The month in detail
What to expect in September
Autumn in Santa Barbara is often underrated: 82°F, golden light and declining crowds. An interesting window. Rain is virtually absent (4% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. This is one of the best times of year to visit Santa Barbara.
September ranks 3 out of 12 months in Santa Barbara. Compared to August: −2°F daytime, −0.9h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in September
UV index
7 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
comfortable
12°
Sea
20°C
cool, invigorating
Daylight
12.2h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 31
Compare
Is September the right month?
The best month in Santa Barbara is July (9.6/10), 0.3 pt higher than September.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Santa Barbara
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Santa Barbara
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach trip.
Country · United States
🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyUS Dollar ($)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘExpensive · 4/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthAugust · 84°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 64°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘMarch · 21%
🏖️ Beach trip
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in September
If September doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Similar climate
San DiegoUnited StatesLos AngelesUnited States
SantoriniGreece
Tel AvivIsrael
EssaouiraMorocco
Location
Where is Santa Barbara ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
United StatesTemperate oceanic climate with a 9.6 → 7.5 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
34.42°N · 119.70°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Santa Barbara?
July is the best month with 82°F highs, 64°F lows, 10.1h of sunshine and 1.0% rainy days. The months of July & August offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Santa Barbara get in July?
Santa Barbara averages 10.1 sunshine hours per day in July. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 9.5/10.
What is the rainiest month in Santa Barbara?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Santa Barbara in July?
In July, overnight lows reach 64°F, while afternoon highs average 82°F.
Is Santa Barbara good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Santa Barbara scores 7.1/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains July with a score of 9.5/10.
When should you avoid Santa Barbara?
January is the most difficult month to visit Santa Barbara, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Santa Barbara in September?
In September, the sea averages 68°F in Santa Barbara: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Santa Barbara in September?
The average UV index reaches 7 in September in Santa Barbara (high), with about 12.2h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.