Winter in the San Juan Islands is all about slowing down and savoring the season. With fewer crowds, peaceful landscapes, and cozy places to stay, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with yourself and nature. Check out the list below to get ideas for your winter getaway.
With an average daytime temperature of 46-48 degrees Fahrenheit in December, January and February, winter in the San Juan Islands is mild compared to many other regions of the United States. The islands get about half as much rain as the Seattle area, on average.
Dressing in layers is always a good idea as an overcast morning may turn into a beautiful sunny afternoon. Be prepared to swap a light jacket for a raincoat as you explore the islands' seasonal beauty.
Seek out a cozy cottage in the woods, cabin on the beach, charming bed-and-breakfast, inns, or a luxurious hotel. Snuggle up with a good book, enjoy the quiet nights, and wake up well-rested to some amazing views. In winter, you'll find the most availability and room choices, along with price drops from summer and lodging specials.
Mountain Biking: Since mountain biking isn't allowed during the summer months, winter is the time to take to the hills! The wide, soft trails and steep, heart-stopping ridges are open from October 15 through May 15 at Moran State Park on Orcas Island.
Horseback Riding: There's nothing like going on a winter trail ride by horse through the quiet forests on San Juan Island.
Storm Watching
The rocky and pebbled beaches of the islands, strewn with massive old-growth driftwood, are an incredible place to stroll and hike, especially when a storm is blowing. Find a driftwood-built hut to sit inside as the wind and waves rise and nature offers up a dramatic show.
Rejuvenate your Body and Soul
Getting away in the winter can be a great way to reconnect with yourself and take care of your body and soul to get ready for a new year. Create your own retreat by taking a yoga class, scheduling a massage or take a soak in a whirlpool.
Hours of Happiness, Music & Martinis
Dark winter days call for meeting with friends over food, drink and great conversation. Locals in the San Juan Islands know that after a busy summer is over, local restaurants start up their weekly specials and happy hours that offer small plates, wine, beer and cocktails for a great price. Sometimes, music is on the menu, too!
The Whale Museum
In Friday Harbor, the Whale Museum is one of the best ways to learn about marine wildlife, especially before you go out on a whale and wildlife watching tour, a few of which run year-round. In the Whale Museum, you can listen to orcas, humpbacks and other types of whales on hydrophone recordings. You can see several fascinating displays of whale skeletons, watch videos, and learn about the behavior of these magnificent sea creatures.
Spend Time with Great Art
Winter brings one of the best art shows of the year to the San Juan Islands Museum of Art. The annual SJIMA Artists' Registry Show is an exhibition of artworks by over 74 Artists' Registry members from San Juan County. Each year the show has a different theme, and features emerging and established local artists expressing the beauty, identity, authenticity and connectedness of the San Juan Islands community.
You'll find art galleries on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island filled with functional pieces of beauty and inspiring works to contemplate.
Winter Travel Tips
Even though the ferries are less crowded in winter, it's still a good idea to make a reservation. There are many ways to get to the San Juans, including airplane and sea plane or driving onto the ferry at Anacortes, depending on the weather. Often, the weather in the winter is partially overcast and not too cold, perfect for biking the uncrowded roads on Lopez or San Juan Islands.
