Channel Islands · September
Channel Islands in September
September is a busy time to visit Channel Islands — quieter than August, busier than October.
Expect heavy crowds (8/10), highs near 71°F, about 12.4 hours of daylight, and 2 seasonal closures in effect.
Crowd score
How busy it gets
Approaching peak season — expect full lots by mid-morning and busy overlooks.
About 70% 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 September visits vs. the year
September draws about 9% 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
September weather
- Avg high
- 71°F
- Avg low
- 56°F
- Precipitation
- 0.1"
- Sunrise
- 5:43 AM
- Sunset
- 6:05 PM
- Daylight
- 12.4h
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, SANTA BARBARA 11 W, CA US
What's open
Channel Islands in September: 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 September
FAQ
Channel Islands in September
How busy is Channel Islands in September?
September rates 8/10 for crowds (Busy) at Channel Islands National Park — about 70% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 23,492.
What is the weather like at Channel Islands in September?
In September, Channel Islands averages a high of 71°F and a low of 56°F, with about 0.1 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 September?
In mid-September, Channel Islands gets about 12.4 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 5:43 AM and sunset around 6:05 PM.