Last updated: February 24, 2025
January in Santa Barbara, United States, presents a vibrant yet refreshing climate ideal for winter getaways. With maximum temperatures reaching up to 27°C (81°F), the average daily warmth settles around a comfortable 12°C (54°F), while nights can cool down to a brisk 3°C (37°F). This month also brings 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain over approximately 6 days, contributing to a humidity level of 78%, which enhances the rich, coastal atmosphere. Visitors can embrace the beauty of this unique season while enjoying the dynamic weather patterns that define January in this picturesque locale.
In January, Santa Barbara experiences a mild winter, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a comfortable average of 12°C (54°F), peaking at a pleasant 27°C (81°F). This trend of moderate weather continues into February, where the chill slightly increases with a minimum of 2°C (36°F), yet the average remains steady. As the months progress into March, April, and May, there’s a gradual rise in both minimums and maximums, culminating in warmer averages of around 15°C (60°F) by April. June marks the start of the warmer season, with temperatures soaring to as high as 33°C (91°F), showcasing the region's characteristic Mediterranean climate. This steady upward trend in temperatures highlights Santa Barbara's appeal, offering visitors a blend of winter warmth and spring-like conditions, making it an attractive destination year-round.
January in Santa Barbara brings a notable volume of rain, with 93 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation recorded over 6 days. This sets the stage for one of the wettest months of the year, as residents transition from the drier conditions of December, which saw 62 mm (2.5 in) of rainfall. Interestingly, the rain in January is significantly higher than that of the subsequent months, like February with 81 mm (3.2 in) and March with 88 mm (3.5 in), suggesting a trend of early winter storms. As spring approaches, precipitation dramatically decreases, with April and May experiencing just 21 mm (0.8 in) and 12 mm (0.5 in), respectively, leading into a dry summer characterized by minimal rainfall. This pattern indicates a clear seasonal shift in Santa Barbara's climate, with January standing out as a pivotal month for hydration before the coastal terrain settles into a drier spell.
In January, Santa Barbara experiences a relatively high humidity level of 78%, setting the tone for the month as damp and cool. As winter transitions into spring, humidity peaks in February at 82%, creating a notable contrast before gradually declining to 75% in March. This trend of decreasing humidity continues as the city warms up, reaching its lowest point in the summer months, with 46% in July and just 39% in August. After August, the air starts to regain some moisture, climbing to 59% in October and peaking again at 76% in December. This cyclical pattern highlights the shift from a humid winter to a drier summer, characterizing Santa Barbara's coastal climate throughout the year.
In January, Santa Barbara experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, indicating a burn time of about 30 minutes for fair-skinned individuals. As the months progress, the UV Index steadily climbs, reaching 6 in February and spiking to a high of 11 in both May and June, where exposure becomes extreme, with a significantly reduced burn time of just 10 minutes. By summer, the UV levels peak at 12 in July, ensuring that sun protection is crucial during this period. As the year moves into autumn and winter, the UV Index tapers off, returning to a moderate 4 in December. This trend highlights the importance of adapting sun safety measures as Santa Barbara transitions from cooler to warmer months. For a comprehensive look at UV levels year-round, visit Santa Barbara UV Index.
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In January, Santa Barbara basks in approximately 186 hours of sunshine, a gentle start to the year that hints at the brilliance to come. As the months progress, the warmth and brightness gradually intensify, with February seeing an increase to 233 hours. By March, the days stretch to 287 hours, ushering in the spring with ever-growing light. This upward trend continues into April and May, where residents and visitors alike can enjoy 328 hours and 367 hours of sun, respectively. The peak arrives in July with a stunning 383 hours, making it the sunniest month. As summer transitions to fall, there's a noticeable decline, with a shift to 360 hours in August and a further decrease through the autumn months, culminating with 227 hours in December. This rhythmic cycle of sunshine not only highlights Santa Barbara's seasonal beauty but also creates a vibrant environment, perfect for outdoor activities year-round.
