Last updated: February 24, 2025
May in Santa Barbara, United States, offers a delightful blend of mild temperatures and refreshing coastal breezes. With maximum temperatures reaching up to 29°C (85°F), visitors can enjoy plenty of sunshine, while the average temperature sits comfortably at 16°C (62°F), perfect for outdoor activities. Nights cool down to a refreshing 7°C (45°F). This month typically sees minimal rainfall, with only 12 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation over 2 days, ensuring plenty of dry moments to explore the stunning landscapes. The humidity level averages around 57%, creating a pleasant atmosphere as you soak in the beauty of this vibrant coastal city.
In May, Santa Barbara begins to bask in the gentle warmth of early summer, with temperatures gradually transitioning from spring's cool embrace. This month boasts a minimum temperature of 7°C (45°F) and an average of 16°C (62°F), rising to a comfortable maximum of 29°C (85°F). Compared to the cooler months preceding it, May marks a notable increase in warmth, setting the stage for the hotter days of June and July. The consistent rise in temperatures not only invites residents and visitors to enjoy the vibrant outdoor lifestyle but also showcases Santa Barbara's charm under the soft Californian sun, making it a perfect time to explore its stunning beaches and lush landscapes.
In May, Santa Barbara experiences a notable drop in precipitation, recording just 12 mm (0.5 in) across a mere 2 days. This trend marks a continuation from the drier conditions established in April, which saw a slight uptick in rainfall but still remained relatively low compared to the earlier months like January and March. As the region transitions toward summer, these lighter rains signify the onset of drier weather, with June typically bringing even less moisture. This pattern not only highlights the seasonal shift but also sets the stage for the dry, sun-soaked months ahead, reflecting Santa Barbara's distinctive climate rhythm.
In May, Santa Barbara experiences a notable decline in humidity, dropping to 57%, a significant shift from the wetter months earlier in the year. This decrease signals the transition into the summer season, where humidity continues to lessen, reaching a low of 46% by July. The trend illustrates a gradual dryness as the year progresses, with May serving as a pivotal month in this transformation. However, as the year winds down, humidity levels begin to rise again, peaking at 82% in February. This cyclical pattern highlights the coastal region's distinct seasonal shifts, making May an ideal time for outdoor activities as the air remains pleasantly comfortable.
As we transition into May, Santa Barbara experiences a dramatic increase in UV radiation, with the UV Index peaking at 11—classified as extreme. This signifies a notable shift from earlier months, where exposure was moderate to very high, particularly in January through April. The risk of sunburn significantly escalates, with a minimal protective burn time of just 10 minutes. May is thus a crucial time for residents and visitors alike to take precautions against harmful UV exposure. With summer fast approaching, it's essential to remain vigilant and informed about local UV levels. For more details, visit Santa Barbara UV Index.
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As spring unfolds into summer, Santa Barbara shines brightly in May, boasting an impressive 367 hours of sunshine. This delightful month marks a notable peak in the annual trend, following a steady progression from 186 hours in January to 328 hours in April. May's abundant sunlight signals the arrival of warmer days, paving the way for June's even more radiant 370 hours. The sunshine hours gradually escalate during the spring, peaking in the summer months, while the fall and winter seasons see a gentle decline. This trend reflects Santa Barbara's enviable climate, offering residents and visitors a sunlit paradise that lingers long into the summer and beyond.
In May, Santa Barbara shines with an impressive 85% chance of sunny weather, marking a delightful peak in the city's springtime allure. As we transition from April's 75% probability of sunshine, the increasing trend continues, highlighting May as a month where outdoor activities can thrive under mostly clear skies. This upward trajectory in sunny days persists into the summer months, with June and July still enjoying a solid 82% and 81% chance of sun, respectively. With such favorable weather patterns, May is undoubtedly an ideal time for residents and visitors alike to soak in the beauty of Santa Barbara's coastal charm.
In Santa Barbara, May marks the continuation of a delightful trend in daylight duration, offering 13 hours of sunlight each day, the same as in April. This consistency signals the transition from spring into the burgeoning warmth of summer, as the region gradually embraces longer days. Following May, daylight stretches to 14 hours in both June and July, peaking in the height of summer before gently tapering off in the subsequent months. This harmonious rhythm of daylight not only enhances outdoor activities but also invites locals and visitors alike to relish the vibrant beauty of the California coastline as the days lengthen and the sun shines brightly.
In May, the winds in Santa Barbara exhibit a gentle average speed of 3.2 m/s (7 mph), maintaining the steady breeze characteristic of spring. Following a slight uptick to 3.6 m/s (8 mph) in April, May's winds show a subtle decline, mirroring the seasonal transition into summer. This month highlights a pattern where wind speeds begin to wane as temperatures rise, with notable decreases in the following months, particularly in July and August when they drop to 2.3 m/s (5 mph). The consistent but soft breezes of May create a delightful atmosphere, perfect for outdoor activities, while signaling the impending calm of the summer months ahead.
The weather in Santa Barbara changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of May'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.
May and January offer quite different weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a pleasant average of 16°C (62°F) and can peak at 29°C (85°F). The month is relatively dry with only 12 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation spread over just 2 days, coupled with a moderate humidity of 57%. In contrast, January is cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (37°F) to an average of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F). However, it is significantly wetter, receiving 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain over 6 days, and higher humidity levels at 78%. For more detailed information on the January weather, you can check Santa Barbara weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, it's clear that May offers a significantly warmer and drier climate. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), with an average temperature of 16°C (62°F) and only 12 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation over just 2 days. In contrast, February experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and a maximum of 25°C (78°F), averaging at 12°C (53°F). This month sees much higher precipitation, totaling 81 mm (3.2 in) spread over 6 days, along with greater humidity at 82%. For more details, check out Santa Barbara weather in February.
