Anacapa Island, located in Channel Islands National Park, is a small, remote island where you can spend the day hiking to Inspiration Point, snorkeling, fishing, SCUBA diving, and (my favorite) sea cave kayaking! This island might be the closest to the mainland of Southern California, but don’t take that for granted.
Anacapa Island is an exposed volcanic island run by the local wildlife (nesting seabirds) and subject to the harsh elements. Anacapa Island’s rugged nature is often a surprise to the unsuspecting Channel Islands National Park visitor who is expecting a relaxing island getaway.
Having worked as a naturalist in Channel Islands National Park, I’ve experienced firsthand how Anacapa Island weather and nesting seabirds can affect the outcome of your day in the park. For this reason, I’ll clue you in on the best time of year to visit Anacapa Island to have the best experience possible.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, designed to allow The Unremarkable Climber (me) to earn a small commission if you choose to book through them, at no extra cost to you. This really helps support the site and lets me know you find this information valuable! That being said, all of the experiences I recommend, commission based or not, are genuine recommendations for some of my favorite activities, so I hope you enjoy them as much as I have! Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Visiting Anacapa Island in Spring (March-May)
Springtime on Anacapa Island is beautiful and full of life. The island turns green from winter rain and flowers bloom in full force, some of which are endemic to the island!
It’s an exciting time to be on the island because most of the year seems desolate and many plants are dormant. However, spring on Anacapa might be the most challenging time of year to be on the island for the faint of heart.
Anacapa Island Weather in Spring: Best for Spotting Chicks! (and Wildflowers)
Anacapa Island weather in the springtime is usually nice in temperature (55-65 degrees) but frequently windy.
Additionally, the water temperature is usually at its chilliest (mid 50s) because frequent wind events push down colder water from northern California. The windy conditions often lead to rough seas while crossing the Santa Barbara Channel, and occasionally cancelled trips here and there.
The ferry must pull up to a small dock in the small landing cove which churns around like a washing machine in rough seas.
If you are able to go ashore, although windy, the weather is usually pretty nice for hiking along searching for wildflowers and observing the seabirds that nest on Anacapa this time of year.
Anacapa Island Bird Nesting Season
Anacapa Island is best known for being a prime nesting ground for seabirds like western gulls and California brown pelicans. These seabirds flock to the island by the thousands beginning in March where they mate, build nests right on the ground, lay eggs, and care for the chicks until about June.
For the bird enthusiast, this is the perfect time of year to visit! For those not so keen on being surrounded by thousands of territorial birds, maybe visit during a different time of year.
On East Anacapa, where the ferry drops you off, you are most likely to see western gulls nesting right along the trails. Watch out for nests because they blend in quite well.
Once the adorable fluffy chicks begin to hatch in April/May, beware of angry parents diving at you from behind, attempting to defend their chicks. You might be caught off guard the first few times a gull swoops within a few inches of your ear, but you’ll get used to it.
Keep in mind, though the wildlife WILL harass you, it is illegal to harass the wildlife. They are protected as a critical part of the ecosystem and we are only visiting their home.
Visiting Anacapa Island in Summer (June-August)
Summertime on Anacapa Island is hot and exposed. The island begins turning brown as the last of the flowers bloom then desiccate. The birds are fledging the nests and leaving the island.
This is the perfect time of year for exploring sea caves and kelp forests as the top of the island bakes in the sun.
Anacapa Island Weather in Summer: Perfect for Sea Cave Kayaking!
Anacapa Island weather in the summer is usually warm and dry (65-75 degrees) and with full sun exposure. Wind events are infrequent as well. Unfortunately, there isn’t really anywhere to shelter from the sun with the exception of a small visitor center.
Luckily, June often brings a bit of reprieve in the form of a local weather phenomena called June gloom where thick, foggy mornings give way to hot, sunny afternoons. The hot afternoons are perfect for climbing down the ladder and taking a swim in the landing cove (the only water access).
By July, the water temperature has warmed up to the mid to upper 60s. The combination of water temperature and calm sea conditions makes for ideal kayaking and snorkeling conditions.
However, the weather changes quickly on the open ocean and help is 10 miles away back on the mainland. If you are the slightest bit hesitant about going alone, I’d highly recommend this guided kayak tour where you will only have to paddle downwind while an experienced guide tells you all about Anacapa Island and the marine life you’re sure to encounter along the way!
The Tail End of Bird Nesting Season
At the start of summer, the gulls have fledged the nests and the parents are encouraging them to feed for themselves. Many have attempted the flight from the top of the island to the sea below.
By August, many of the gulls have crossed the 10 miles of channel back to the southern California mainland where they will wreak havoc until nesting season begins the following March.
Visiting Anacapa Island in Fall (September-November)
Fall on Anacapa Island is a bit less busy with visitors than summer, and can be a bit cooler as well, though hot days are still frequent. The island plants have gone dormant and the gulls have left a quiet island in their wake.
Fall makes for a perfect time to camp on the island if you are looking to kayak and snorkel as well as hike.
Anacapa Island Weather in Fall: Warm and Peaceful!
Towards the beginning of fall, Anacapa Island weather is similar to summer conditions (65-75 degrees) which, when combined with the fewer number of visitors, makes a perfect time to enjoy water sports.
By October, you’ll begin enjoying cooler days mixed in with the hot days which can make for beautiful hiking weather.