In Santa Barbara, the likelihood of sunny weather in January stands at 59%, marking the beginning of a gradual increase in sunshine as winter fades into spring. As the months progress, the chance of sunny days rises steadily, with February and March seeing significant boosts to 72% and 73% respectively. This upward trend culminates in the peak summer months, where May and September enjoy an impressive 85% to 86% chance of sunshine. Interestingly, while December wraps up the year with a lower 53% chance of sun, the overall pattern shows that residents and visitors can look forward to brighter days ahead as the year unfolds.
In January, Santa Barbara enjoys a respectable 10 hours of daylight, setting the stage for a gradual increase as the year progresses. By March, this duration rises to 11 hours, reflecting the early signs of spring. As the days lengthen into April and May, residents bask in 13 hours of sunshine, marking the transition to vibrant summer months. June and July peak at a generous 14 hours, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities and beach outings. However, as autumn approaches, daylight begins to recede; August sees a slight decline back to 13 hours, followed by 12 hours in September. The descent continues through the fall and winter, with November returning to 10 hours, and December offering just 9 hours of daylight. This rhythm of daylight not only highlights the changing seasons but also emphasizes the beauty of life in Santa Barbara, where each month brings a new reason to appreciate the sun.
In January, Santa Barbara enjoys a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 3.1 m/s (7 mph) that sets a tranquil tone for the start of the year. As the months progress, the winds see a slight uptick, peaking in April at 3.6 m/s (8 mph), perfectly complementing the blooming spring landscape. Following this peak, the winds gradually soften, particularly during the warmer summer months, dropping to a calm 2.3 m/s (5 mph) in both July and August. This trend of decreasing wind speeds continues into the fall, reaching a low of 2.2 m/s (5 mph) in September before slightly rebounding in October. Overall, Santa Barbara’s wind patterns reflect a seasonal rhythm, with brisker months giving way to a more serene atmosphere, ideal for beach strolls and outdoor activities.
The weather in Santa Barbara changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January'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.
In January, the weather features a minimum temperature of 3°C (37°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F), yielding an average temperature of 12°C (54°F). The month sees about 93 mm (3.7 inches) of precipitation over six days, with humidity levels around 78%.
In comparison, February experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F), while maintaining a similar average temperature of 12°C (53°F). Precipitation decreases to 81 mm (3.2 inches) over the same number of rainy days, and humidity rises to 82%. For more detailed information, you can check out Santa Barbara weather in February.
In January, the weather features a minimum temperature of 3°C (37°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), with a maximum reaching 27°C (81°F). The month experiences approximately 93 mm (3.7 in) of precipitation over about 6 days, along with a humidity level of 78%. In comparison, March sees similar minimum temperatures but slightly averages a bit warmer at 12°C (55°F), peaking at a milder 25°C (77°F). The precipitation decreases slightly to 88 mm (3.5 in) across 9 days, while humidity remains relatively lower at 75%. For more detailed insights, check out Santa Barbara weather in March.
In January, the weather showcases a broad temperature range with a minimum of 3°C (37°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F), resulting in an average of 12°C (54°F). This month also experiences significant precipitation, with 93 mm (3.7 in) falling over six days and humidity levels averaging around 78%. In contrast, April brings warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (42°F) and a maximum of 30°C (86°F), yielding a higher average of 15°C (60°F). This month is much drier, recording only 21 mm (0.8 in) of precipitation over just two days and lower humidity at 68%. For more detailed information, you can check Santa Barbara weather in April.
In January, the weather is characterized by cooler temperatures, with a minimum of around 3°C (37°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), peaking at 27°C (81°F). The month also sees significant precipitation, averaging 93 mm (3.7 in) over approximately 6 days, accompanied by a higher humidity level of 78%.
In contrast, May showcases milder conditions, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and averaging 16°C (62°F), reaching a maximum of 29°C (85°F). Additionally, May experiences considerably less rainfall, with only 12 mm (0.5 in) over just 2 days and a reduced humidity level of 57%. Overall, May offers a more pleasant climate compared to the cooler and wetter January. For more details on May weather in Santa Barbara, visit Santa Barbara weather in May.
