Weather in Santa Barbara

Planning to spend time in Santa Barbara? Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions! This section provides current reports, forecasts, and useful charts to help you perfectly plan your day in this sunny city.

Santa Barbara boasts a delightful Mediterranean climate, making it an attractive destination for tourists year-round. The weather here is generally mild, without sharp temperature changes, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors in any season. The city is known for its high number of sunny days and comfortable travel conditions.

The summer months in Santa Barbara, from June to September, are characterized by warm and very sunny weather with minimal rainfall. The average temperature in July and August hovers around 22.8°C, while the maximum can reach 27.5°C, creating ideal conditions for beach holidays and outdoor activities. Winters here are mild, with average temperatures around 11-12°C from December to February. This period sees the main part of the annual precipitation, especially in March, which can have up to 10 rainy days, but overall, winter remains quite comfortable.

Spring and autumn are pleasant transitional seasons. In spring, from April to May, temperatures gradually rise, and rainfall decreases. Autumn, especially October, delights with warm days featuring an average temperature of about 18.7°C and almost a complete absence of rain. Overall, the climate of Santa Barbara is very hospitable, offering many sunny days and moderate temperatures, making trip planning quite predictable in terms of weather.

The climate of Santa Barbara is characterized by moderate temperatures throughout the year, making it comfortable to visit in any season. The annual range of average temperatures fluctuates from approximately 11.2°C in February, which is the coolest month, to 22.8°C in July and August – traditionally the hottest months. Minimum night-time temperatures in winter, for instance in February, can drop on average to 6.5°C, while maximum daytime temperatures at the height of summer, in July and August, reach a pleasant average of 27.5°C.

The summer months in Santa Barbara, covering the period from June to September, delight with warm and predominantly sunny weather. Daily average temperatures at this time vary from 19.8°C in June to a peak of 22.8°C in July and August. During the day, the thermometer consistently shows between 24.7°C and 27.5°C, while nights remain warm and comfortable, with average minimum temperatures around 14.9°C - 18.1°C. The winter period, from December to March, is distinguished by its mildness. February is considered the coolest month with an average temperature of 11.2°C, when night-time lows are around 6.5°C, and daytime highs usually stay around 16°C. Even on the coldest winter days, the air temperature rarely drops significantly below these marks.

One of the characteristic features of the temperature regime in Santa Barbara is the noticeable daily fluctuations. The difference between the maximum day and minimum night temperature throughout the year averages 8-10°C. This means that even after a very warm day, the evening and night can be noticeably cooler, so it is recommended to keep a light jacket or sweater with you, especially if you plan evening walks. The transitional seasons – spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November) – also offer very pleasant weather conditions. For example, in April, the average temperature is about 14.9°C, gradually rising towards summer, while in October warmth still persists with an average temperature of 18.7°C and daily highs reaching 23.9°C.

In Santa Barbara, there is a clearly defined seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. The city is characterized by a distinct dry season, covering the summer months, and a wetter, yet still moderate in terms of rainfall, winter period. Snow is not typical for Santa Barbara, so precipitation falls predominantly as rain.

The main share of annual precipitation falls during the winter months. January, February, and March can be considered the wettest, with an average of 3 mm of precipitation falling in each of these months. At the same time, March stands out with the highest number of rainy days – about 10. In January and February, one can also expect approximately 6 days with precipitation. December is slightly drier, with 2 mm of precipitation and about 5 rainy days. The nature of precipitation in these months is generally light or moderate rain.

With the arrival of spring, the amount of precipitation decreases sharply, and a prolonged dry season sets in for Santa Barbara from May to October. During this period, rain is a great rarity. From May to September, as well as in October, the average monthly rainfall is 0 mm. July and October are absolutely the driest months, when there is no rain at all. In June, August, and September, there might be just one rainy day. Transitional months, such as April (1 mm of precipitation, 2 rainy days) and November (1 mm of precipitation, 3 rainy days), are also distinguished by very low rainfall levels.

When planning a trip to Santa Barbara, remember that the key to a comfortable wardrobe is layering. Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate, the weather here is pleasant year-round, however, daily temperature fluctuations can be perceptible. It can be warm and sunny during the day, while evenings bring coolness, especially by the ocean. Therefore, always take a light jacket, sweater, or cardigan with you. Comfortable shoes for walking around the city and along the coast, as well as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat will be indispensable, as the sun in Santa Barbara is active at almost any time of the year.

In summer, from June to September, when the average temperature reaches a comfortable 22-23°C, and the maximum can rise to 27.5°C, your suitcase should be filled with light clothing: T-shirts, shorts, dresses, and, of course, a swimsuit. Precipitation at this time is a great rarity. In winter, from December to March, the weather becomes cooler, with average temperatures around 11-12°C. You will need warmer items: jeans, sweaters, perhaps a light jacket or coat. Although heavy downpours usually do not occur (average precipitation 2-3 mm per month), in January, February, and especially in March (up to 10 rainy days), a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket may come in handy. In spring and autumn, the weather is changeable, so the principle of layering is especially relevant here, allowing you to easily adapt to changing conditions.