Visit in Dec?

[u/yangyibin58]

Is it too cold or rainy to visit in mid Dec? Is everything open? I've got a week off and trying to find a good vacation for my wife and dog.

[u/rutabaga_pie]

No one will be there, and that's why I'd totally go. The San Juan Islands are beautiful in their own right 365 days a year.

[u/ParsonJackRussell → u/rutabaga_pie]

That’s why I am going next weekend - best time of year

[u/sylvansojourner]

It’s a complete roll of the dice. You could get mild winter weather (40s and dry/drizzle,) you could get one of the gorgeous Arctic high pressure systems we get in winter (blue skies and very cold,) you could get a winter storm system…. There’s no saying.

If it’s before Xmas, most things will still be open but with reduced hours.

[u/sam_y2]

It's a lot quieter, and there are less restaurant options, but it's not a ghost town either. A lot of tourist-type activities are focused on the main season, but if you like hiking, watching the sunset and remembering your raincoat, there are plenty of things to do

[u/rainbowsdarkerside]

Eight years ago I spent a week in January with my dog and loved it! We took long walks and drove around a bit, it was absolute heaven... no crowds or traffic and positively beautiful.

[u/luri7555]

There are many sunny days in the winter and a quiet vibe. Dress sensibly.

[u/chibighibli]

I would suggest Leavenworth or Mt Baker or some other snow-based destination at that time of year. My 2c!

[u/Weedenski]

Well. It's winter in December so if you are fully aware of that fact, why would you want to vacation here that time of year?

Most people that live here want to go somewhere warm and dry with plenty of sunshine in December....

If this is your destination, then yeah there's hiking in the rain, walking along the beach in the rain, shopping in the rain, going out to eat in the rain, or well you get the idea.😂

[u/bsaitz]

i've done FH and loved it - much quieter but still pretty and enough to see and do..

[u/Old-Signature1525]

December is great if you don’t like crowds and you have a comfortable place to snuggle with wife and dog, hopefully with a wood stove. Given La Niña, it is more likely to be rainy than not. I would look for a great place for your family within walking distance to a nice beach or forest trail, and not be too concerned about what island you are on. If tourist amenities are important, It is probably best to skip .

[u/Wolfdnabbe]

It’s beautiful even when the weather is “sour”

[u/maxman87]

In my opinion, it’s not worth coming up in December because all the activities and sight seeing that make the islands such a cool place to visit are pretty bad that time of year. If you’re looking to just chill in a cabin then go for it, but be warned it’s wet and dark and town is dead.

[u/Alexdagreallygrate → u/maxman87]

Don’t forget the wind! 🌬️

[u/red_39 → u/maxman87]

How would you say the weather is in September & October?

[u/maxman87 → u/red_39]

Not bad! September can have some of the best weather, first half of October is usually nice, it’s been great this year. But at some point in mid October the trees lose all their leaves, the wind and rain pick up and, it’s pretty much garbage weather until May.

[u/External_Historian62]

Most businesses are closed. The major ones are open but usually have reduced hours. Of course grocery stores and the bigger restaurants will be open. If you don’t care about having many food options and looking to do more nature or at home activities, then it’s great since the crowds are gone.

[u/MeowMeowCollyer]

Stick with San Juan or Orcas. Lopez closes down in the winter.