When planning your trip to the San Juan Islands WA, an important factor to consider is the best time of year to visit. While the weather is fairly mild all year long not usually dropping below freezing or reaching upwards of the mid-70s, the summer months will provide the warmest weather, most sunshine, and least rain. These are all great factors, as drizzly Seattle is outside of the San Juan Islands rainshadow, a few hours south. A perfect place to stay on San Juan Island is the county seat for the 170 island archipelago, Friday Harbor, a great launching point for whale watching expeditions and the home of the cozy and highly recommended Tucker House Inn.
San Juan Islands WA Weather
San Juan Islands WA weather is ideal ranging between 36 and 71 degrees during an average year. 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. The warmer end of that spectrum makes its appearance between June and September, with lows hitting right around 50 and average temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s. These months also offer the least amount of rain, averaging right around an inch while wetter months can see over four inches. Protected in the Olympic Rain Shadow, San Juan Island is a drastic improvement from its WA counterparts.
Whale Watching
The months for best San Juan Islands WA weather also overlap with the best time for whale watching, which is from May to September. Sightings are usually in the 90 percent range during these months, basically guaranteeing a chance to catch your favorite underwater friends in action. There are several options for whale and wildlife watching, including boat expeditions, kayak adventures, and seaplane flights. Keep in mind that the islands’ 85 resident Orca whales and visiting transient whales can be viewed around the islands year round.
Summer Activities
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. Some of these summer activities 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. In August, the San Juan County Fair arrives, hosting food, music, and exhibits to entertain attendees that arrive from all over the state. 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.
Weddings
The ideal San Juan Islands WA summer weather might draw more than tourists looking for a weekend getaway. Summer months are great for outdoor weddings overlooking the beautiful harbor and island scenery. Tucker House Inn offers a great outdoor garden setting for weddings and receptions along with on-site catering services from the Coho Restaurant.There are several locations throughout San Juan Island that would make an exquisite venue for a beautiful ceremony backdrop.
The best time to stay in the San Juan Islands WA is summer, when the whales are here and the rainclouds are minimal. So, go ahead and book your stay today through our website! And for more things to do, check out our free Vacation Guide.
Photo credit: Kenmore Air
