Channel Islands National Park in September
September at Channel Islands National Park averages a daytime high near 71°F and an overnight low around 56°F, with about 0.1" of precipitation. Visitation runs about 1.1× the park's average month, which makes September an average month here.
- Average low
- 56°F
- Average high
- 71°F
Range across the year: 42°F to 72°F
- Precipitation
- 0.1 in
- Daylight
- 12.2 hours
Roughly 10% of the park's yearly visitors come in September: about 30,000 recreation visits in a typical year, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979 to 2025.
That makes September the 4th-busiest of the park's twelve months, sitting between the July peak (1.5×) and the January low (0.5×).
On our Best Time to Visit score September rates 63/100 ("Good"). Our recommended month is November: pleasant weather with noticeably thinner crowds (shoulder season).
The daily average of about 64°F is a comfortable range for hiking and being outdoors all day. These figures are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 29.6 miles from the park.
Because June, July and August together draw about 35% of annual visitors, choosing September instead steps outside that summer crush — the single biggest lever on how crowded the park feels.
You'll have about 12.2 hours of daylight in September to explore — between the 9.7-hour midwinter low and the 14.3-hour summer high.
Park-wide, 2025 drew 227,186 recreation visits, down 13.5% from 262,581 in 2024.
Across the past decade overall visitation has eased about 13.6%, so September may feel a touch quieter than it once did.
How September compares with the months around it
| Month | Avg high / low | Crowds | Best-time score |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | 72°F / 57°F | 1.3× Busy | 58 Fair |
| September | 71°F / 56°F | 1.1× Average | 63 Good |
| October | 72°F / 51°F | 1.0× Average | 62 Good |
All twelve months at Channel Islands, with the best time to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
September averages a daytime high near 71°F and an overnight low around 56°F at Channel Islands National Park, with about 0.1 inches of precipitation. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals from the nearest station, about 29.6 miles from the park, so conditions inside the park can differ, especially at other elevations.
September is average at Channel Islands National Park (about 1.1× the average month). Our best-time score rates it "Good" at 63/100. Our recommended month is November.
The busiest month is July and the quietest is January. September sits at about 1.1× the park's average, or 10% of annual visitation.
A typical September sees about 30,000 recreation visits at Channel Islands National Park, based on National Park Service monthly counts from 1979–2025.
Where to stay near Channel Islands in September
Booking a September trip to Channel Islands National Park? Compare hotels, cabins and vacation rentals near the park with live September availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Channel Islands
Prices for Oct 30–Nov 1, 4 adults. Change dates on the map below.
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Visiting Channel Islands in September?
Get crowd forecasts and lodging deals for Channel Islands by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
See the full ranking of the best national parks to visit in September.
Source: National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics (1979–2025), NOAA NCEI Climate Normals 1991–2020. Updated 2026-10-11.