What to Wear on Catalina Island: Cute & Comfy Vacation Outfit Ideas

Wondering what kind of clothing to pack for your trip to Catalina Island? As a fashion designer and frequent Avalon visitor, I’ve got the best tips on how to look stylish while staying comfy during your vacation. 

Like most California beach cities, the local style is laid back and relaxed. Boho sundresses, linen sets, and fun tropical prints are great ways to express your personal aesthetic. 

It’s also important to take into account the yearly weather and what kinds of activities you plan to do. Catalina has lots of fun activities ranging from the adventurous to the relaxing. Check out our guide on the Best Things to do on Catalina Island for ideas.

Yearly Weather

Catalina has a beautiful subtropical climate, meaning it’s fairly warm year round. In the winter, the average high is 63 degrees F and the average low is 50 degrees F. In summer, the average is around 72 degrees F, while the average low is about 65 degrees F. Catalina receives an average of 12 inches of precipitation a year. January is the wettest month.

For detailed info, check out this guide for average temperatures by month. You can also check out this live web cam at Descanso Beach to see how the weather looks.

Plan for Chilly Moments

Make sure you check the weather before you go, particularly if you are visiting in fall or spring, as these months have the most temperature variation. While the weather is typically warm, the ferry ride and temperatures on the water can be a bit chilly. It also cools down at night.

Bring Sun Protection

Sun protection is also important. In addition to packing your sunscreen, don’t forget to bring sunglasses, a sun hat, and a light linen button down or other sun protection.

Sun & Sanctuary Island Favorites

• The Comfy Dress, $157
• The Linen Dress, $300
• The Everyday Crop Top, $29
• The Beach Cover-Up Skirt, $139
• The Statement Trousers, $190
• The Beach Slides, $80
• The Boho Heel, $60
• The Classic Hoop Earring, $28
• The Gold Stud Earrings, $24
• The Wide Brim Hat, $240

Catalina Island Outfit Ideas for Women

Morning Brunch

Mornings on Catalina Island are drenched in soft sunlight and ocean breezes. A cruise ship full of sleepy passengers is just arriving and the cobblestone streets of Avalon are still peaceful. Now is the perfect time to slip into a luxurious linen dress and pick up brunch at one of Catalina's cafes. I love the Whitecliff Dress with a pair of strappy sandals with a low block heel that's easy to walk in. Add some sparkle with classic stud earrings. Throw a tote over your shoulder... or not! The Whitecliff dress has deep pockets. 

A Day at Descanso Beach Club

Chilling on the beach with a drink in hand is a must on your vacation to Catalina Island. Our stretchy, durable Palisades Skirt is perfect for throwing over your bathing suit. For extra coverage, add a tank top as well. Pair them with our sand-friendly slides and wide brim sun hat for ultimate beach style. 

Shopping in Avalon

The waterfront main street of Avalon features lots of cute stores to find clothing, accessories, home goods, and handmade items. A casual, beachy matching set is an easy way to look effortlessly put together. We love our ribbed cotton Sorrento Skirts and matching Crop Tops, which are available in white, black, and sage. Pair them with strappy heels and our playful Puka Dot bucket hat. For additional light weight sun protection, we will soon have linen button downs that match! Join our email list to be the first to know when they're available. 

Golf Cart Island Explorations

One of the best ways to explore Catalina Island is by golf cart. The island features many scenic routes up its hill that offer incredible views. Dress your best, because you'll have many photo opportunities! We love this relaxed fit and flare dress for its fun tropical print. Pair it with a woven sun hat and matching platform sandals for a stylish look. 

Dinner & Drinks on the Waterfront

While island style leans casual, that doesn't mean you can't dress to impress! I love a pair of stunning statement pants paired with a simple crop top. Adding heels and hoop earrings elevates the look. Temperatures drop at night, which is why we're working on a printed blazer to match these pants! Join our email list to be the first to know when it launches. 

Read Next...