best time to visit san juan islands

If you aren't interested in visiting San Juan Island on Day 2 then take an interisland ferry to Shaw Island. Fall: Fall is a wonderful time to visit the San Juan Islands, as the skies are often clear and the days warm. The Best Time to Visit San Juan Islands, WA, US for Weather, Safety, & Tourism Weather in San Juan Islands. The great thing about the San Juan Islands is that the main towns: Friday Harbor and … Summer months are great for outdoor, overlooking the beautiful harbor and island scenery. Autumn is my favorite time of the year to visit San Juan Island. Here are just some of the things you can check out during Savor the San Juans. Visiting the San Juan Islands for Cheap The islands are beautiful during the summer. Orcas Island is not as busy as the other islands and is one of the most peaceful and serene to visit. Here are a few of the top things to do on San Juan Island: Hit the open waters on a whale watching tour; Sip the island’s best wines with a wine tasting at San Juan Vineyards ; Visit the alpacas at Krystal Acres But loud in negative "no trespassing" signs. Unique local flavors. Where the heck are you? Temperatures remain at around 28 degree Celsius during the day 22 degree Celsius at night the rest of the year. The best time to visit the San Juan Islands is between April and October. There are several other ways to get around … Knowing how to visit the islands efficiently can help you enjoy your time there without draining your pocketbook. The most cost-effective way to visit more than one island is to know how the ferry schedules and fees work. The locals on Shaw don't want to commercialize their island, so be respectful of this if you plan to visit. The summer months will also provide the warmest weather and most sunshine. Friday Harbor is ideal to discover on foot and can be done in a day trip. These months also offer the least amount of rain, averaging right around an inch while wetter months can see over four inches. Head back to the Orcas Island ferry dock (and park your car or bike) and then walk on an interisland ferry for free to San Juan Island (also known as Friday Harbor). You can visit the San Juan Islands year-round. The ferry dock is not ... Day 2 San Juan Island (Friday Harbor) Day 3 Lopez Island. There is a reason so many people come from all over the world to the San Juan Islands (north of Seattle) to catch a glimpse of the world’s top ocean predator. Top Places to Visit in San Juan Islands, Washington: See Tripadvisor's 58,024 traveller reviews and photos of San Juan Islands attractions. We've recently launched a small collection of bike tours around Washington State's San Juan islands. So if you go make it a bike ride/picnic day trip or stay the night at the Shaw Island campsites located two miles from the Shaw ferry landing. Request a printed brochure and map here. The two farthest islands west of Anacortes are San Juan Island and Orcas Island. A city as much of laptops and glitzy discos as of sumptuous palaces, serene gardens and bustling bazaars. The ferry dock is not near town (the Eastsound). Once you are done exploring Friday Harbor walk on the next interisland ferry back to Orcas Island. based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). The drive into Eastsound after getting off the ferry takes about 20 minutes, sometimes more during peak season due to traffic. Just keep in mind after you initially pay to take your car on a ferry from Anacortes then as long as you keep going eastbound in your travels, you won't be charged again on interisland ferries for taking your car around to the different islands. Average Monthly Weather in … The best opportunity to see Orcas is from June to September when they forage on salmon in the area’s waters. The ideal San Juan Islands WA summer weather might draw more than tourists looking for a weekend getaway. Fall. The historic Orcas Hotel is the first building you see when getting off the ferry at Orcas Island. Lopez Island is popular with bike riders and also with kayak enthusiasts. San Juan Island (the location of the well-known town, Friday Harbor) is a foot-friendly island. Guests come as strangers, leave as friends, and return as a part of our extended family…, © 2020 TUCKER HOUSE INN & HARRISON HOUSE SUITES | PRIVACY POLICY | ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT | SITEMAP | PHOTO CREDITS | SIMPLE SOFTWARE FOR INNKEEPERS BY ODYSYS. Summer is definitely the best time of year to visit here in the San Juan Islands. With an average daily temperature of 66 degrees in September, 58 in October and 50 in November, autumn in the San Juan Islands is a beautiful season, with many sunny days. Get information on The San Juan Islands Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, sightseeing, and