Early spring · Weather & things to do
Santa Barbara in March
Santa Barbara edges warmer than February, with highs of 65°F (19°C), lows of 52°F (11°C) and about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain.
It scores 93/100 for comfort, 9th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 65°F (19°C)
- Avg low
- 52°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 2.5 in (63 mm)
- Humidity
- 73%
- Cloud cover
- 42%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 45 min
- Comfort score
- 93/100 · Great
What March feels like
Highs near 65°F (19°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 52°F (11°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.5 in (63 mm).
Plan around March
March is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (April – June and September – November).
- Comfort improves from 89/100 in February to 93/100.
- Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so March 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 — March falls outside it.
What to pack for March
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 52°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 2.5 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Santa Barbara in March
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Ganna Walska Lotusland
Eccentric Montecito garden of cycads, cacti and themed garden rooms.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best spring.
El Presidio de Santa Barbara
Reconstructed Spanish fort from 1782, with adobe quarters and a chapel, two blocks from State Street.
Why now March scores 93/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
East Beach
Wide sandy beach with volleyball courts and a palm-lined bike path.
Why now Highs near 65°F and 2.5 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Spanish-Moorish courthouse with a free clock tower lookout over red roofs.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Brophy Bros
Seafood restaurant upstairs on the harbor, known for clam chowder and views over the boats.
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.
Funk Zone taproom of a Santa Ynez Valley brewery with a patio.
Nearby in March
- Solvang in March~28 mi · highs 64°F, 2.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Hollywood in March~81 mi · highs 70°F, 1.7 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, drier
- Los Angeles in March~87 mi · highs 70°F, 1.7 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, drier
- Pasadena in March~91 mi · highs 68°F, 1.7 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, 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 March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Santa Barbara?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 93/100 against a best of 100 in April – June and September – November. Expect highs of 65°F (19°C) and 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain. Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so March is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Santa Barbara in March?
Average highs are 65°F (19°C) and average lows 52°F (11°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Santa Barbara in March?
Some: about 2.5 in (63 mm) of rain falls across March on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 15.9 in (404 mm).
What should I pack for Santa Barbara in March?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 52°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 2.5 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Santa Barbara
Planning Santa Barbara in March?
Share this March plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.