Vashon Island, Washington, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Vashon Island, Washington, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Vashon Island, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Vashon Island, Washington, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Vashon Island, Washington, United States of America, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Vashon Island, Washington, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

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

What to wear/what to pack for Vashon Island, Washington, United States of America by month

January

January in Vashon Island can be brisk and very rainy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) to 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 20s F (single digits below 0 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 Vashon Island. 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 things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties 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

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

If you go to Robinson Point Park and Lighthouse, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February in Vashon Island is cold and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) to high 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 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 Vashon Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage 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 little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the correct type. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties 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

If you go to Robinson Point Park and Lighthouse, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Vashon Island is brisk and very rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vashon Island. 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 constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find 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 neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to find the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money 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

If you go to Robinson Point Park and Lighthouse, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

April for Vashon Island is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

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 constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vashon Island. 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
  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct kind. Most adapters available are just plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you go to Robinson Point Park and Lighthouse, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

May here is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 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 bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vashon Island. 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
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you get the right type. Many adapters currently available are simply plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

If you go to Robinson Point Park and Lighthouse, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

June is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains 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 always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • 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 Vashon Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices 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

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the correct type. Most adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

If you go to Robinson Point Park and Lighthouse, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

Traveling to Vashon Island in July, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security
  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vashon Island. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary type. Many adapters available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Travel neck 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

If you go to Robinson Point Park and Lighthouse, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

If you go to Vashon Island in August, you will notice that it is warm and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the 70s F (low 20s 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 things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage 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.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vashon Island. 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. Take care to pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

If you go to Robinson Point Park and Lighthouse, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

September in Vashon Island is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain 5-10 days this month.

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

  • 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 Vashon Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

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

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct type. Many adapters available online are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Robinson Point Park and Lighthouse, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

October in Vashon Island is chilly and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) to high 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

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

  • AirTag to track your luggage

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

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vashon Island. 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

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the right type. Most adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most places.

  • 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

If you go to Robinson Point Park and Lighthouse, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November is cold and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.

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 things.

  • 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 Vashon Island. 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 bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for 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

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

If you go to Robinson Point Park and Lighthouse, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

If you visit Vashon Island during December, you are likely to see that it can be brisk 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). 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
  • 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 recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Vashon Island. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties 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. Check that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most places.

If you go to Robinson Point Park and Lighthouse, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Vashon Island, Washington, United States of America

Vashon Island, located in Washington State, is a hidden gem in the Puget Sound area. This small island is the perfect weekend getaway spot, offering breathtaking views, outdoor activities, tasty food options, and unique art galleries. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day near the water or a fun-filled adventure, Vashon Island has something for everyone. Here are the top tourist attractions to explore during your visit.

Point Robinson Lighthouse

One of the most famous landmarks on the island is the Point Robinson Lighthouse. This historic structure has been in operation since 1885 and offers stunning views of the ocean and Mount Rainier. Visitors can climb up the lighthouse tower for panoramic views of the surrounding area, which is particularly beautiful at sunset.

Vashon Island Farmers Market

As one of the most popular attractions on Vashon Island, the farmers market takes place every Saturday from April through mid-December. The market is a great place to sample local produce, artisan cheese, fresh meat, and baked goods. Visitors can also find handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and other artisan gifts to take home.

The Vashon Center for the Arts

Art lovers will enjoy visiting the Vashon Center for the Arts, a local organization dedicated to promoting and growing the arts on the island. The center features rotating exhibitions of regional and local art in a range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and photography.

Kayaking

Another attraction for outdoor enthusiasts is kayaking around the island’s coastlines. Kayaks are available for rent at various locations on the island, and visitors can explore the island’s many bays, inlets, and beaches. The calm waters make it easy for beginner kayakers to try out the sport while enjoying beautiful views of the island.

Biking

For those who prefer to explore on land, biking is an excellent option. Vashon Island offers a variety of trails for bikers of all levels. Visitors can rent bikes and explore the island’s beautiful scenery, including the beautiful parks and beaches.

Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie

Coffee lovers will want to stop by the Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie to sample the island’s signature coffee. The roasterie offers tours and tastings with fresh-brewed coffee from Vashon Island’s organic coffee beans. Visitors can also purchase their favorite blends and a selection of baked goods for on-the-go fun.

In conclusion, Vashon Island is a beautiful destination that has remained largely untouched by tourism. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, art and culture, or simply relaxing on the beach, this island has something for everyone. Plan your visit today and experience this lovely slice of paradise.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Menai Bridge, Wales, United Kingdom, Wendover, England, United Kingdom, Mantralayam, India, Kanchrapara, India, Kallooppara, India, Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia, Fryeburg, Maine, United States of America, New Carrollton, Maryland, United States of America, Vidzeme, Latvia, West Covina, California, United States of America, and Sammanthurai, Sri Lanka.