Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Solvang in January
The year's rain peaks now, with about 3.5 in (90 mm) falling in Solvang, alongside highs near 62°F (17°C) and lows of 50°F (10°C).
Its comfort score of 83/100 is still Good, though it ranks 12th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 62°F (17°C)
- Avg low
- 50°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 3.5 in (90 mm)
- Humidity
- 69%
- Cloud cover
- 50%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 55 min
- Comfort score
- 83/100 · Great
What January feels like
Days are mild at around 62°F (17°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Lows average 50°F (10°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.5 in (90 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
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 (84 → 83/100).
- 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 50°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.5 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Solvang in January
January is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Solvang Park
Small park at the center of the village with a bust of Hans Christian Andersen on a fieldstone base.
Why now January scores 83/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Nojoqui Falls
Seasonal waterfall over a mossy limestone face, reached by a short shaded trail in a county park south of town.
Why now Highs near 62°F and 3.5 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Los Olivos tasting rooms
Small ranch town ten minutes north whose main street is lined with tasting rooms for Santa Ynez Valley wineries.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Solvang Julefest
The village's month-long Christmas festival, with lights on the half-timbered shops, a parade and a Nisse hunt.
Birkholm's Bakery
Danish bakery on Alisal Road for kringle, butter cookies and pastries to eat on the bench outside.
Nearby in January
- Santa Barbara in January~28 mi · highs 64°F, 3.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- San Simeon in January~95 mi · highs 54°F, 2.9 in rain · 5°C (8°F) cooler by day, drier
- Hollywood in January~109 mi · highs 66°F, 2.9 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, drier
- Los Angeles in January~114 mi · highs 67°F, 2.9 in rain · 3°C (5°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 Solvang's ~150 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.
Solvang in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Solvang?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 83/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are April – June and September – November. Expect highs of 62°F (17°C) and 3.5 in (90 mm) of rain.
How cold is Solvang in January?
Average highs are 62°F (17°C) and average lows 50°F (10°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Solvang 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 Solvang in January?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 50°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.5 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in January
- Solvang & Santa Barbara Early Dec – early Jan
Planning Solvang in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.