Santa Barbara County Climate

Santa Barbara County, California

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec59.7°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

59.7°F

Annual Precip

18.8"

Annual Snowfall

0.0"

Extreme Heat Days

37.42222222222222

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
4.3"
4.4"
3.3"
1.1"
0.5"
0.1"
0.0"
0.0"
0.1"
0.8"
1.3"
2.9"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring55°61°4.9"Summer64°68°0.1"Fall57°67°2.1"Winter51°53°11.6"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 68% of US counties
Wetter than 12% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 0% of US counties

Climate Profile

About Santa Barbara County Weather

Consistently Warm Coastal Conditions

Santa Barbara averages 59.7°F annually, placing it well above the national median temperature. This consistency defines its reputation as a year-round outdoor destination.

Warmer Than the Golden State Average

At 59.7°F, the county is exactly one degree warmer than the California state average of 58.7°F. It sits comfortably in the warmer half of the state's diverse climate zones.

Lower Rainfall Than Northern Coastal Peers

The county receives 18.8 inches of rain annually, which is significantly lower than the state average of 25.8 inches. It is notably drier than Santa Cruz County, which sees over 31 inches.

Mild Summers With Occasional Heat Spikes

Summer temperatures average 66.8°F, though the county faces 37 extreme heat days over 90°F annually. Winters are very mild at 52.2°F with absolutely zero recorded snowfall.

Prepare for Sun and Water Conservation

Air conditioning is useful for the 37 high-heat days, though coastal breezes often provide natural cooling. Residents should prioritize drought-tolerant landscaping given the low 18.8-inch rainfall average.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Santa Barbara County?
The average annual temperature in Santa Barbara County, CA is 59.7°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Santa Barbara County get?
Santa Barbara County receives an average of 18.8 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Santa Barbara County?
Santa Barbara County receives little to no measurable snowfall in a typical year, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
How hot does Santa Barbara County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Santa Barbara County is 66.8°F. The county experiences an average of 37.42222222222222 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Santa Barbara County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Santa Barbara County is 52.2°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 52.3°F.

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Data source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020.

Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables computed from 1991 to 2020. Station data is aggregated to county level using spatial averaging. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.

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