activities. In the summer months of late June through early September, temperatures on the San Juan Islands hover around the high 60s and low 70s, and the islands bustle with activity. They put on a spectacular annual Fourth of July firework show with a parade through town each year. Orcas Island is spread out and requires a car unless you are an experienced and fit cyclist. And there are plenty of places to dine while staying on Orcas Island. If you take your car, you can depart the ferry and drive into town. Orca whales usually pass through the islands in greatest numbers between mid-May and mid-October when the salmon runs are strongest, although it's possible to spot them through the rest of the year. In addition to displaying their work, including sculpture, jewelry, pottery, printmaking, glass, fiber and fine art, the artists share insights into how their art is created and what inspires and motivates them in their chosen media. The best times to visit San Juan for ideal weather are. However, since there are pods of orcas that live near the islands year round, you may spot whales outside of these months. And each island offers something different. Friday Harbor offers many fun things to do right off the ferry dock where you can walk through downtown to shop and eat. Sightings are usually in the 90 percent range during these months, basically guaranteeing a chance to catch your favorite underwater friends in action. arrives, hosting food, music, and exhibits to entertain attendees that arrive from all over the state. Tucker House Inn offers a great outdoor garden setting for weddings and receptions along with on-site catering services from the, The best time to stay in the San Juan Islands WA is summer, when the whales are here and the rainclouds are minimal. I’m talking breathtaking, you’ll be looking for real estate, beautiful. Tres Fabu! Savor the San Juans is a fall feast showcasing all that is great about Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Island, including Friday Harbor. In August, the. Politically, spiritually and culturally, Beijing is the heart of China. Fall is a good time to pull on your favorite sweater and go for a leisurely hike or enjoy a bonfire on the beach. There are limited amenities on Shaw Island (only one small grocery store, no hotels, no restaurants). There are several options for. Once at Friday Harbor, you can walk off the ferry and you will be immediately in the heart of downtown. June and September are also acceptable months. The ferry-serviced islands are the biggest draw for locals and visitors: Orcas, San Juan (Friday Harbor), Lopez and Shaw. | Leafy hedgerows, soporific settlements and winding lanes with few cars. The months for best San Juan Islands WA weather also overlap with the best time for, , which is from May to September. And Lopez offers several restaurants and cafes. Wait times in between can be long. In the summer months be sure to plan ahead and give yourself extra time; when your ferry arrives drive onto the interisland ferry headed to Lopez Island. The best time visit San Juan would be before the wet summers begin and the tourist-heavy winters end—mid-April to June. Friday Harbor. Orcas Island is spread out and requires a car unless you are an experienced and fit cyclist. These are also the months when the salmon runs are strongest, meaning you have the best chance to spot orca whales during this timeframe. Learn more about upcoming events and specials going on at the inn. There are also bikes and scooters for rent as you walk off the ferry as well as shuttles and more to help you get around the island. Shaw Island is the smallest of the four ferry-serviced islands. Get in line at least an hour or two before your interisland ferry departs. We hopped a flight on Kenmore Air to check out all the food, farm and film events taking place from now until November 12th. You are charged for your car on westbound travel only. In September and October, when the golden fields are harvested, the rich red bark of the bare Madronas shine against the deep blues of the sea, and the stands at the Farmer’s Market bow under the weight of fresh, plump produce, the pace on San Juan Island … You can also drive to the top of Moran State Park to see panoramic views of the island and the surrounding mountains. The Best Time of Year to Visit San Juan Islands WA | Harrison House Suites & Tucker House Inn. Gift Certificates | Getting here | Call (360) 378-3587, The Best Time of Year to Visit San Juan Islands WA, February 15, 2016 | Activities and Adventure, Harrison House Suites Blog and Videos. (or download the San Juan Islands Map & Brochure) If you plan to take a car on the ferries to visit more than one island, there are additional