Catalina Island in July
From the Author: I tried to book the Catalina Express for October, and the early morning ferries from Long Beach were sold out three weeks in advance. So, even in the off-season, book your ferry in advance. In June, peak season, the ferry will book up quickly.
In this guide, I’ll share my tips and recommendations for visting Catalina Island in July.
You’ve landed on the right article, as I live in Los Angeles, not far from Catalina Island, and I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about visiting Catalina Island in July.
As one of the warmer months, July can be a great time to visit, especially for travelers who want to enjoy the many water activities on Catalina, like snorkeling.
From the weather in Catalina in July to the best things to do on Catalina Island in July, and even some travel tips for July — it’s all here.
Let’s get to it!
PLANNING A JULY TRIP TO CATALINA ISLAND
HOW TO GET TO CATALINA: Catalina ExpressBEST TOUR: Private Golf Cart Rental with local guide (likely to sell out) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
BEST HOTEL: Pavilion Hotel
July Weather on Catalina Island
July sees warmer weather, and thus, warmer water temperatures compared to winter and fall.
July has almost no rain and tends to be less cloudy. The water in Avalon Harbor is cool, so if you are sensitive to cold water temperatures, it’s best to grab a wetsuit.
In July, the average temperature is 70°F (21.1°C). Maximum temperatures can reach 78°F (25.5°C), and minimum temperatures can dip to 64°F (17.7°C).
15 Reasons Why Catalina Island is Worth Visiting
Is the Water Warm in Summer?
The water is warmer in July compared to November through August. The average water temperature in July is 67°F.
I live in California, so I’m used to the cold water temps here, but if you aren’t and 67°F water sounds cold, it’s best to wear a thick wetsuit to keep you warm.
How Much Sun Does Catalina Island Get In July?
Like Los Angeles, it’s sunny in July with an average of 364 hours of sun throughout the month – the most sunshine compared to the other months.
Each day has an average of 14.1 hours of daylight.
Does It Rain Does It Get?
On a rare day in July that it does rain, there might be 0.0-0.1 inches of precipitation. It rarely rains in July when there is a 0% chance of a rainy day.
How Humid Is Catalina Island in the Summer?
Catalina Island is humid in July compared to the rest of the months. Catalina Island’s humidity comfort level is 1-2% in July.
How Windy Does It Get?
The least windy months on Catalina Island are July and August.
It’s a bit breezy in July, with an average wind speed of 6.8 mph, with March and April being the windiest months. Good to know if you’re interested in sailing in Avalon Harbor.
Best Things to Do on Catalina Island
For a small island, there are many things to do in Catalina. If this is your first time, we’ve highlighted some favorite tours that will give you a good taste of Catalina Island life.
⛳️ Golf Cart Tour: As we’ve mentioned, this top-rated 5-star Golf Tour allows you to see a lot of Catalina at once. Since cars are restricted on Catalina, many locals and tourists use golf carts to get around. It’s a ton of fun.
Note: this tour is top-rated and likely to sell out. Please purchase tickets in advance.
⛵️ Glass Bottom Boat Tour: View what’s in the ocean without getting in it! Discover life under the surface of the Pacific Ocean.
Board the boat in Avalon and enjoy views of colorful fish, coral, and other sea life while you sail.
🤿 Semi-Submarine Tour: This is a great experience to do with children. The sub dives six feet (two meters) below the surface at Lovers’ Cove in Avalon.
🎰 Catalina Island Casino Tour: This small-group tour gives visitors to Santa Catalina Island a chance to see spaces in the Casino that were long hidden from public view, including the historic projection room and green rooms used by stars including Errol Flynn and Cary Grant.
There are so many more things to do on the island that make Catalina Island worth visiting—at least 17 more, in fact!
Best Tours on Catalina Island in July
Catalina Island offers many great tours to get to know the island.
These are especially good if you’re visiting for the day.
Click on the button below to see tours ⤵.
Where Is Catalina Island?
Catalina Island is located off the coast of Southern California in the United States. It lies approximately 22 miles (35 kilometers) southwest of Los Angeles and is part of the Channel Islands of California.
