|

Catalina Island in October: Weather Info & Travel Tips 2024

An aerial view of the Catalina Casino in Catalina. Catalina Island in October.

Affiliate Disclosure.

From the Author: I tried to book the Catalina Express for last 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.

What is Catalina Island in October like?

You’ve landed on the right article. 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 October.

Catalina Island is undoubtedly one of the top day trip destinations from Los Angeles

Spring and fall are generally recommended when considering the ideal time to visit.

You might think summer is the best time to visit Catalina, but the spring and fall bring the best weather. 

From the weather in Catalina in October to the best things to do on Catalina Island in October and even some travel tips for October — it’s all here.

Are you ready to discover everything you need for your Catalina Island October trip?

Let’s get to it!

Jessica’s Picks

PLANNING A SEPTEMBER TRIP TO CATALINA ISLAND

HOW TO GET TO CATALINA: Catalina Express

October Weather on Catalina Island

The weather in October is better than in the summer and winter, and most tours are still available.

You’ll see fewer clouds in the fall than the heavy overcast in the summer.

We Angelinos call this “June gloom,” which can last several months.

A white and blue building with a dock over the water. the Catalina Casino is the background.

Winter brings colder temperatures and lower water temperatures, which can result in rough waves and a potentially rough ferry ride to Catalina Island.

It’s also not the best time to snorkel while visiting Catalina Island. 

Average Temperature on Catalina Island in October 

Average temperature annual chart for Avalon, Catalina Island, California. Catalina Island weather in July.
Avalon weather forecast in October (Photo: Weather Atlas, Weather October Catalina Island)

In October, the average temperature hovers around 68°F (20°C).

During this month, you can expect maximum temperatures to reach up to 75°F (24°C), while minimum temperatures can drop to around 61°F (16°C).

Is the Water Warm in October?

Average ocean temperature annual chart for Avalon, Catalina Island, California. Catalina Island weather in July.
Avalon Sea Temperature forecast in October (Photo: Weather Atlas, water temperature October Catalina Island)

In October, the water temperature is cooler compared to July to September

On average, the water temperature in October starts around 67°F (19°C) at the beginning of the month and gradually decreases to approximately 65°F (18°C) by the end of the month. 

The average water temperature for October is 66°F (19°C).

How Much Sun Does Catalina Island Get In October?

Average daylight hour annual chart for Avalon, Catalina Island, California. 
Catalina Island weather in July.
Avalon Daylight hours forecast in October (Photo: Weather Atlas, Daylight Hours October Catalina Island)


October boasts sunny weather, providing an average of 255 hours of sunshine throughout the month. Each day offers an average of 11.3 hours of daylight.

In early October, you can expect a higher likelihood of sunnier days, while clouds tend to increase as the month progresses.

Does Often Does it Rain on Catalina?


Average rainfall annual chart for Avalon, Catalina Island, California. 
Catalina Island weather in July.
Avalon average rainfall forecast for October (Photo: Weather Atlas, rainfall October Catalina Island)

It’s unlikely to rain in October, but not impossible.

In comparison to the winter and spring seasons, October experiences drier conditions with a relatively low chance of rainfall, ranging from 3-7%.

In the event of rain, the average precipitation typically amounts to around 0.4-0.6 inches.

A hot man in a golf cart.
We rented a golf cart this past October and had a blast.

How Humid Is Catalina Island In Fall

Catalina Island experiences lower humidity in October than in July, August, and September, but it is relatively more humid than in the other months. 

Average humidity annual chart for Avalon, Catalina Island, California. 
Catalina Island weather in July.
Avalon average humidity forecast in October (Photo: Weather Atlas, Weather October Catalina Island)

However, it’s worth noting that Catalina Island generally maintains a comfortable humidity level of 1% or below and does not become excessively humid.

How Windy Does It Get?

Average wind annual chart for Avalon, Catalina Island, California. 
Catalina Island weather in July.
Avalon wind forecast in October (Photo: Weather Atlas, Wind October Catalina Island)

It’s windy in October with an average wind speed of 7.5 mph. 

However, the windiest months on Catalina Island are typically March and April.

On the other hand, July and August are considered the least windy months.

Best Things to Do on Catalina Island in Fall

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.

Boat in Avalon Harber, Catalina Island in October.
Boats in Avalon Harbor. The best way to get around the island is renting a golf cart.

⛳️ 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, and there is no bridge to Catalina Island from the mainland, many locals and tourists use golf carts to get around. It’s a ton of fun. 