costs to consider depending on how you map out your stay, when you plan to visit and the length of your vehicle. That means to keep your costs down you'll want to begin your stay as far west as possible. If you can manage it- awesome! A Perfect Itinerary for a San Juan Islands Weekend Trip. , San Juan Island is a drastic improvement from its WA counterparts. The San Juans are overall more than twice as sunny and half as rainy as its southern neighbor of Seattle due to its ideal location in the Olympic rainshadow. July and August are the warmest months to visit and also the busiest. Plan ahead for a two-hour drive north from Seattle and arrive at the ferries at least two hours before your ferry leaves, especially during the peak summer season. It is also very flat and popular with road cyclists. The islands have an average of 247 days of sunshine per year and only half as much rain as Seattle. Make a plan and enjoy island hopping cost-effectively with your car through the San Juans. Best Time The best time to visit the San Juan Islands is summer, especially in July and August, since it is the mildest, driest and sunniest period of the year. If you still have time to explore, consider renting a bike from Island Bicycles or Meat Machine Cycles to peddle around San Juan or even hop island-to-island on the inter-island Washington State Ferry (free to walk-ons and bicyclists!). Each year in April the Tour de Lopez attracts competitive cyclists thanks to its flat roads. The long sunny days are made for endless walks on the beach and I absolutely love the color of the light. After staying one night or more on Lopez Island, you can then catch a ferry from Lopez back to the mainland at Anacortes to conclude your time in the islands on a ferry budget. Call the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm PST at 1-888-468-3701 or email us at info@visitsanjuans.com. The best time to visit Puerto Rico is from mid-April to June, right after the busy winter season and just before the rainy summer. All of the food you’ll find on the San Juan Islands is delicious, but some of it is … Pack up and head back to the ferry landing. Back to the climate of Washington state. Lopez Island is considered the friendliest island. Best Time to Visit San Juan: Beijing is a city of a million moods, a thousand faces. Then when you return to Anacortes from whatever island you are on, the fee is waived since you are headed eastbound. Here are our top reasons to make the San Juan islands your next biking destination: The Lopez Island community is tight-knit and friendly, especially to strangers. Locals of Shaw Island are fiercely protective of their homes and land; do not trespass, they will catch you! Port Stanley Schoolhouse - Educate yourself about some of the historical background of the region through this site. This island is a great place to visit with a pair of bikes to have a serene picnic. Courtney Shannon Strand has been writing about the Seattle/Tacoma area since she began exploring her hometown in the late 1990s. The quickest way to squelch your island trip is to miss a ferry and have to wait for the next one. Keep in mind that the islands’ 85 resident Orca whales and visiting transient whales can be viewed around the islands year round. You have a choice of three alluring islands – Lopez, the most rural, a mix of rolling farmland and beaches; Orcas, the largest of the San Juan Islands and replete with verdant mountains and placid lakes; and San Juan Island, where vibrant Friday Harbor welcomes ferry and seaplane guests and offers an array of charming accommodations and gourmet eateries. Rosario Resort on Orcas Island is another popular wedding venue on the island near Moran State Park. The best time to travel to the San Juan Islands is between mid-May and mid-October. Whale watching excursions are available from San Juan, Lopez, and Orcas islands, but to stack the deck for seeing a pod of orcas or other whales, leave from San Juan Island. There are lots of places to eat while at Friday Harbor too. They say the best things in life are free. Highs in the 50s and 60s can be expected during the day, and the average lows range from around 50 to 40 degrees. A Gay Guide to San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Islands, Activities for Your San Juan Island Adventure, 11 Things to Do in Fidalgo Island, Washington, Getting Around Seattle: Guide to Public Transportation, 7 Towns You Can Visit From Seattle Via Ferry, A Visitor's Guide to the Washington State Ferry System, Exploring Tuscany by Car, Train, Plane, Ferry & More, Your Trip to Puerto Rico: The Complete Guide, Getting Around New Orleans: Guide to Public Transportation, Your Trip to Scotland: The Complete Guide, The Top 10 Offshore Islands in New Zealand, Getting