Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Santa Barbara in January
The year's rain peaks now, with about 3.5 in (90 mm) falling in Santa Barbara, alongside highs near 64°F (18°C) and lows of 51°F (11°C).
Its comfort score of 88/100 is still Good, though it ranks 12th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 64°F (18°C)
- Avg low
- 51°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 3.5 in (90 mm)
- Humidity
- 69%
- Cloud cover
- 43%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 56 min
- Comfort score
- 88/100 · Great
What January feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 64°F (18°C), good for long walks.
Lows average 51°F (11°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.5 in (90 mm).
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are April – June and September – November.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, December – February.
- Comfort holds steady from December (90 → 88/100).
- Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so January 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 — January is part of it.
What to pack for January
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 51°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.5 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Santa Barbara in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Funk Zone
Former warehouse blocks near the beach, now full of wine tasting rooms, breweries and murals.
Why now January scores 88/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
El Presidio de Santa Barbara
Reconstructed Spanish fort from 1782, with adobe quarters and a chapel, two blocks from State Street.
Why now Highs near 64°F and 3.5 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.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Spanish-Moorish courthouse with a free clock tower lookout over red roofs.
Brophy Bros
Seafood restaurant upstairs on the harbor, known for clam chowder and views over the boats.
Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
Counter seafood shack at the end of Stearns Wharf; lobster and crab.
Nearby in January
- Solvang in January~28 mi · highs 62°F, 3.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Hollywood in January~81 mi · highs 66°F, 2.9 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, drier
- Los Angeles in January~87 mi · highs 67°F, 2.9 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, drier
- Pasadena in January~91 mi · highs 65°F, 2.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Santa Barbara?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 88/100, held back mainly by rain. The best months are April – June and September – November. Expect highs of 64°F (18°C) and 3.5 in (90 mm) of rain. Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Santa Barbara in January?
Average highs are 64°F (18°C) and average lows 51°F (11°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Santa Barbara in January?
Some: about 3.5 in (90 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 15.9 in (404 mm).
What should I pack for Santa Barbara in January?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 51°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.5 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Santa Barbara
Routes in season in January
- Solvang & Santa Barbara Early Dec – early Jan
Planning Santa Barbara in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.