Climate and monthly weather forecastSanta Barbara, CA

The climate of Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, found in California, USA, is enveloped by a Mediterranean, warm summer climate type, referred to as 'Csb' in the Köppen climate classification. Valued for its mild and moderate conditions, Santa Barbara's climate presents relatively stable weather shifts throughout a typical calendar year. Across the year, the temperature fluctuates from a low of 47.7°F (8.7°C) to a high of 79.2°F (26.2°C). Rainfall sees variations between as little as 0.08" (2mm) in the dry months to 1.57" (40mm) in the more humid periods, with relative humidity spanning from 56% to 64%.

Notable transitions are seen in other weather elements. Annual average daylight duration swings from 9.9 hours to a high of 14.4 hours, while sunshine duration is observed from 6.8 hours to a peak of 12 hours. Perceived temperature spikes are in summer with sea temperatures reaching up to 62.2°F (16.8°C). The wind maintains a mild range of 5.6mph (9km/h) to 8.1mph (13km/h), with gusts that can reach up to 12.9mph (20.8km/h).

A unique weather pattern is the minimal rainfall experienced during the summer season. Also, from December to February, temperatures drop significantly with the lowest point reaching 47.7°F (8.7°C), a stark contrast to the warmer months of the year.

The best time to visit Santa Barbara

For visitors seeking to maximize their time outdoors, the optimal time to stop by Santa Barbara would be between June and September. During this period, the city enjoys the most daylight, with durations averaging 14.2 hours. Sea temperatures also peak during this period, making it ideal for beach activities. These months typically coincide with the lowest average rainfall of 0.16" (4mm), reducing chances of plans being spoiled by showers. Furthermore, these months have a near-maximum sunshine duration of about 12 hours, providing ample daylight for sightseeing and other outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Santa Barbara

Visitors averse to cold and rainy conditions might find the period from December to February less appealing for travel. During these months, the city records the lowest temperatures, going down to 47.7°F (8.7°C) and has less daylight with a minimum of 9.9 hours on average. Alongside this, Santa Barbara experiences higher rainfall levels amounting to 1.34" (34mm) and sees diminished sunshine, having the minimum duration of about 6.8 hours.

Spring weather in Santa Barbara

Spring in Santa Barbara, from March to May, ushers in warming temperatures and the celebration of floral blooms. The average highs range from 61.3°F (16.3°C) in March to 69.4°F (20.8°C) in May. The corresponding low temperatures range from 48.7°F (9.3°C) to 53.1°F (11.7°C). The increasing hours of sunshine from 8.9 hours to 11.7 hours on average also exemplify the arrival of warm spring days. Wind speeds average 7.6mph (12.2km/h) to 8mph (12.9km/h), bringing cool breezes over the period.

Summer weather in Santa Barbara

Summer, from June to August, offers the warmest temperatures in Santa Barbara. The values range from a peak of 79.2°F (26.2°C) and descend to a comforting 56.8°F (13.8°C). Minimal rainfall coupled with the increased average daylight hours of 14.2 hours in July makes for a delightful season. Alongside this, the city experiences the peak sea temperatures of 62.1°F (16.7°C) to 62.2°F (16.8°C), making it an ideal time for beach visits and water activities.

Autumn weather in Santa Barbara

Autumn arrives in September and carries on through November, with temperatures gradually decreasing. The high temperature transitions from a high of 77.4°F (25.2°C) in September to a lower 66.9°F (19.4°C) towards November. Average low temperatures show similar decline from 61.7°F (16.5°C) to 52.7°F (11.5°C). During this period, there is a minimal increase in rainfall from 0.12" (3mm) to 0.51" (13mm). The wind also strengthens slightly from 6.2mph (10km/h) to 6.4mph (10.3km/h) in November.

Winter weather in Santa Barbara

Winter months in Santa Barbara, from December through February, display the lowest temperatures of the year, declining to around 47.7°F (8.7°C). Despite this, the city doesn't witness severe winters and remains fairly mild throughout. Average daylight hours reach a minimum of 9.9 hours in December, indicative of the shorter winter days. Notably, this is the period when Santa Barbara encounters the most rainfall, with levels reaching up to 1.34" (34mm) in December. Moreover, it happens to be the period of increased wind speeds whirling up to 7.1mph (11.4km/h).

Weather in January

The beginning of the year in Santa Barbara, California, is marked by comparatively mild winter conditions with an average high of 62.2°F (16.8°C) and a low of 48.7°F (9.3°C). Humidity levels hover around the 59% mark and daylight is roughly 10.2 hours. Weather in January »

Weather in February

The weather in February continues along a similar trajectory as January, although with a slight downturn in temperature, dropping to an average high of 61.3°F (16.3°C) and low of 47.7°F (8.7°C). Relative humidity generally increases to around 62%, while rainfall measures close to 1.38" (35mm). Weather in February »

Weather in March

March in Santa Barbara witnesses a gradual change towards warmer days, albeit with a higher number of rainy days at 7.3 days. The average high this month is typically around 63.1°F (17.3°C) while lows average at 48.7°F (9.3°C). Weather in March »

Weather in April

The month of April is characterized by slightly warmer temperatures with average highs reaching 66.7°F (19.3°C) while lows stabilize around 50.4°F (10.2°C). Rainfall in April takes a strong dip from March, sliding down to a monthly average of 0.55" (14mm). Weather in April »

Weather in May

May marks the beginning of comfortable, sunny weather conditions in Santa Barbara. With average temperatures ranging between 69.4°F (20.8°C) and 53.1°F (11.7°C), it suits outdoor activities. Recorded rainfall drops to the year's lowest at 0.16" (4mm), striking a stark contrast to the previous months. Weather in May »

Weather in June

In June, Santa Barbara residents enjoy the onset of summer, characterized by high temperatures of 73.9°F (23.3°C) and lows of 56.8°F (13.8°C). June sees a marginal increase in daily sunshine to 12 hours, making it one of the sunniest months of the year. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July stands out as the warmest month in Santa Barbara, with an average high temperature soaring to 78.1°F (25.6°C) and a low of 61.2°F (16.2°C). Corresponding to high temperatures, the sea temperature hits its peak too, averaging 62.1°F (16.7°C). Weather in July »

Weather in August

Although temperatures in August drop slightly from July, reaching an average high of 79.2°F (26.2°C) and low of 62.1°F (16.7°C), it remains one of Santa Barbara's hottest months. Taking advantage of the warm temperatures, tourists often flock to the beaches. Weather in August »

Weather in September

With the arrival of September, Santa Barbara witnesses a slight dip in temperature to an average high of 77.4°F (25.2°C) and low of 61.7°F (16.5°C). Humidity slightly dips down to 56%, and the city sees around 0.12" (3mm) of rain - a similar picture to the preceding summer months. Weather in September »

Weather in October

The month of October brings a noticeable change, with a decreased average high temperature of 72.9°F (22.7°C) and a low of 57.7°F (14.3°C). While the rainfall increases slightly to 0.2" (5mm), the city moves towards cooler evenings. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November marks a significant drop in temperature, signifying the approach of winter, with the average high temperature declining to 66.9°F (19.4°C) and the low to 52.7°F (11.5°C). The city receives slightly more rainfall, measuring up to 0.51" (13mm) typically over 3.2 days, indicating the onset of the city's wettest period. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Santa Barbara sees the full arrival of winter, marked by the year’s lowest average temperatures with a high of 60.6°F (15.9°C) and a low of 48.6°F (9.2°C). This is also the wettest month of the year, with rainfall reaching up to 1.34" (34mm) over the course of 5.7 days. Weather in December »