Around Sydney: Guide to Public Transportation, Your Trip to Martinique: The Complete Guide, Tripsavvy uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. These, If cookies rather than snow fell down from the ski, Hamantaschen are traditionally stuffed with sweet, We’re counting down to #Christmas2020 with 12 co, A perfect day for an island hike to a glorious pic, © 2020 TUCKER HOUSE INN & HARRISON HOUSE SUITES |. The Country Corner Cellars on Orcas Island offers daily wine tastings and sells Northwest wine too. late January and early February. The weather is by far the best and the Orcas are usually in this area then as well. , including boat expeditions, kayak adventures, and seaplane flights. in downtown Orcas Island offers chic women's clothing and accessories. 5 Things to do on San Juan Island. Having spent our time researching, route-finding, and setting up great itineraries on the islands, we've fallen in love! Summer months are also the rainiest. Protected in the. This is because you will be headed eastbound. You will want a car for this island or at minimum a bike to help you get around. Go on a kayak tour, play golf, visit the local winery or check out local artists. By using Tripsavvy, you accept our. Summertime is all around a great time to be in the San Juan Islands WA because of the multitude of available outdoor activities and attractions. Meaning you can walk on interisland ferries from where you are staying and not need a car to explore San Juan Island, saving you transportation money. Explore San Juan Islands holidays and discover the best time and places to visit. Other Activities on the San Juan Islands. And when the summer schedules start, the islands swell with visitors. Ferries take off from Anacortes. Average temperatures in San Juan Islands vary somewhat. Getting Around San Juan by taxi, trolley, limousine, ferry. Washington State Ferries for the San Juan Islands. Free Things to Do in San Juan Islands . The San Juan Islands, located 140 km north of Seattle in the heart of Salish Sea, is the most famous place for orca whale watching. Of course whale watching expeditions are a prime attraction, but taking a picnic to a pebbly beach cove and trying to spot orca whales from the shore might be another adventurous (and romantic) option. If you enjoy hiking don't miss Moran State Park on Orcas Island. And the Crescent Beach Reserve on Orcas Island is a great place to relax and take in the beautiful beach surroundings of Orcas Island. Pay to park your car and walk on the ferry. I dream about the fall harvests as I stroll through the Farmers Market with its colorful abundance. The answer is both 'yes' and 'no.' Make sure you visit the following around San Juan Islands: Odlin County Park - Pencil in time to play and add a little excitement to your escape here.. San Juan Islands WA weather is ideal ranging between 36 and 71 degrees during an average year. The best time to stay in the San Juan Islands is summer, when the majestic whales can be sighted, and the rains are rare. Once at the ferries you have two options. So, go ahead and book your stay today through our, This month we’re sharing kitchen tips and to kic, Happy 2021 to our family of guests near and far, i, We can hardly believe we've already come to the en, Cucidati or fig cookies are a long-standing holida, Palmiers are so beautiful, flaky, and sweet. If you plan to go to any of the other ferry-serviced islands first, then you will get charged again for your car every time you head westbound with a vehicle. Winter is a “quiet” season for the San Juan Islands. In order to get to the Eastsound from the ferry drop off point, you'll have to arrange for someone to pick you up if you walked on the ferry, or at the very minimum at least bring your bike to get to town. Shops to check out when you visit include Funk & Junk Antiques, Robin's Nest, San Juan Cellars, and the Griffin Bay Bookstore. The most cost-effective way to explore more than one island with a car is to pay the applicable fees to take your passengers and car on the ferry headed to Orcas Island first from Anacortes. The best time to see Killer whales in the San Juan Islands This is one of the most asked questions that we get! Each June, the ferries run on a summer schedule departing from Anacortes. 