Although wind events are more frequent than summer, late fall brings Santa Ana wind events which make it next to impossible to land the ferry and go ashore. Since the wind blows offshore from the California desert and often brings 90+ degree temperatures, these days wouldn’t be much fun on the island anyway.
A Quiet Island
Fall on Anacapa is quiet as the majority of seabirds have vacated the top of the island. Consequently, fall is a very nice, relaxing time to be on Anacapa Island, but you won’t see much wildlife on top of the island. Underwater, however, is a different story!
Anacapa Island in Winter (December-February)
Wintertime on Anacapa Island is characterized by periods of storms, separated by small stretches of perfect weather. As a result, the probability of ferry cancellations is highest this time of year.
However, if you happen to make your crossing on a nice day, you’ll be rewarded with near-perfect conditions to explore Anacapa Island!
My favorite time to visit Anacapa is actually in February when the weather is cool and the gulls haven’t returned to breed.
Additionally, the island begins turning green by late January which is an added bonus!
Anacapa Island Weather in Winter: Perfect for Hiking!
Towards the start of winter, the weather can still be quite warm. Santa Ana wind events are frequent which brings warmer air but rough landing conditions, leading to frequent ferry cancellations.
By the new year, prevailing wind events from the northwest begin moving in, resulting in cold, windy days and more cancellations.
However, between these wind events, Anacapa Island weather tends to be a beautiful 60 degrees which is perfect weather for island exploration! The water is at its coldest though— usually only around 55 degrees.
The Calm before the Storm
Winter on Anacapa Island is quiet and serene. Gazing across the channel from Inspiration Point is a must-do. Hiking there is peaceful, but the trails are decorated with assorted feathers and even bones— a stark reminder of what’s to come.
By late February, the western gulls begin congregating around Anacapa before finding their mates for the breeding season.
What to Do on Anacapa Island: A Summary
Now that you know what to expect throughout the year at Anacapa Island, you can choose the ideal time to visit based on which activities you’re looking to do!
Spring
- Search for for endemic wildflowers
- Observe nesting western gulls
- Hike to Anacapa Lighthouse and Inspiration Point
Summer
- Kayak
- Snorkel
- Whale watch (humpbacks and blues)
Fall
- Kayak
- Snorkel
- Hike to Anacapa Lighthouse and Inspiration Point
- Camp
Winter
- Hike
- Whale watch (migrating grays)
Other Tips for Visiting Anacapa Island
Although weather and bird activity are the two main factors to consider when planning a trip to Anacapa Island, there are a few other things to note to help your trip go as smoothly as possible.
1. Show up to the correct harbor
Island Packers runs transportation to Anacapa Island from both Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard and Ventura Harbor in Ventura. Plan to arrive at the correct harbor at least 45 minutes prior to departure.
2. Pack in (and out) all of your food and water for the day
There are no restaurants on Anacapa Island, nor is there anywhere to fill up water, potable or otherwise. There aren’t even any trash cans, so pack in pack out ethics apply here. Luckily, there are pit toilets though!
3. Bring sun protection
As I mentioned earlier, the only shade on the island is in the small visitor center. Even in the winter, it’s easy to burn or get overheated on a sunny day. Bring sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and maybe even a sun shirt for the hotter days.
4. Take seasickness medication at least one hour prior to departure
Visitors always think of seasickness medication when they’re already feeling ill. To prevent feeding your pills to the fish, be sure to take it ahead of time or it won’t kick in until it’s too late.
5. Wear clothing appropriate for hiking
Wear proper footwear and hiking clothing. I always see visitors in sandals (even heels sometimes!), shiny white shoes, and sundresses like they’re headed out for a catamaran cruise in Santorini. They then return covered sweat, dust, and even bird poop. Save your nice clothing for dinner and wear proper outdoor clothing on Anacapa Island.
6. Be flexible
You are visiting a remote wilderness island 10 miles off the coast of California. Prepare to appreciate what it has to offer, because everything that survives on Anacapa is a miracle of evolution.
Have patience with the gulls, learn about the history, search for whales on the ferry, and if plans change just go with the flow.
Landing at Anacapa’s landing cove is never 100% guaranteed and often depends on many factors like tide, swell, and wind. If your ferry must turn around or pick up early, remember that’s all part of Anacapa’s rugged charm!
You’re now ready to book a trip to Anacapa Island!
If you still need a bit more information, click on the links below to learn more and book your trip!
General Anacapa Island Information
Anacapa Island Kayak Tour (not a landing trip)
Inspiration Point Hike (#1 best view of Channel Islands National Park)
More to Explore in Southern California
Your adventure doesn’t have to stop here! Looking to explore more of Channel Islands National Park? Not only can you go hiking on five different islands, but you can also go whale watching, kayak through sea caves, snorkel through kelp forests, see more of the 150+ endemic species that call the island home, and even camp overnight!
Scorpion Cove vs. Prisoners Harbor on Santa Cruz Island
Best Views of Channel Islands National Park: Top 4 Vista Hikes
How to Explore Painted Cave: Channel Islands’ Deepest Secret
Whale Watching in Santa Barbara: A Complete Guide
Top 5 Channel Islands Hikes for Wildflower Blooms
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Tangerine Falls: The Sketchiest Santa Barbara Waterfall Hike
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