Last updated: February 24, 2025
December in Santa Barbara offers a delightful winter experience characterized by mild temperatures and refreshing coastal breezes. The maximum temperature hovers around 24°C (75°F), providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities, while the average settles at a comfortable 12°C (54°F). With temperatures dipping to a minimum of 3°C (38°F), cozy evenings are the norm. Rainfall is moderate, with 62 mm (2.5 in) recorded over 6 days, contributing to a humidity level of 76% that enhances the lush landscapes. Overall, December is an inviting month in Santa Barbara, marked by a blend of sun, occasional rain, and the vibrant spirit of the holiday season.
In Santa Barbara during December, temperatures reflect the city's mild coastal climate, making it an inviting escape as winter settles in elsewhere. The month boasts a minimum temperature of around 3°C (38°F) and a comfortable average of 12°C (54°F), with highs reaching up to 24°C (75°F), ideal for outdoor festivities. As the year winds down, December’s weather offers a gentle transition, maintaining similar warmth to November while showing a slight dip from the summer peaks of July and August. This pleasant climate allows residents and visitors alike to enjoy the natural beauty of the area, from sunlit beaches to cozy evenings by the fire. Overall, December in Santa Barbara is characterized by mild conditions, inviting a relaxed atmosphere perfect for holiday cheer.
In December, Santa Barbara experiences a notable uptick in precipitation compared to the dryer months preceding it. With 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain over 6 days, this month serves as a stark contrast to the virtually rainless summer, where July and August recorded just 2 mm each. This seasonal shift highlights the region's characteristic Mediterranean climate, where rainfall begins to reemerge in the winter months, following a mostly dry period. Notably, December's precipitation is significantly higher than that of November, which saw only 23 mm (0.9 in) over a mere single day. As the year wraps up, the patterns of increased rain signal a return to the more robust rainfall typical of California’s winter months, rejuvenating the landscape and preparing it for the new year ahead.
As December arrives in Santa Barbara, humidity levels begin to rise, settling at a comfortable 76%. This increase marks a shift from the drier months of summer, where July and August saw their lowest readings at 46% and 39%, respectively. Following the cooler fall months, where humidity fluctuated between 59% in October and 72% in November, December's moisture levels create a more humid atmosphere, reminiscent of the earlier winter months of January and February, which maintain higher averages of 78% and 82%. Thus, while December may bring a chill in the air, it also heralds a return to a more humid climate, bridging the gap between the dry summer and the wetter winter.
In Santa Barbara, the UV Index experiences a noticeable drop in December, reaching a value of 4, which falls into the moderate exposure category. This signifies a shift from the extreme levels seen in the summer months, where the UV Index peaked at 12 in July, resulting in a burn time of just 10 minutes. As fall gives way to winter, residents and visitors can enjoy longer exposure times of around 30 minutes before experiencing skin damage, making it a great time to indulge in outdoor activities with a reasonable level of sun protection. This seasonal trend highlights the importance of adapting sun safety practices throughout the year. For more detailed information, check out Santa Barbara UV Index.
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Santa Barbara basks in a delightful equilibrium of sunshine throughout the year, with December offering a comforting 227 hours of sunlight. While this marks a dip compared to the vibrant 367 hours in May and the peak of 383 hours in July, December still boasts a generous amount of daylight that brightens the winter season. As the year winds down, the sunshine gently fades from the heights of summer, yet remains ample enough to inspire outdoor activities and relaxation. This trend illustrates Santa Barbara's consistent allure, as locals and visitors alike can enjoy the mild temperatures and stunning coastal views, even as the days grow shorter. The transition from the abundant summer sun to the soft winter rays beautifully showcases the region's temperate climate, making December an enchanting month to experience the charm of this coastal paradise.
In Santa Barbara, the likelihood of sunny weather in December dips to 53%, making it one of the cloudier months in the region. This trend is particularly striking when compared to the sunniest months of late spring and early summer, where the chances soar as high as 86% in September and 85% in May. From January through November, there's a gentle upward trajectory in sunny days, peaking in the summer months. However, December marks a notable retreat in sunshine, suggesting a shift towards a cooler and potentially more overcast winter. As the year draws to a close, residents and visitors might want to prepare for the possibility of less sun while still enjoying the mild coastal climate of this beautiful city.
In Santa Barbara, the daylight duration experiences a notable shift throughout the year, reflecting the rhythmic dance of the seasons. December marks the low point in this cycle, with only 9 hours of daylight, signaling the onset of winter. As the year progresses from the shorter days of winter in January and February—each also with 10 hours of daylight—there's a gradual increase, peaking in the vibrant days of June and July at 14 hours. This abundant sunlight begins to wane as the summer gives way to fall, with daylight shrinking to 12 hours in September, and further declining through November back to 10 hours. The trend indicates a clear pattern of increasing daylight leading into summer and a corresponding decrease as the year draws to a close, offering a captivating look at Santa Barbara’s seasonal cycle.
As the year draws to a close, December winds in Santa Barbara present a gentle sigh at an average speed of 2.5 m/s (6 mph). While this is a modest breeze compared to the peaks seen in April at 3.6 m/s (8 mph), it reflects a consistent pattern of declining wind speeds throughout the warmer months, from the summer lows of 2.3 m/s (5 mph) in July and August to a slight uptick in the fall and early winter. This gradual decrease highlights Santa Barbara’s transition into the cooler season, suggesting a calm serenity that envelops the coastal town, perfect for holiday strolls and cozy evenings by the fire.
The weather in Santa Barbara changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Santa Barbara and find detailed weather information for every month.
