Channel Islands · January
Channel Islands in January
January is a good time to visit Channel Islands — about as busy as December, about as busy as February.
Expect moderate crowds (5/10), highs near 64°F, about 10.2 hours of daylight, and 2 seasonal closures in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
A comfortable middle ground: some company on popular trails, but no gridlock.
About 44% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
Typical January visits vs. the year
January draws about 5% of Channel Islands’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
January weather
- Avg high
- 64°F
- Avg low
- 43°F
- Precipitation
- 4.7"
- Sunrise
- 7:04 AM
- Sunset
- 5:14 PM
- Daylight
- 10.2h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, SANTA BARBARA 11 W, CA US
What's open
Channel Islands in January: access
The park is open 24 hours a day. Services and facilities have separate hours. Please see descriptions of those facilities elsewhere.
Seasonal closures may apply:
- Information
Santa Barbara Island Dock Closed; Landings Restricted to Adjacent Rocky Ledge
Santa Barbara Island is open to public access, but landings are restricted to the rocky ledge adjacent to the dock. The dock is closed and is not expected to be repaired in the near future due to the severe winter storm damage.
Details on nps.gov → - Park Closure
Parts of Santa Rosa Island Closed During Wildfire Recovery
Burned areas on Santa Rosa Island remain closed. Backcountry beach camping in Southeast Quadrant will remain closed for the remainder of the 2026 recreation season. Click the more link for additional information.
Details on nps.gov →
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
No additional active alerts or warnings reported for this park.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Channel Islands crowds across the year
Alternatives
Quieter nearby in January
FAQ
Channel Islands in January
How busy is Channel Islands in January?
January rates 5/10 for crowds (Moderate) at Channel Islands National Park — about 44% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 14,589.
What is the weather like at Channel Islands in January?
In January, Channel Islands averages a high of 64°F and a low of 43°F, with about 4.7 inches of precipitation.
How much does it cost to visit Channel Islands?
Entry to Channel Islands is free.
When is Channel Islands least crowded?
Channel Islands is quietest in January and February. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
How many hours of daylight does Channel Islands get in January?
In mid-January, Channel Islands gets about 10.2 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 7:04 AM and sunset around 5:14 PM.