SoloSquareGuides Meet people in Santa BarbaraMeet people

City in California, United States

Santa Barbara weather by month and the best time to visit

Updated October 2026Sources
Apr–May, Sep–OctBest time to visit

When to go to Santa Barbara

Sep–Oct is warmest and clearest; Apr–May is mild. 'May Gray' and 'June Gloom' bring morning fog. Winter is mild and rainy; wildfire season runs Sep–Dec.

Santa Barbara weather by month

Average daily high, rainfall and conditions.

PleasantHotRainyCool or coldBest months
10°15°20°25°30°JFMAMJJASOND
Average highAverage lowRainfall

Monthly averages

MonthHighLowRainHumidityConditions
January18°C64°F11°C51°F90 mm69%Cool
February17°C63°F10°C51°F78 mm72%Cool
March18°C65°F11°C52°F63 mm73%Pleasant
April20°C68°F12°C53°F27 mm70%Pleasant
May22°C72°F14°C56°F11 mm65%Pleasant
June26°C78°F16°C62°F3 mm57%Pleasant
July28°C82°F19°C67°F2 mm55%Pleasant
August28°C82°F19°C67°F1 mm54%Pleasant
September27°C81°F18°C65°F3 mm55%Pleasant
October24°C76°F16°C61°F22 mm59%Pleasant
November21°C69°F13°C55°F32 mm63%Pleasant
December17°C63°F10°C51°F72 mm68%Cool

Best months across United States

PlaceBest monthsWarmest month
New York CityApr–Jun, Sep–OctJul (26°C)
Las VegasMar–May, Oct–NovJul (42°C)
Los AngelesMar–May, Sep–NovAug (32°C)
OrlandoFeb–Apr, NovMay (31°C)
MiamiNov–AprAug (30°C)
San FranciscoApr–May, Sep–OctSep (24°C)
HonoluluApr–Jun, Sep–OctSep (28°C)
Washington, D.C.Mar–May, Sep–OctJul (31°C)
ChicagoMay–Jun, Sep–OctJul (25°C)
BostonMay–Jun, Sep–OctJul (28°C)
New OrleansFeb–Apr, Oct–NovJul (30°C)
San DiegoApr–May, Sep–NovAug (32°C)
SeattleJun–SepAug (24°C)
MauiApr–May, Sep–OctSep (22°C)
NashvilleApr–May, Sep–OctAug (32°C)
AustinMar–May, Oct–NovAug (36°C)
Miami BeachNov–AprAug (30°C)
Key WestDec–AprAug (30°C)
DenverMay–Jun, Sep–OctJul (33°C)
PhiladelphiaApr–May, Sep–OctJul (30°C)
PortlandJun–SepAug (29°C)
AtlantaMar–May, Oct–NovJul (32°C)
San AntonioMar–May, Oct–NovAug (36°C)
CharlestonMar–May, Oct–NovJul (32°C)
SavannahMar–May, Oct–NovJul (33°C)
Fort LauderdaleDec–AprAug (30°C)
KauaiApr–Jun, Sep–OctSep (27°C)
Big IslandApr–Jun, Sep–OctAug (26°C)
SedonaMar–May, Sep–NovJul (35°C)
Santa BarbaraApr–May, Sep–OctAug (28°C)

Quick answers

What is the best month to visit Santa Barbara?

Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Sep–Oct is warmest and clearest; Apr–May is mild. 'May Gray' and 'June Gloom' bring morning fog. Winter is mild and rainy; wildfire season runs Sep–Dec.

When is the rainy season in Santa Barbara?

Rain peaks in January with about 90 mm. No month averages 150 mm or more.

What is the hottest month in Santa Barbara?

August, with average highs of 28°C (82°F).

How cold does Santa Barbara get?

The coolest nights are in February, averaging 10°C (51°F).

More about Santa Barbara

Going to Santa Barbara solo?

SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Santa Barbara meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.

See plans in Santa Barbara

Sources

Climate averages are modelled from NASA POWER (MERRA-2) for 2001–2020 at about 50 km resolution, so coasts and valleys can differ a little. Temperatures are adjusted by 1.9°C for the city's elevation. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.