December and January share similar minimum and average temperatures, both starting around 3°C (38°F) and averaging 12°C (54°F). However, January tends to be slightly warmer, reaching a maximum of 27°C (81°F) compared to December's 24°C (75°F). Additionally, January experiences more precipitation, with 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain over six days, contrasted with December's 62 mm (2.5 in) under the same number of rainy days. Humidity also increases slightly from December to January, rising from 76% to 78%. For more detailed insights, check out Santa Barbara weather in January.
In December, the weather typically ranges from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average temperature of 12°C (54°F). The month experiences around 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over approximately six days, accompanied by a humidity level of 76%.
In contrast, February sees slightly cooler minimum temperatures at 2°C (36°F) and a marginally higher maximum of 25°C (78°F), maintaining the same average temperature of 12°C (53°F) as December. However, February tends to be wetter, with 81 mm (3.2 in) of precipitation across the same number of days and a higher humidity level of 82%. For more detailed insights, check out the Santa Barbara weather in February.
December and March share similar temperature ranges, with both months experiencing minimum temperatures around 3°C (38°F) and average temperatures close to 12°C (54°F). However, March tends to be slightly warmer, reaching a maximum of 25°C (77°F) compared to December's 24°C (75°F). Precipitation levels are notably higher in March, with 88 mm (3.5 inches) falling over 9 days, while December sees 62 mm (2.5 inches) over just 6 days. Humidity remains relatively stable, hovering around 75-76% in both months. For a closer look at what to expect, check out Santa Barbara weather in March.
In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). This month experiences relatively high humidity at 76% and receives about 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over approximately 6 days. In contrast, April sees warmer temperatures with a minimum of 6°C (42°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F), averaging around 15°C (60°F). The month is considerably drier, totaling only 21 mm (0.8 in) of precipitation over just 2 days and a lower humidity of 68%. For a closer look at the climate during this month, check out Santa Barbara weather in April.
In December, the weather is cooler with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), averaging around 12°C (54°F). The month sees about 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over six days and has a higher humidity level of 76%. In contrast, May often feels warmer, with temperatures ranging from 7°C (45°F) to 29°C (85°F) and an average of 16°C (62°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly less rainfall, totaling only 12 mm (0.5 in) over just two days, and the humidity drops to a more comfortable 57%. For more details, check out Santa Barbara weather in May.
December and June present strikingly different weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a chilly 3°C (38°F) at night to a warm 24°C (75°F) during the day, with an average of 12°C (54°F). The month sees about 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over six days, contributing to a relatively high humidity of 76%. In contrast, June boasts milder nights with a minimum temperature of 10°C (51°F) and highs reaching up to 33°C (91°F), averaging around 19°C (67°F). Rainfall is significantly lower in June, with only 4 mm (0.1 in) over a single day and a more comfortable humidity level of 52%. For a closer look at what to expect, you can check out Santa Barbara weather in June.
In December, temperatures in Santa Barbara range from a cool 3°C (38°F) to a mild average of 12°C (54°F), with maximums reaching up to 24°C (75°F). This month also sees more precipitation, with about 62 mm (2.5 in) falling over an average of 6 days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 76%. In stark contrast, July boasts much warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable 14°C (57°F) to a hot average of 22°C (72°F) and soaring to a high of 36°C (97°F). July is also much drier, with only 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation and no rainy days, resulting in a lower humidity of 46%. For more detailed information, check out Santa Barbara weather in July.
December and August present contrasting weather patterns. In December, temperatures range from a cool minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). The month experiences relatively high humidity at 76% and sees about 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over six days. In stark contrast, August boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 14°C (58°F), an average of 22°C (72°F), and a peak of 33°C (92°F). Moreover, it is notably dry, receiving just 2 mm (0.1 in) of rainfall and experiencing no rainy days, along with a much lower humidity level of 39%. For more details on August weather, you can check Santa Barbara weather in August.
In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F). The month experiences around 62 mm (2.5 in) of precipitation over six days and has a high humidity level of 76%. In contrast, September offers significantly warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from 9°C (48°F) to a sweltering 36°C (97°F), averaging 21°C (70°F). Additionally, September boasts minimal precipitation, with only 2 mm (0.1 in) across the month and no rainy days, resulting in a much lower humidity of 48%. For more details, you can check Santa Barbara weather in September.
In comparing the weather of October and December, we see significant differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. December's temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 24°C (75°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F), making it cooler overall compared to October, which boasts a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a much warmer maximum of 33°C (92°F), with an average of 18°C (65°F). Additionally, December experiences more rainfall, with 62 mm (2.5 in) over 6 days, while October is notably drier, receiving just 10 mm (0.4 in) with no rain days at all. The humidity also shifts, being higher in December at 76% compared to 59% in October. For a more detailed look at the weather conditions during October, you can check out Santa Barbara weather in October.
In comparing the weather conditions from November to December, we see a notable shift in temperatures and precipitation levels. November maintains a slightly higher average temperature of 15°C (60°F) compared to December's 12°C (54°F), with maximums reaching 28°C (83°F) versus December's 24°C (75°F). Interestingly, both months share the same minimum temperature of 3°C (38°F). December, however, experiences a significant increase in precipitation, recording 62 mm (2.5 in) over six days, in stark contrast to November's lighter rainfall of just 23 mm (0.9 in) over one day. Humidity levels also rise slightly in December to 76%, compared to November's 72%. For more detailed insights on November weather, visit Santa Barbara weather in November.
As December rolls into Santa Barbara, the coastal city transforms with a refreshing chill that sets it apart from the warmer months. The average temperatures drop noticeably, embracing a crispness that invites cozy sweaters and warm drinks. While the sun still graces the days, the increased humidity and occasional rainfall—spreading across about six days in the month—bring a touch of winter to this beautiful locale. With its unique blend of atmospheric changes, December offers a distinctive experience that contrasts sharply with the balmy summer. For more details on seasonal variations, explore Santa Barbara Climate.