January and June present stark contrasts in weather. January experiences cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), with an average temperature of 12°C (54°F). This month also sees substantial precipitation, totaling 93 mm (3.7 in) over approximately 6 days and high humidity levels at 78%. In contrast, June is much warmer, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 33°C (91°F) and an average of 19°C (67°F). Rainfall is minimal in June, only 4 mm (0.1 in) over just 1 day, and the humidity drops to a comfortable 52%. This comparison illustrates how January is characterized by cooler, wetter conditions while June basks in warmth and dryness. For more details about weather conditions, check out Santa Barbara weather in June.
In January, the weather is generally cool and wet in Santa Barbara, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F). During this month, the area receives significant precipitation, totaling 93 mm (3.7 inches) over six days, and the humidity is relatively high at 78%.
In contrast, July brings much warmer and drier conditions, with temperatures peaking at a maximum of 36°C (97°F) and averaging around 22°C (72°F). The humidity drops to 46%, and precipitation is almost non-existent, with only 2 mm (0.1 inches) recorded across the month and no rainy days. For a detailed overview, check out Santa Barbara weather in July.
When comparing the weather in January and August, a notable contrast emerges. January typically experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of around 3°C (37°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F), while August boasts much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures of 14°C (58°F) and averages reaching 22°C (72°F). Precipitation is also more frequent in January, averaging 93 mm (3.7 in) over six days, compared to virtually no rain in August, which sees only 2 mm (0.1 in) throughout the entire month. Additionally, humidity levels are significantly higher in January at 78%, while August enjoys a much drier atmosphere with only 39% humidity. For more detailed insights on weather conditions, check out Santa Barbara weather in August.
In January, the weather is quite mild, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F) and an average of 12°C (54°F). It experiences moderate precipitation with 93 mm (3.7 in) spread over about six days, contributing to a higher humidity level of 78%. In contrast, September offers a much warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), averaging 21°C (70°F). Remarkably, there is negligible precipitation at just 2 mm (0.1 in) and no rainy days, alongside a significantly lower humidity level of 48%. For more detailed insights, you can explore Santa Barbara weather in September.
In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), with an average of 12°C (54°F) and notable humidity at 78%. January also sees a fair amount of precipitation, totaling 93 mm (3.7 in) over approximately 6 days. In contrast, October enjoys milder temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F), an average of 18°C (65°F), and a maximum of 33°C (92°F). This month is considerably drier, with only 10 mm (0.4 in) of rainfall and no rainy days, accompanied by lower humidity levels at 59%. For more detailed weather insights, check out Santa Barbara weather in October.
In January, the weather tends to be cooler and wetter compared to November, with an average temperature of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F). January also experiences more precipitation, totaling 93 mm (3.7 in) over approximately 6 days, and a higher humidity level of 78%. In contrast, November features slightly milder temperatures, averaging 15°C (60°F) with a maximum of 28°C (83°F), and significantly less rainfall at just 23 mm (0.9 in) over 1 day, along with lower humidity at 72%. Overall, November showcases drier conditions and pleasant temperatures, making it an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors. For more details, check out Santa Barbara weather in November.
In comparing the weather between January and December, we see that both months share a similar range in minimum and average temperatures, with January slightly warmer with a maximum reaching 27°C (81°F) compared to December's 24°C (75°F). January experiences more precipitation, totaling 93 mm (3.7 in) over 6 days, while December has less, with 62 mm (2.5 in) across the same number of days. Humidity remains relatively consistent between the two months, with January at 78% and December at 76%. For a more detailed look at December conditions, you can check out Santa Barbara weather in December.
January in Santa Barbara showcases a unique blend of mild temperatures and increased moisture compared to the rest of the year. While daytime highs can reach a pleasant 27°C (81°F), the nights cool down significantly, creating a refreshing contrast with the summer heat. Despite experiencing some precipitation—averaging about 93 mm (3.7 in) over approximately six days—this month stands out for its overall crisp, fresh air and elevated humidity levels around 78%. This combination of cool temperatures and occasional rain offers a different kind of beauty to the region, making January an ideal time for those seeking a tranquil coastal retreat. For more insights on how January fits into the overall climate, visit Santa Barbara Climate.