Best Time to Visit Santa Barbara

2024

In our unbiased opinion, there isn't a wrong time to visit Santa Barbara. Each season brings its own special touch to the city's culture, which is why people choose to visit at the same time of year, year after year.

If we had to pick a time of year to visit, it would have to be the spring or fall. There aren't many visitors around this time of year, and the weather is still beautiful. No matter what time of year you decide to travel to Santa Barbra, you won't be disappointed. If you're having a hard time deciding, here is our month-by-month guide to Santa Barbara to help you decide! 

Santa Barbara in the Winter

December

Santa Barbara in December is full of holiday cheer! Everything from local restaurants to the boats on the harbor is decked out in holiday decorations. Holiday decorations surround you, and you can find some unique gifts for your loved ones around State Street in Downtown Santa Barbara and Montecito's shopping centers. Let's also remember all the joyous holiday events and celebrations throughout December!

December is a great time to visit, escape the snow, and enjoy the cool coastal weather. You might encounter some rain during your visit, but the weather is still lovely, with the average high hitting 65 degrees.

January

The new year is full of new starts and goals to make it the best year yet! Visiting Santa Barbra in January allows you to start the new year off right if you're looking for opportunities to restart for the next year.

January is the month of the year when you can enjoy all the recreational activities Santa Barbara offers without the summer heat. From spas to hiking to fitness opportunities, whatever gets you to start the year on the right foot, Santa Barbara is home to your guide to wellness this new year.

February

Love is in the air when February hits Santa Barbara. While it might not be warm enough to take a dip in the ocean, it's still warm enough to take a stroll along one of the many beaches in Santa Barbara. There are various things to do for a romantic getaway to Santa Barbara, including visiting spas, visiting the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden in Lotusland, and going on a wine tour.

Spring in Santa Barbara

March

Spring is here in Santa Barbara! This is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit, as the wildflowers are starting to bloom and making the hillsides pop with color. Santa Barbara in March also marks the prime of whale-watching season, which starts in February and ends in May as they go from Baja, California up to the Alaskan Coast.

April

April is the time of the year when we start seeing warm weather that's perfect for outdoor excursions. From hiking to biking outside to getting out on the water to kayaking or paddleboarding, there is so much to explore and enjoy when outside in Santa Barbara in April.

May

Santa Barbara in May is one of the better months to visit. The weather is warm, making it perfect for being outside, but the number of people is still low. This makes it a great Mother's Day destination. Your mom can enjoy a relaxing trip without all the hustle and bustle of the busy season. Treat your Mom to a great weekend trip to Santa Barbara, and don't forget to take her out to brunch!

Summer in Santa Barbara

June

Santa Barbara in June is a lively month of activities, events, and entertainment! Summer is starting with a variety of events like the Summer Solstice Celebration as well as the Santa Barbra Surf Film Festival, the Lavender Festival, the Greek Festival, and more.

This is also the time for water activities! The water is warm enough to go swimming and go out, and the water with many of the boat tours available in the area.

July

The peak of summer is full of summer fun and holidays! Santa Barbara in July kicks off with many 4th of July activities to have fun, including fireworks along the water. The rest of the month includes festivals and wine tours along the Urban Wine Trail.

August

Summer is winding down, but Santa Barbara in August has some of the best weather all year round! The month kicks off with one of the oldest festivals in Santa Barbra, Old Spanish Days Fiesta. This is five days of performances, food, art, and more, all paying tribute to the Spanish history of Santa Baraba, which plays a huge part in our culture and architecture.

Fall in Santa Barbara

September

As kids go back to school, the crowds dwindle, but the weather is still amazing. The month to visit Santa Barbara is September if you want to enjoy the best summer activities and events without the crowds.

October

Santa Barbara in October is the start of the wine harvest season. While you could go up to the San Yenez Mountains to visit all the different wineries, you could also stay in Santa Barbra and go through the Urban Wine Trail starting in the Funk Zone.

November

November marks the start of the holidays in Santa Barbara! Many of the iconic holiday events, including the Zoo Lights at the Santa Barbra Zoo, start around Thanksgiving, making it an extended holiday season! Other than the Holidays, November is cooler, making it a great time to visit wineries and partake in other great outdoor activities!

Book your Santa Barbara Vacation Rental

Featured Property: Casita Calma

Regardless of the time of year you decide to take your next trip to Santa Barbra, Wanderlust Luxury Rentals is excited to welcome you! We have vacation Rentals in Santa Barbara, Montecito, Carpinteria, and Summerland. We also have Pet-Friendly rentals available so you don't have to leave your furry friend behind, as well as rentals with pools to cool off after a long day exploring. Browse our Santa Barbra Vacation Rentals today to plan your next American Riviera getaway.

Categories: 
Trip Planning