during May, you may see that it is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Juan 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

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the correct type. A lot of adapters currently sold 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 should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

June

June for San Juan Islands is balmy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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. Be careful to choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

July

July for San Juan Islands is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Juan 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 belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, 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.

Comfort + Essentials

  • 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 choose the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

August

If you visit San Juan Islands during August, you are likely to see 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 low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • Money/passport pouch

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • 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. Be careful to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

September

If you visit San Juan Islands during September, you are likely to see that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally around 60 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.

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 airports constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Juan 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

  • 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 pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to find the right type. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

October

If you visit San Juan Islands during October, you may find that it is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • 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 San Juan Islands. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

November

If you go to San Juan Islands in November, you will notice that it is pretty cool and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 40s F (single digits C).

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 belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Juan 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the necessary kind. Many adapters 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 work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December in San Juan Islands is cold and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

What to do in San Juan Islands, Washington, United States of America

The San Juan Islands are an archipelago in the northwest corner of Washington State, comprising over 170 islands. The islands are a popular destination for tourists, particularly those who enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and whale watching. Known for its stunning natural beauty and relaxed island vibe, the San Juan Islands offer visitors a chance to unwind and enjoy some of the best scenery in the Pacific Northwest. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in the San Juan Islands:

1. Whale Watching: One of the most popular activities in the San Juan Islands is whale watching. The waters around the islands are home to several different species of whales, including orcas (also known as killer whales), gray whales, and humpback whales. Many companies offer whale watching tours that take visitors out to sea to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

2. Lime Kiln Point State Park: Located on the west side of San Juan Island, Lime Kiln Point State Park is a beautiful park that offers stunning views of the surrounding waters and the Olympic Mountains. The park is also known as a great spot for whale watching, particularly during the summer months when the orcas are most active. There is also a historic lighthouse on the site, which dates back to 1919.

3. Moran State Park: This 5,000-acre park, located on Orcas Island, is a must-visit for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. With over 30 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore the park's dense forests, scenic lakes, and magnificent viewpoints. The park also offers camping facilities and picnic areas.

4. Friday Harbor: The town of Friday Harbor, located on San Juan Island, is the largest town on the islands and is a popular destination for tourists. The town features a variety of restaurants, shops, and galleries, as well as several historic sites, including the San Juan Island Historical Museum.

5. San Juan Islands Sculpture Park: This outdoor sculpture park, located on San Juan Island, features over 150 sculptures by artists from all over the world. The park is open year-round and is a great place to enjoy a leisurely walk and take in some beautiful art.

6. Roche Harbor: Roche Harbor, located on San Juan Island, is a historic resort village that has been attracting visitors since the late 1800s. The village features several restaurants, shops, and galleries, as well as a marina and a historic hotel. Visitors can take a walking tour of the village and learn about its fascinating history.

7. Kayaking: Kayaking is a popular activity in the San Juan Islands, with many companies offering guided tours and rentals. Kayakers can explore the islands' rugged coastline, hidden coves, and tranquil bays, and get up close and personal with the wildlife that calls the islands home.

The San Juan Islands are a true gem of the Pacific Northwest, with their stunning natural beauty, rich history, and abundant outdoor activities. Whether you're interested in whale watching, hiking, kayaking, or simply relaxing and taking in the scenery, there is something for everyone on these beautiful islands.

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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