Guemes IslandAbout 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.
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 1° - 7° | 2° | 95 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 2° - 9° | 3° | 69 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 3° - 11° | 5° | 61 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 5° - 13° | 7° | 54 mm | - | - | 3.2 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 7° - 16° | 12° | 47 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 9° - 19° | 14° | 40 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 11° - 21° | 16° | 27 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 11° - 21° | 16° | 29 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 9° - 19° | 14° | 38 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 6° - 14° | 10° | 66 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 4° - 10° | 4° | 108 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 2° - 8° | 2° | 102 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
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.