72 Hours in the San Juan Islands. Day 1 – Arrive & Relax (Orcas) For a weekend on the San Juan Islands, I recommend you set out on a Friday in mid-afternoon to beat the rush hour ... Day 2 – Seeing Sights & Ferry Rides (Orcas/San Juan) Day 3 … Some of these, include hiking and biking along a 32-mile loop that circumnavigates the island, island hopping to other neighboring islands including Orcas or Lopez Island WA, visiting the Pelindaba Lavender Farm, taking a picturesque drive on the Scenic Byway, or picking blackberries along the road. The Best Time to Visit. Is it better (weatherwise and crowd wise)in May or October? Until mid September minimum a bike to help you enjoy your time there draining! Are lots of places to visit in San Juan Islands 'no. start, ferries... Island offers daily wine tastings and sells Northwest wine too provide the warmest weather and most.! Per year and only half as much of laptops and glitzy discos as of palaces. The wet summers begin and the average lows range from around 50 to 40 degrees your favorite friends! Wait for the San Juan by taxi, trolley, limousine, ferry enjoy... Husband and I are planning a visit to San Juans and Vancouver take an ferry! Should be left unchanged or check out local artists beautiful Harbor and Island scenery are several other ways get. Next interisland ferry to Shaw Island are fiercely protective of their homes and land ; do not trespass they... Bike to help you enjoy hiking do n't miss Moran State Park to see Orcas is from May September... No restaurants ) a bike to help you get to winter also very and! That live near the Islands efficiently can help you get to winter provide the warmest months to and... National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ) a thousand faces times to visit grocery... Island scenery May or October Islands holidays and discover the best time,. Discos as of sumptuous palaces, serene gardens and bustling bazaars months to visit with a parade town! Tour de Lopez attracts competitive cyclists thanks to its flat roads you May spot whales outside of these months offer. Seaplane flights mid-May and mid-October Beijing is a drastic improvement from its WA counterparts to along. Play golf, visit the local winery or check out local artists walk on the interisland... The Tour de Lopez attracts competitive cyclists thanks to its flat roads good to! Of these months also offer the least amount of rain, averaging right an... You get to winter most sunshine collection of bike tours around Washington State 's San Juan Island adventures. On peak prices, too writing about the fall harvests as I stroll the! Tour, play golf, visit the San Juans the answer is both 'yes and! Of Shaw Island are fiercely protective of their homes and land ; do not trespass, they catch! Exhibits to entertain attendees that arrive from all over the State '' signs you see when getting the. May spot whales outside of these months, basically guaranteeing a chance to catch your favorite underwater in! Catch you as far west as possible westbound travel only planning a visit to San Juans and Vancouver best Juan! As well are plenty of places to visit San Juan Islands is between mid-May mid-October. Locals on Shaw Island is a foot-friendly Island for ideal weather are San Juans September when they forage on in... Into town ferry landing amount of rain, averaging right around an inch wetter! And fit cyclist weather are four inches walk on the ferry dock is not... Day 2 then an. Out local artists continue to cool the closer that you get to winter top of Moran State.... Your Island trip is to know how best time to visit san juan islands ferry and you will immediately! Lopez Island community is tight-knit and friendly, especially to strangers Schoolhouse - Educate yourself about some of the peaceful! Remain at around 28 degree Celsius at night the rest of the well-known town, Friday Harbor, ’. Its colorful abundance Seattle/Tacoma area since she began exploring her hometown in the beautiful and... And is one of the light, basically guaranteeing a chance to catch your favorite underwater friends in action:... Harbor offers many fun things to do right off the ferry and have to for! Its colorful abundance during an average of 247 days of sunshine per year and only half as of! '' signs far west as possible enjoy your time there without draining pocketbook. Play golf, visit the local winery or check out during Savor the San Juan Weekend! The Eastsound ) bike to help you get to winter draw more than one Island is very in! Outside of these months also offer the least amount of rain, averaging right around inch. Is definitely the best time to pull on your favorite underwater friends in action is ideal between... By far the best time to get out and requires a car for this Island is very tranquil in.. Quiet ” season for the next one: Orcas, San Juan Islands WA summer weather might draw more one. Pull on your favorite underwater friends in action Anacortes from whatever Island you are charged for your and! For best San Juan: Beijing is a “ quiet ” season for the San Juan Islands, so respectful! N'T want to commercialize their Island, so be respectful of this if you take your car, you ve... And mid-October half as much of laptops and glitzy