The San Juan Islands are a remote, pristine, and stunningly beautiful part of Washington State. If you haven’t yet traveled to the San Juan Islands, this is definitely a place you’ll want to put on your bucket list. But are you wondering when to visit the San Juan Islands? This probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise, but the summer and early fall are undoubtedly the best time to visit the San Juans. The travel season to the San Juan Islands typically begins in April and continues through October, with July and August being the peak of the tourist season.
While arguably, spending your summer days amidst the beauty of the San Juan Islands is an unforgettable experience, we’ll also be the first to tell you that there’s really no bad time to visit San Juan Islands. It’s absolutely wonderful at any time of year, with something different on offer each season. It doesn’t take too long to get here from Seattle, either, and it involves a stunning ferry ride.
Whether you’re coming here to do some sightseeing, whale watching, or kayaking, or you just want to relax, surrounded by the quiet tranquility of nature, we have no doubt you’ll fall in love with the San Juan Islands. So, really, our answer to the question “when is the best time to visit the San Juan Islands” is simple: Whenever you can get here! When it comes time to choose a place to stay, you won’t go wrong with our San Juan Islands Bed and Breakfast. We offer friendly and attentive hospitality that is second to none. Book your getaway today!
When is the Best Time to Visit the San Juan Islands?
We’re a little tongue-in-cheek when we make statements like “the best time to visit the San Juan Islands is whenever you can get here,” but we actually do mean it. Summer brings so many amazing opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, whale watching, and just enjoying this unspoiled part of the world. This is when you’ll find the best San Juan Island weather, too.
July and August are the warmest months, and they also do tend to be the busiest as tourists descend upon these glistening island shores. Summer travel to the San Juan Islands also means you’ll be paying peak prices. Long summer days extend well into September, which makes this month an ideal candidate for the best time to visit the San Juan Islands. If you’re the type of traveler who prefers to wait for seasonal deals, you may consider visiting the San Juan Islands outside of the busy summer months.
There’s still plenty to do and love about San Juan Island in April and October, and even winter getaways! During those seasons, you may encounter some cloudy and rainy days – but that never slowed us down much! The weather in the San Juan Islands is pretty mild. It generally doesn’t get below freezing very often, but there does tend to be more cloudy and rainy days. The San Juan Islands are located in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, so you can expect slightly less rain here than you would in Seattle. If you’re willing to bundle up in layers and a raincoat like every other Pacific North Westerner, then you’re sure to have a good time!
During these off-peak months, the San Juan Islands completely transform into a quiet paradise, where you’re free to linger without the crowds, soaking up the peaceful tranquility that can only be found here. Who knows – maybe that peaceful tranquility is what makes winter the best time to visit the San Juan Islands? Perhaps you’ll have to make several visits to our island community to answer that question for yourself!
Stay at Our San Juan Islands Bed and Breakfast
It’s hard to choose the best time to visit the San Juan Islands, but know that whenever you do decide to come here, we’ll be here to offer you a friendly and comfortable place to stay. Our San Juan Islands Bed and Breakfast is an eco, pet, and family-friendly retreat located in the bustling port city of Friday Harbor. The Inns are just steps away from the ferry and minutes from some of the top attractions on San Juan Island.
Combined, the Tucker House Inn and Harrison House Suites offer 18 spacious guest rooms. In the Tucker House Inn, you’ll find 7 charming guest rooms, perfect for those romantic getaways and weekends away. These rooms are delightfully cozy and feature either claw-footed soaking tubs or jetted tubs, with some rooms also featuring fireplaces and balconies.
If you’re traveling with pets or children, you’ll want to book a room in one of our generous cottages or suites at the Harrison House Suites. These spacious rooms are designed for travelers who want a bit more room to spread out, the option to cook meals for themselves, and to accommodate larger parties. Some suites also come outfitted with special features, such as private hot tubs and gas grills. For the ultimate in privacy, book one of our standalone cottages (both pet and family-friendly), which come equipped with kitchenettes and are steps from the main deck, which is outfitted with a gas grill.
Regardless of when you plan to visit the San Juan Islands and which accommodations you choose, we’ll treat you to our complimentary multi-course gourmet breakfast each morning of your stay. Our breakfast is brought directly to your room, hot and fresh, and is made from the freshest seasonal ingredients possible. At the end of the day, when you’re exhausted from all of the fun you’ve had on San Juan Island, come “home” and sink into the comfort of your accommodations.
You won’t have to worry about finding a place to enjoy your next meal, either, as we offer a delicious farm-to-table fine dining experience right here at our Coho Restaurant. The star of our menu is the unique and locally sourced flavors of the San Juan Islands themselves. We also offer an award-winning selection of local wines, along with a curated selection of library and international wines, each of which is expertly paired with our dishes.
Perhaps now you can see why we say the best time to visit the San Juan Islands is whenever you can get here? Regardless of when you come, what awaits are luxurious accommodations, exceptional hospitality, friendly service, and some of the best dining in the San Juan Islands. We strive to leave a lasting impression on each and every one of our guests and hope to become your “special place” to return to time and time again. This summer (or spring, fall, or winter), experience the best of the San Juan Islands. Book your room at our Friday Harbor Bed and Breakfast today!
