Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
Santa Barbara in October
Santa Barbara cools off: highs slip to 76°F (25°C), from 81°F in September, with lows of 61°F (16°C) and about 0.9 in (22 mm) of rain.
At 100/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 76°F (25°C)
- Avg low
- 61°F (16°C)
- Rain
- 0.9 in (22 mm)
- Humidity
- 59%
- Cloud cover
- 27%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 07 min
- Comfort score
- 100/100 · Great
What October feels like
Days are warm, averaging 76°F (25°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
Lows average 61°F (16°C).
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.9 in (22 mm) of rain.
Sunny spells dominate: cloud cover averages 27%.
Plan around October
October is one of Santa Barbara's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: November highs fall to 69°F.
- Comfort holds steady from September (98 → 100/100).
- October sits inside the Apr – Oct window our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends.
- Our Solvang & Santa Barbara route is planned for Early Dec – early Jan, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — October falls outside it.
What to pack for October
- Light, breathable clothes76°F afternoons
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Santa Barbara in October
October is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
El Presidio de Santa Barbara
Reconstructed Spanish fort from 1782, with adobe quarters and a chapel, two blocks from State Street.
Why now October scores 100/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Ganna Walska Lotusland
Eccentric Montecito garden of cycads, cacti and themed garden rooms.
Why now Highs near 76°F and 0.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Brophy Bros
Seafood restaurant upstairs on the harbor, known for clam chowder and views over the boats.
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 Shellfish Company
Counter seafood shack at the end of Stearns Wharf; lobster and crab.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse
Spanish-Moorish courthouse with a free clock tower lookout over red roofs.
Nearby in October
- Solvang in October~28 mi · highs 75°F, 0.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Hollywood in October~81 mi · highs 81°F, 0.7 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Los Angeles in October~87 mi · highs 81°F, 0.7 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Pasadena in October~91 mi · highs 79°F, 0.7 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, 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 October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit Santa Barbara?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 100/100. Expect highs of 76°F (25°C) and 0.9 in (22 mm) of rain. October is inside the Apr – Oct window our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends.
How hot is Santa Barbara in October?
Average highs are 76°F (25°C) and average lows 61°F (16°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Santa Barbara in October?
Not much: about 0.9 in (22 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 15.9 in (404 mm).
What should I pack for Santa Barbara in October?
Bring light, breathable clothes (76°F afternoons) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Santa Barbara
Routes in season in October
- Pacific Coast Highway Apr – Oct
Planning Santa Barbara in October?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.