Catalina Island is part of California. Not only is it part of the state of California, it’s part of Los Angeles County
Catalina Island Map
How to Get to Catalina Island
The best and cheapest way to get to Catalina Island is via ferry. Catalina Express and Catalina Flyer offer one-hour ferries.
Choose to depart from the four cities closest to Catalina Island: Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach.
What’s the cheapest way to get to Catalina?
The Catalina Express Round-Trip Ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro to Avalon is the quickest and cheapest way to get to Catalina Island.
If you’re flying to mainland California to visit Catalina Island, Long Beach Airport (code: LGB). However, LAX typically has better fares than Long Beach.
You can rent a car to travel to the ferry ports at the airport.
How to Get Around Catalina Island
The best way to get around Catalina Island is to take this 5-star rated (and likely to sell out) Private Golf Cart Tour around Catalina. It’s a two-hour tour (up to five people), and you see recommended spots from the Catalina Casino to Pebbly Beach!
Local and tourists travel via golf carts because Catalina restricts the number of cars on the island. You can either book a golf cart tour or rent a golf cart.
There is no Lyft or Uber on Catalina Island, and you can’t take your car, although taxis are allowed. You’ll find taxis as you exit the ferry terminal and the taxi stand (where Metropole Avenue meets Crescent Avenue).
Travel Tip: If traveling via the Catalina Express from Long Beach or San Pedro or the Catalina Flyer from Newport Beach, there are lockers for baggage located at the ferry drop-off at Avalon Blue Line Baggage.
Where to Stay On Calalina Island
There are many hotels and accommodations to choose from on Catalina Island, here are some that I recommend:
Best Beach Access: Catalina Island Inn
Best Luxury: Mt. Ada Bed & Breakfast (gorgeous views of Catalina!)
Best for families with little kids: Hotel Atwater
Catalina Island in July: FAQs
Is July a good time to visit Catalina Island?
Yes! July is a great time to visit Catalina Island because it’s one of the warmer months, making the water temp warmer too. It’s still chilly at night, so bring a sweater.
How hot is Catalina Island in July?
July is one of the warmer months in Catalina, however, it’s not very hot. The average high temperature is 71°F and the average low is 50°F. The weather is just about perfect during the summer on Catalina Island.
What is the warmest month in Catalina Island?
August tends to be the warmest month on Catalina Island with an average temp of 71°F.
What’s the best time of year to go to Catalina Island?
The ideal time to visit Catalina Island varies depending on what type of activities you’re most interested in. If you enjoy water activities, summer is recommended because it’s warmer than winter and fall.
Conversely, the winter season suits you best if you prefer to avoid large crowds.
Is Catalina Island tap water safe to drink?
Yes, tap water is safe to drink on Catalina Island. Traveling with a reusable water bottle is best to keep you hydrated. I use the Water-To-Go Filterable Water Bottle; that way, I can fill up anywhere I travel, and the filter will filter out harmful contaminants.
What should I pack for Catalina Island?
Since there are water activities on Catalina Island, bring a bathing suit, coverup, hat, sunglasses, and good walking shoes, among other packing essentials, when visiting California.
Is there Uber or Lyft on Catalina Island?
No. Uber and Lyft are restricted from operating on the island. California limits the number of automobiles on the island, so many locals and tourists rent golf carts.
Is it worth going to Catalina Island?
Yes, it’s worth a trip to Catalina Island, whether for a day trip or a weekend. There’s a lot to do in Catalina, the weather is excellent, and you’re on an island in California!
Wrap-Up: Catalina Island in July
Catalina Island is worth a visit; July can be an especially lovely time since the water is on the warmer side. There is also the most sunshine during July, so water activities will be the focus in Catalina!
Read More of My Tips About Visiting Catalina Island
- Cheapest Way to Get to Catalina Island
- Wrigley Botanical Garden & Memorial on Catalina Island
- Renting a Golf Cart on Catalina Island & What You Need to Know
- Ultimate Catalina Island Travel Guide
- 7 Best Catalina Island Tours
- Is Catalina Island Worth Visiting
- Catalina Island Ferry: Everything You Need to Know
California Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for California?
100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
💦 Can you drink the water in California?
Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.
🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in California?
Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. (read more)
🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?
For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget also to check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.
🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?
For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
