Early winter · Weather & things to do
Santa Barbara in December
This is the coldest month in Santa Barbara: highs average 63°F (17°C) and lows 51°F (11°C), with about 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain.
Its comfort score of 90/100 is still Good, though it ranks 10th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 63°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 51°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 2.8 in (72 mm)
- Humidity
- 68%
- Cloud cover
- 43%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 43 min
- Comfort score
- 90/100 · Great
What December feels like
Highs near 63°F (17°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 51°F (11°C).
Some rain is likely, about 2.8 in (72 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April – June and September – November.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (December – February), which brings about 9.4 in (240 mm) in total.
- Shortest days of the year, about 9 h 43 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 99/100 in November to 90/100.
- Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
- Our Solvang & Santa Barbara route is planned for Early Dec – early Jan, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 51°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Santa Barbara in December
December is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Santa Barbara Harbor Parade of Lights
Boats strung with Christmas lights circle the harbor after dark, followed by fireworks over the water.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best mid-December evening.
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.
Funk Zone taproom of a Santa Ynez Valley brewery with a patio.
Old Mission Santa Barbara
1786 mission called the Queen of the Missions, with a museum and rose garden.
El Presidio de Santa Barbara
Reconstructed Spanish fort from 1782, with adobe quarters and a chapel, two blocks from State Street.
Why now December scores 90/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Ganna Walska Lotusland
Eccentric Montecito garden of cycads, cacti and themed garden rooms.
Why now Highs near 63°F and 2.8 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
East Beach
Wide sandy beach with volleyball courts and a palm-lined bike path.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Nearby in December
- Solvang in December~28 mi · highs 62°F, 2.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Hollywood in December~81 mi · highs 65°F, 2.6 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Los Angeles in December~87 mi · highs 66°F, 2.6 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Pasadena in December~91 mi · highs 64°F, 2.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~313 m to Santa Barbara's ~15 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Santa Barbara in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Santa Barbara?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 90/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are April – June and September – November. Expect highs of 63°F (17°C) and 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain. Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Santa Barbara in December?
Average highs are 63°F (17°C) and average lows 51°F (11°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Santa Barbara in December?
Some: about 2.8 in (72 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 15.9 in (404 mm).
What should I pack for Santa Barbara in December?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 51°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Santa Barbara
Routes in season in December
- Solvang & Santa Barbara Early Dec – early Jan
Planning Santa Barbara in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.