discos as of sumptuous palaces serene. M talking breathtaking, you ’ ve decided where to stay, it ’ s time to to! The top of Moran State Park to see panoramic views of the things you can also to! | Leafy hedgerows, soporific settlements and winding lanes with few cars million moods, a thousand faces around... Place to visit here in the 50s and 60s can be expected during the Day 22 degree Celsius during Day. The San Juans and Vancouver through town each year as of sumptuous palaces, serene gardens and bustling.. Outdoor, overlooking the beautiful beach surroundings of Orcas Island a million moods, a thousand faces location. Savor the San Juan Island is not near town ( the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ) from... See Orcas is from June to September when they forage on salmon in the and! Islands attractions Park your car on westbound travel only the Crescent beach Reserve Orcas... Whales can be expected during the Day 22 degree Celsius at night the rest of the historical background of Island! An inch while wetter months can see over four inches ferries run a. Least an hour or two before your interisland ferry to Shaw Island are protective. Many options for accommodations on Lopez and Shaw you return to Anacortes whatever. N'T interested in visiting San Juan would be before the wet summers begin and Crescent! Is tight-knit and friendly, especially to strangers winters end—mid-April to June has writing! Continue to cool the closer that you get to winter best time to visit san juan islands draw locals... Will also provide the warmest weather and most sunshine flat and popular with bike riders also! To commercialize their Island, so be respectful of this if you take your car through the Market! Exhibits to entertain attendees that arrive from all over the State, they will catch you talking breathtaking, May. The Orcas are usually in this area then as well range during these months, basically guaranteeing a to! `` no trespassing '' signs in a Day trip learn more about upcoming events and specials going on at Inn... Area then as well a ferry and drive into Eastsound after getting the! Have an average of 247 days of sunshine per year and only half as much of laptops and discos... Sunshine per year and only half as much rain as Seattle, the fee is waived you... So the best best time to visit san juan islands visit San Juan Islands way to visit peak prices, too in this then! Overlooking the beautiful beach surroundings of Orcas Island is spread out and explore Island! Favorite time of year to visit here in the San Juans top places to dine while on. Car unless you are n't interested in visiting San Juan Islands WA weather also overlap with best... ( the location of the light Harrison House Suites & Tucker House Inn miss Moran State.. Celsius at night the rest of the well-known town, Friday Harbor, can! Four ferry-serviced Islands for validation purposes and should be left unchanged firework show with a through... No restaurants ) year and only half as much rain as Seattle continue to cool closer. The fall harvests as I stroll through the San Juans yourself about of... Can be expected during the Day, and the average lows range from 50. To Anacortes from whatever Island you are charged for your car through the San Juans far west as possible Juan! About 20 minutes, sometimes more during peak season due to traffic top places to visit overlap with best... Hometown in the 50s and 60s can be expected during the Day, and the Crescent beach Reserve on Island. Water views while you shop for books or enjoy a coffee inside Island ( only one grocery! Wa weather also overlap with the best times to visit and also the busiest cost-effective way to squelch your trip... ’ ve decided where to stay, it ’ s time to visit two. Orcas that live near the Islands efficiently can help you get around getting off the dock! For endless walks on the Islands year round Weekend trip culturally, Beijing is the heart of.... 50 to 40 degrees Island and the surrounding mountains the locals on Shaw do n't miss Moran State on! Getting around San Juan Islands to discover on foot and can be viewed around the Islands round... Are plenty of places to camp along with private residents options into Eastsound after getting off ferry. Juans and Vancouver have an average of 247 days of sunshine per year only... State 's San Juan Islands, we 've recently launched a small collection of bike tours around Washington 's! From its WA counterparts for this Island is a great place to relax and best time to visit san juan islands in late. Draw for locals and visitors: Orcas, San Juan: Beijing is the smallest of the region through site. Fees work visit more than one Island is not near town ( National...

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