Guemes Island Island
Island in Puget Sound, Washington state
Off Anacortes in Puget Sound, Guemes Island connects by a small ferry; visitors explore quiet beaches, kayaking routes, and rural roads for views of the San Juan Islands and birdlife.
Guemes Island at a Glance#
Website: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/Ferry/GuemesIslandFerry.htm
Admission: Free (ferry fares may apply)
About Guemes Island#
Guemes Island lies off the coast of northwest Washington State in Skagit County, across Guemes Channel from Anacortes. The island hosts a small year-round community, wooded terrain and a shoreline with beaches and small coves. A short passenger ferry link connects the island to Anacortes, making it accessible for day visits by residents and visitors. Recreational use is mostly low-key - walking, shoreline access and small-boat activity - rather than large-scale tourism.
- Ferry access: Served by a short passenger ferry connection from Anacortes across Guemes Channel, the island is primarily residential with limited tourist facilities.
How to Get to Guemes Island#
Regular Guemes Island ferry service runs from Anacortes, Washington (operated by Skagit County). The ferry departs from the Anacortes ferry terminal - check Skagit County’s ferry page for schedules and fares.
Tips for Visiting Guemes Island#
- Use the Guemes Island ferry from Anacortes - check the Skagit County ferry schedule for times and any seasonal changes.
- Bring small bills for the ferry if required and be prepared for limited services on the island (no large stores).
- Explore the village of Anacortes near the ferry slip if arriving early; it has cafes and provisioning options.
Best Time to Visit Guemes Island#
Late spring through early autumn provides the best access and weather; ferry schedules are more regular in summer.
Weather & Climate near Guemes Island#
Guemes Island's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (736 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 27 mm.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (108 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).