USA & Canada · Best Jun–Sep
Seattle and San Juan Islands packing list for families
Seattle and the San Juan Islands mix city sights with ferries, beaches, and whale watching, all in a famously changeable climate. Layers and waterproof shoes matter more than anything else in the bag.
Photo by Chris Linnett on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Seattle & the San Juans
- Summer in Seattle is usually dry and lovely, but the rest of the year brings drizzle and gray skies. I pack a hooded rain jacket and waterproof shoes and skip the umbrella, like the locals do.
- Ferries to the San Juan Islands fill up in summer, especially with a car. Book vehicle reservations as early as they open, and pack a ferry bag with snacks, layers, and a game for the wait.
- Whale-watching boats from the islands are cold and windy even in July. Dress kids in warm layers under a shell, and bring binoculars so everyone can see without waiting their turn.
Best timeJun–Sep
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
Seattle & the San Juans
This time of year
Shop this list
Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing6
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Hooded waterproof rain jacketKristina's pickDrizzle is common outside of summer.
Warm fleece for the waterFerry decks and whale-watching boats are chilly.
Shoes2
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Waterproof sneakersWet sidewalks, beaches, and island trails.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Adventure1
Kids' binocularsOrcas, seals, and eagles are often spotted at a distance.
Little ones5
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Little things13
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Tap night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries3
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Documents & tech3
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Seattle & the San Juans weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 48°F 9°C | Cool, gray, and drizzly, with short days and snow only now and then. | |
| February | 50°F 10°C | Cool, gray, and drizzly, with short days and snow only now and then. | |
| March | 54°F 12°C | Mild spring with showers, blossoms, and more sunny breaks each week. | Cherry blossoms on the University of Washington quad, usually late March. |
| April | 59°F 15°C | Mild spring with showers, blossoms, and more sunny breaks each week. | Tulip fields in bloom in the Skagit Valley, on the way north to the islands. |
| May | 65°F 18°C | Mild spring with showers, blossoms, and more sunny breaks each week. | Whale-watching season in the San Juan Islands, with orcas and humpbacks often seen. |
| June | 70°F 21°C | Warm, dry, and sunny summer with long days and cool evenings. | Whale-watching season in the San Juan Islands, with orcas and humpbacks often seen. |
| July | 76°F 24°C | Warm, dry, and sunny summer with long days and cool evenings. | Whale-watching season in the San Juan Islands, with orcas and humpbacks often seen. Lavender fields in bloom on San Juan Island. |
| August | 77°F 25°C | Warm, dry, and sunny summer with long days and cool evenings. | Whale-watching season in the San Juan Islands, with orcas and humpbacks often seen. Seafair weekend in early August, with hydroplane races and an air show over Lake Washington. |
| September | 71°F 22°C | Warm, dry, and sunny summer with long days and cool evenings. | Whale-watching season in the San Juan Islands, with orcas and humpbacks often seen. |
| October | 60°F 16°C | Cooling fall days as the rainy season returns. | |
| November | 51°F 11°C | Cool, gray, and drizzly, with short days and snow only now and then. | |
| December | 46°F 8°C | Cool, gray, and drizzly, with short days and snow only now and then. |
Questions families ask
Seattle & the San Juans with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Seattle & the San Juans with kids?
The best time is Jun–Sep. Warm, dry, and sunny summer with long days and cool evenings.
What's the weather like in Seattle & the San Juans?
Typical daytime highs range from about 46°F (8°C) in December to about 77°F (25°C) in August. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Seattle & the San Juans?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Seattle & the San Juans?
None. Seattle & the San Juans uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Seattle & the San Juans with kids?
Summer in Seattle is usually dry and lovely, but the rest of the year brings drizzle and gray skies. I pack a hooded rain jacket and waterproof shoes and skip the umbrella, like the locals do.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.