Kevin VB Staff

Summer in the San Juan Islands

Summer fun seems endless in the Islands between whale and wildlife tours, kayaking, hiking, biking, savoring island-grown meals, and relaxing by the water. July and August are typically the busiest months in the Islands, so be sure to plan ahead, book ferry and lodging reservations, and follow our Leave No Trace Principles to reduce impact on the Islands’ fragile ecosystems. Check out local summer specials & tour packages and book your trip soon!

Set Your Mind to Island Time
  • Washington State Ferries are typically at peak travel capacity during July and August. If you're bringing a car, make a reservation to ensure your spot.  If you haven't signed up for text alerts regarding your reserved sailing, you can sign up a couple of days before your trip. 
  • Arrive at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal at least 45 minutes before your sailing to the San Juan Islands. You will pay for your vehicle and passenger tickets at the drive-through tollbooth. 
  • Bike-on and walk-on passengers don't need to make a ferry reservation, and for inter-island travel, no reservations are required.
  • Save directions to your lodging destination offline as cell service can be spotty on the islands depending on your phone carrier. Since the Islands are also close to Canada, your phone may pick up a signal from Canadian cell towers. If you're concerned about incurring fees, you can turn off data roaming or contact your service provider to let them know you never left the States. 
Whale-Watching & Wildlife Tours

Farmers' markets on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands are in full swing in summer, with fresh baked goods, locally roasted coffee, farmed and foraged produce, artisan cheeses, and creations of all kinds by local artists. You can find island-grown foods at many shops and co-ops, savor gourmet meals from award-winning chefs, and sip a delicious craft beverage with a water view.

Get Away From It All!

Find all sorts of lodging options, from glamping & camping, to historic hotels, to boutique inns with a water view, farm stays, and more.

Find A Room

The San Juan Islands enjoy an average of 247 days with sunshine and about half the rainfall of the Seattle area, thanks to the "rainshadow" effect of the Olympic Mountains to the south. It's no wonder visitors are attracted to the islands year-round! Summer is in full swing from late June through mid-September, with an average daytime temperature of 67 degrees in June and 71 in July and August. Some days can send the thermometer into the 80s, and rarely the 90s, but usually the temperature stays pretty steady in the mid- to high-70s. Wear your shorts and sundresses, but make sure to keep a sweater or light jacket handy, especially if you go on an evening beach walk, where coastal breezes can turn evenings cool.

Kayak Tours
Contact Us:
San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
info@visitsanjuans.com
1-888-468-3701 | (360) 378-9551
P.O. Box 1330, Friday Harbor, Washington 98250
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