Honestly, if you’re looking at a weather app for weather for Avalon CA and seeing a bunch of clouds, you might be tempted to cancel that ferry ticket. Don’t. Most people look at the "cloudy" icon and assume their island getaway is ruined, but Avalon is weird. It’s got this microclimate thing going on that makes the mainland forecast basically useless.
Right now, as of Saturday, January 17, 2026, it’s nighttime and about 64°F out there. It’s cloudy, sure. But "cloudy" in Avalon often just means the marine layer is doing its thing—keeping the island at a steady, comfortable temperature while the rest of Southern California either freezes or bakes.
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The Marine Layer: Nature’s Mood Ring
You’ve probably heard of "May Gray" or "June Gloom," but in Avalon, the marine layer is a year-round character. It’s basically a thick blanket of moist air that gets trapped under a layer of warmer air.
Today’s high hit 71°F, which is actually a bit warmer than the typical January average of 64°F to 67°F. That’s the beauty of the island. While Los Angeles might be shivering in a wind tunnel, Avalon stays remarkably consistent. The low tonight is sitting at 61°F. Humidity is around 63%, and there’s a tiny 10% chance of rain.
Basically, it’s "light sweater weather."
What the Averages Don't Tell You
If you look at the historical data, February is technically the wettest month, averaging about 3.59 inches of rain. January isn't far behind. But "wet" is a relative term here. The island only gets about 12 to 13 inches of rain in an entire year.
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- Summer (July–September): This is when everyone flocks here. Highs hit around 72°F to 78°F. The water is at its warmest, peaking near 73°F in August.
- Winter (December–February): It’s the "quiet season." Highs are usually in the low 60s. It’s perfect for hiking because the hills turn this crazy, vibrant green that looks more like Ireland than California.
- The Wind Factor: Today, the wind is just a whisper at 3 mph from the northwest. Usually, it’s a bit breezier, especially in the afternoons. If you're on the ferry, that wind can make the channel crossing... interesting.
Why You Should Care About the UV Index
Even on a cloudy day like today—where the UV index is a measly 2—you can still get fried. The sun reflects off the water in the harbor, doubling your exposure. I’ve seen so many tourists walk off the boat in January, spend three hours at Descanso Beach under a "cloudy" sky, and walk back to the ferry looking like a steamed lobster.
The Best Time to Actually Visit
If you want the best weather for Avalon CA, skip the summer.
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Seriously.
September and October are the locals' favorites. The "locals' summer" is real. The crowds vanish, the water is still warm from the August heat, and the marine layer usually stays out at sea. You get these crisp, clear days where you can see all the way to the San Gabriel Mountains on the mainland.
Packing for the Island Reality
The dress code is "island casual," which is code for "bring layers or you’ll regret it."
- The Morning Mist: You’ll wake up and it’ll feel damp and chilly.
- The Midday Burn: By 1:00 PM, you’re stripping down to a t-shirt.
- The Sunset Drop: As soon as that sun dips behind the Casino building, the temperature falls off a cliff.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip
- Check the Webcam, Not the App: Don't trust the generic iPhone weather. Look at the live harbor webcams. If you see blue sky, it doesn't matter what the forecast says.
- Book the Interior: If it’s a "cloudy" day in town, take a tour into the island's interior. Often, you’ll drive right up through the clouds and find yourself in bright sunshine at the Airport in the Sky.
- Watch the Channel: If the wind forecast shows anything over 15-20 mph, pack some Dramamine. The Catalina Express is a beast, but the Pacific is bigger.
Avalon is one of the few places where the weather is rarely "bad"—it's just different. Even with a 10% chance of rain and a gray sky, sitting on a bench with a buffalo milk (the drink, not actual milk) beats a sunny day in a cubicle any time.