Note: this tour is very popular 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 visitingat least 15 more, in fact!

Best Tours on Catalina Island

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 ⤵.

Events & Festivals on Catalina Island in October

There are many things to do on Catalina Island besides tours, such as swimming, walking around, eating, and boating. 

Below are the events that happened on Catalina Island in October.

Buccaneer’s Weekend in Two Harbors:

When: October 3 — 6, 2024
Where: Avalon, CA
Cost: $89 / General Admission tickets are valid for 4 days


Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival

When: October 11 – 18, 2024 
Where: Avalon, CA


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 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 a one-hour ferry.

Choose to depart from these four cities closest to Catalina Island: Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach.

The Catalina Express Ferry ride from Long 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.

I only use and recommend Discover Cars when I rent a car anywhere. They search for the best price for you and have a FREE cancelation policy which I love in case my plans change.

OUR TOP Pick

🏆 BEST LOS ANGELES CAR RENTAL COMPANY: DISCOVER CARS

When booking your Los Angeles car rental online, I recommend and use Discover Cars. They search both international corporations and local LA companies, so you get the best deal.

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 one.

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).

CA Girl 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 at the ferry drop-off at Avalon Blue Line Baggage.

A man and a woman standing on the balcony of the Catalina Casino. We visited Catalina Island in October.
My partner and I went to Catalina Island in October on the Catalina Casino Tour.

Where to Stay On Calalina Island

There are many hotels and accommodations to choose from on Catalina Island, here are some that I recommend:

Below are my top five hotel picks in Catalina:


Catalina Island in October: FAQs

A hot man taking a photo of a foggy view.
When we went to Catalina Island in October, the island was covered in fog until noon, when it lifted. It was beautiful.

Is October a good time to visit Catalina Island?

Yes! October is one of the best times to visit Catalina Island because still warmer than other months. There’s no better time to soak up the island’s unique charm than in the months after our summer peak when Catalina is less crowded.

What is Catalina Island like in October?

The fall is one of the best times to visit Catalina Island, so October is a great time to visit. The average temp is a perfect 68°F (20°C). Maximum temperatures reach 75F (24C), and minimum temperatures can dip to 61°F(16°C).

How Catalina warm in October?

During October, Catalina Island experiences an average high temperature of 71.3°F (21.8°C).The hottest recorded day in October occurred on October 1, 2008, with a temperature of 96.1°F (35.6°C).

What is the water temperature in Catalina in October?

In October, the average water temperature for October is 66°F (19°C). The water temperature is cooler compared to the period from July to September. On average, the water temperature in October starts around 67°F (19°C) at the beginning of the month and gradually decreases to approximately 65°F (18°C) by the end of the month. 

Is October a good month to visit Catalina Island?

Yes — October is one of the best months to visit Catalina. The weather is still warm, and crowds have thinned, making the island more quiet and relaxing. Fall is one of the best times to visit 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, if you prefer to avoid large crowds, the winter season will suit you best. However, we believe the fall is an ideal time to visit Catalina Island. 

How many days is enough in Catalina Island?

The sweet spot for the number of days to spend on Catalina Island is two to three. However, you can do Catalina Island in a day. T

aking a one-day trip to Catalina Island will give you enough time to do most of the island’s activities, but if you want to relax or go hiking or diving, then 2-3 days is more realistic.

How long is the ferry ride to Catalina Island?

It takes only one hour via a high-speed ferry to get you to this beautiful island. The Catalina Express and the Catalina Flyer offer transportation from the Southern California cities of Long Beach, San Pedro, Dana Point, and Newport Beach to both Avalon and Two Harbors (San Pedro ferry only).

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.

Water-To-Go Filterable Bottle for travel. This refillable bottle not only keeps you hydrated, but also filters your water so you don't get sick while you travel!

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 Catalina 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 October

Catalina Island is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and pleasant climate that persists throughout the year, offering captivating Baja-Mediterranean landscapes.

With many activities available every season, visitors are guaranteed an incredible experience regardless of when they visit.

While each season holds its charm, the prime time to embark on a leisurely boat trip across the Pacific and immerse oneself in the island’s offerings is during the fall season.

a woman's hand holding two cups of ice cream with pink spoons sticking out of each. Our last trip to Catalina Island in October. The beach and sand are in the background.
Make sure to stop at Scoops Catalina on your way to the ferry to go home. Mine is the one on the right. Coffee with flakes of chocolate is some of the best ice cream I’ve ever had!

Read More of My Tips About Visiting Catalina Island


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.

Similar Posts