Weather in Catalina Island

About Catalina Island

Catalina Island floats 22 miles off the California coast, home to bison herds, kelp forests, and an island culture distinct from the mainland. Avalon town offers small-town charm, while the interior remains largely wild and undeveloped.

Country

USA

Best months to visit

June, July, August, September, October

Currency

USD

Language

English

Things to do in Catalina Island

Bison viewing: endemic island population seeing tour Snorkeling and diving: kelp forest and marine wildlife Avalon town exploring: waterfront restaurants and shops Hiking: interior island trails and ridgeline walks Fishing: sportfishing charter boat expeditions Museum tours: Island history and archaeology exhibits

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

14C

Cool, with occasional showers.

February

14C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

March

14C

Cool, with occasional showers.

April

16C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

May

16C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

June

18C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

July

20C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

August

21C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

September

21C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

October

20C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

November

17C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

December

15C

Cool, with occasional showers.

Catalina Island sits about 22 miles off the Los Angeles coast, a Mediterranean-feeling island where the small town of Avalon is built around a curved harbour of moored boats and the historic Casino building. Most of the island is undeveloped open space managed by a conservancy, with glass-bottom boat tours, snorkelling over kelp forests, and golf-cart rentals being the main ways to get around since private cars are heavily restricted.

Best areas to stay in Catalina Island

Avalon

The island's only real town, with the harbour, Casino building, shops, and most accommodation.

Descanso Beach

A small beach club area just outside Avalon's harbour, popular for swimming and drinks.

Two Harbors

A remote outpost on the island's narrow western neck, reached by boat or a long hike.

Catalina Island interior

Conservancy-managed wilderness with hiking and biking trails (permits required).

Getting to Catalina Island

✈

Flights

Fly into Los Angeles (LAX), then take a ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro (about 1 hour).

⏱

From London

~10-11 hours direct from London to Los Angeles, plus the ferry crossing.

🚕

Getting around

Avalon is walkable; golf cart rentals and local shuttles cover the rest, as private cars are restricted.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Catalina Island?

Spring through autumn for the warmest weather and calmest ferry crossings, though it's a popular year-round day trip from LA.

How do I get to Catalina Island?

By ferry from Long Beach, San Pedro, or Newport Beach, taking about an hour, or by helicopter for a quicker (pricier) option.

Can I drive a car on Catalina?

No — private vehicles are heavily restricted; most visitors get around Avalon on foot, by golf cart rental, or local shuttle.

What is there to do besides the beach?

Glass-bottom boat tours, snorkelling, hiking in the island's interior, and visiting the historic Casino building, which was never used for gambling.

Is Catalina good for a day trip?

Yes, it's a popular day trip from LA, though staying overnight allows more time to explore beyond Avalon.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Loved the golf cart vibe of Avalon, felt like a different world from LA just an hour away. The glass-bottom boat tour over the kelp forest was a highlight.

Diane K. · July 2024

★★★★☆

Hiked into the island's interior and saw bison, apparently descendants of ones left from an old film shoot. Quiet and surprisingly wild beyond Avalon.

Roy M. · September 2023

★★★★☆

Snorkelled right off the beach near Avalon and the visibility was great. A really relaxed day trip, though we wished we'd stayed overnight.

Tracey J. · June 2024