Season by season
Spring (March–May). Mild, green and flowery, with whale sightings offshore. Low cloud becomes common by May.
Summer (June–August). Grey mornings early in the season give way to reliably sunny afternoons by July. The busiest time, with the highest prices.
Autumn (September–November). Warm, clear days and the grape harvest in the Santa Ynez Valley. Dry offshore winds occasionally raise temperatures and fire risk.
Winter (December–February). Cool nights and most of the year’s rain, between long spells of bright weather. The quietest and cheapest season.
Month-by-month
| Month | Avg. high | Avg. low | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°C / 64°F | 7°C / 45°F | Moderate |
| February | 18°C / 64°F | 8°C / 46°F | Moderate |
| March | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | Moderate |
| April | 20°C / 68°F | 11°C / 52°F | Busy |
| May | 21°C / 70°F | 12°C / 54°F | Busy |
| June | 22°C / 72°F | 14°C / 57°F | Peak |
| July | 24°C / 75°F | 16°C / 61°F | Peak |
| August | 25°C / 77°F | 16°C / 61°F | Peak |
| September | 24°C / 75°F | 15°C / 59°F | Busy |
| October | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 55°F | Busy |
| November | 21°C / 70°F | 9°C / 48°F | Moderate |
| December | 18°C / 64°F | 7°C / 45°F | Moderate |
Temperatures are rounded long-term averages for the main visitor area; real days vary, and mountains and deserts swing much more between day and night.
Events & festivals
- February: Santa Barbara International Film Festival
- February–April: Grey whales migrate north through the channel
- Late June: Summer Solstice Parade
- Early August: Old Spanish Days Fiesta — parades, dance and markets
- September–October: Grape harvest in the Santa Ynez Valley
- December: Parade of Lights in the harbour
Tip: the city fills up for Fiesta in early August and for university events in June. Book well ahead for those dates or avoid them.