When comparing the weather in March and May, it's evident that May offers milder and more stable conditions. In March, temperatures range from a cooler minimum of 3°C (37°F) to a maximum of 25°C (77°F), with an average of 12°C (55°F). In contrast, May sees a wider temperature range, with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), and an average of 16°C (62°F). Additionally, March experiences significantly more rainfall, totaling 88 mm (3.5 in) over nine days, compared to May's much drier climate of just 12 mm (0.5 in) over two days. The humidity is also higher in March at 75%, while May enjoys lower humidity levels at 57%. For more details, check out Santa Barbara weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we see a slight increase in average temperatures with May averaging 16°C (62°F) compared to April's 15°C (60°F). Both months experience minimal precipitation, but April has more rain at 21 mm (0.8 in) compared to May's 12 mm (0.5 in), despite both having the same number of rainy days at two. Additionally, April tends to be more humid, with levels at 68% versus May's 57%. Overall, May feels warmer and drier than April. For a detailed look at April’s weather, check out Santa Barbara weather in April.
May and June both showcase pleasant weather, but with some notable differences. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging around 16°C (62°F). The month sees about 12 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation over 2 days, coupled with a humidity level of 57%. In contrast, June offers warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (51°F), an average of 19°C (67°F), and a peak of 33°C (91°F). Rainfall decreases significantly to just 4 mm (0.1 in) over 1 day, while humidity drops slightly to 52%. For more details, check out Santa Barbara weather in June.
May and July present quite different weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a cooler minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a pleasant average of 16°C (62°F), peaking at 29°C (85°F). The month sees some precipitation, with about 12 mm (0.5 in) falling over just two days, coupled with a humidity level of 57%. In contrast, July boasts much warmer weather, with a minimum temperature of 14°C (57°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F), reaching highs of 36°C (97°F). Notably, July experiences very little rain, only 2 mm (0.1 in) with no rainy days and a lower humidity of 46%. For more specifics on July weather, check out Santa Barbara weather in July.
When comparing the weather in May and August, notable differences emerge. May typically experiences cooler temperatures with a minimum of 7°C (45°F) and an average of 16°C (62°F), reaching a maximum of 29°C (85°F). It also sees some precipitation, accumulating around 12 mm (0.5 in) over two days, along with a relatively higher humidity level of 57%. In contrast, August boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 14°C (58°F), an average of 22°C (72°F), and a maximum of 33°C (92°F). Additionally, August is much drier, receiving only 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation, with no rainy days and significantly lower humidity at 39%. For more details, you can check out the full report on Santa Barbara weather in August.
May and September present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), with an average temperature of 16°C (62°F) and relatively higher humidity at 57%. This month experiences light precipitation, with about 12 mm (0.5 in) over two days. In comparison, September boasts warmer conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) up to a sweltering maximum of 36°C (97°F) and an average of 21°C (70°F). Additionally, September is quite dry, featuring only 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation across no rainy days and lower humidity at 48%. For more details, you can check Santa Barbara weather in September.
Comparing the weather in May and October reveals some interesting contrasts. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), with an average of 16°C (62°F) and light precipitation of about 12 mm (0.5 in) over 2 days. The humidity level hovers around 57%. In contrast, October experiences slightly milder conditions, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F) and an average of 18°C (65°F). Notably, October sees very little rain, with only 10 mm (0.4 in) and no recorded rainy days, accompanied by a humidity level of 59%. For more detailed information, you can check Santa Barbara weather in October.
In comparison to May, November experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) compared to May’s 7°C (45°F) and an average of 15°C (60°F) versus May’s 16°C (62°F). While both months have similar maximum temperatures, November's is slightly lower at 28°C (83°F) compared to 29°C (85°F) in May. November also sees increased precipitation, totaling 23 mm (0.9 in) over one day, compared to May's lighter 12 mm (0.5 in) over two days, resulting in higher humidity levels of 72% in November against 57% in May. For a more detailed look at November weather, check out Santa Barbara weather in November.
May and December present markedly different weather experiences. In May, temperatures range from a pleasant minimum of 7°C (45°F) to a warm maximum of 29°C (85°F), with an average of 16°C (62°F). The month sees limited rainfall, with only 12 mm (0.5 in) of precipitation over just 2 days and a moderate humidity of 57%. In contrast, December features cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F), averaging at 12°C (54°F). This month is wetter, receiving 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain over 6 days, and experiences higher humidity at 76%. For more detailed information on December conditions, check out Santa Barbara weather in December.
As May unfolds in Santa Barbara, the weather becomes a delightful transition from the cooler spring months, with average temperatures signifying a warmer embrace. The occasional rain, limited to just a couple of days, brings a refreshing touch, ensuring the landscapes remain vibrant. Compared to the chillier months, May's humidity levels feel pleasantly mild, inviting both residents and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities in the sun. This perfect blend of warmth and moisture sets the stage for summer, making it an ideal time for exploring everything this beautiful coastal city has to offer. For a deeper dive into the seasonal patterns, visit Santa Barbara Climate.