Santa Barbara, CA Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Santa Barbara
Weather in Santa Barbara is shaped by its Mediterranean climate - expect hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. August afternoons typically reach 85°F (29°C), while January highs hover near 65°F (19°C). Annual precipitation averages 19.8 inches (502 mm) over about 38 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: August - highs near 85°F (29°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 65°F (19°C)
- Record high: 114°F (46°C) · Record low: 31°F (0°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: January (7 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (13.8 h sun/day)
- Climate type: Mediterranean - hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on August. Highs average 85°F (29°C) and overnight lows stay near 66°F (19°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 65°F (19°C) and lows around 48°F (9°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 114°F (46°C) and dropped as low as 31°F (0°C).
Rain, sun and snow
January is usually the wettest month. It brings about 4.9 inches (125 mm) of rain over 7 days, while July is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 13.8 hours of sun a day. Snowfall is rare but not unheard of.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65° | 48° | 7 | 4.9 in | 8.2 h/day | 62% |
| February | 66° | 47° | 5 | 3.8 in | 9.4 h/day | 58% |
| March | 68° | 49° | 8 | 4.0 in | 10.3 h/day | 62% |
| April | 72° | 53° | 3 | 1.0 in | 11.8 h/day | 59% |
| May | 72° | 55° | 2 | 0.5 in | 13.0 h/day | 67% |
| June | 79° | 61° | 1 | 0.2 in | 13.2 h/day | 64% |
| July | 83° | 65° | 0 | 0.0 in | 13.8 h/day | 62% |
| August | 85° | 66° | 0 | 0.1 in | 12.8 h/day | 58% |
| September | 83° | 64° | 1 | 0.2 in | 11.6 h/day | 56% |
| October | 80° | 60° | 2 | 0.5 in | 10.6 h/day | 49% |
| November | 72° | 52° | 3 | 1.1 in | 9.4 h/day | 49% |
| December | 66° | 48° | 6 | 3.4 in | 8.3 h/day | 58% |
Santa Barbara month by month
Santa Barbara weather in January
January brings highs around 65°F (19°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), about 7 wet days - typically the coldest month and the wettest month of the year in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara weather in February
February brings highs around 66°F (19°C), lows near 47°F (8°C), about 5 wet days.
Santa Barbara weather in March
March brings highs around 68°F (20°C), lows near 49°F (10°C), about 8 wet days.
Santa Barbara weather in April
April brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 53°F (12°C), about 3 wet days.
Santa Barbara weather in May
May brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 55°F (13°C), about 2 wet days.
Santa Barbara weather in June
June brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 1 wet days.
Santa Barbara weather in July
July brings highs around 83°F (29°C), lows near 65°F (19°C), about 0 wet days - typically the driest month and the sunniest month of the year in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara weather in August
August brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 66°F (19°C), about 0 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara weather in September
September brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 1 wet days.
Santa Barbara weather in October
October brings highs around 80°F (27°C), lows near 60°F (15°C), about 2 wet days.
Santa Barbara weather in November
November brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), about 3 wet days.
Santa Barbara weather in December
December brings highs around 66°F (19°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), about 6 wet days.
Seasons in Santa Barbara
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Santa Barbara brings comfortable warmth, with daytime highs averaging 71°F (22°C) and nights around 53°F (11°C); rain falls on about 13 days over the three months.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Santa Barbara runs hot, with daytime highs averaging 82°F (28°C) and nights around 64°F (18°C); precipitation is infrequent.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Santa Barbara is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 78°F (26°C) and nights around 59°F (15°C); precipitation is infrequent.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Santa Barbara is mild, with daytime highs averaging 66°F (19°C) and nights around 48°F (9°C); rain falls on about 18 days over the three months.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Santa Barbara?
Is Santa Barbara hot in summer?
Is Santa Barbara cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Santa Barbara get in a year?
Best time to visit Santa Barbara
The best time to visit Santa Barbara is generally January to June, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 70°F (21°C).
Pack for Santa Barbara with light layers that can adapt to mild swings through the day. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - August nights average 66°F (19°C).
Santa Barbara temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.