Last updated: February 24, 2025
February weather in Santa Cruz, United States is characterized by a mild coastal climate that brings a blend of sunshine and rain. With a maximum temperature reaching 21°C (70°F) and a comfortable average of 11°C (53°F), visitors can enjoy pleasant outdoor activities. However, the month can also be quite damp, registering 136 mm (5.3 in) of precipitation over 7 days, resulting in an humidity level of 84%. This combination of warmth and moisture creates a rich and vibrant landscape, making February a unique time to experience the natural beauty of Santa Cruz.
In February, Santa Cruz enjoys a mild climate as winter begins to fade, with temperatures gently rising. The month starts with a minimum of 5°C (42°F), maintaining an average of 11°C (53°F), which is consistent with January's averages. However, February is marked by a notable increase in daily maximum temperatures, peaking at 21°C (70°F), offering a pleasant warmth that hints at the approaching spring. This gradual warming trend is observable as the days grow longer, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities along the picturesque coastline. As winter recedes, Santa Cruz's weather in February provides a charming preview of the balmy days to come.
In February, Santa Cruz experiences a noticeable decline in precipitation, totaling 136 mm (5.3 in) over 7 days, slightly less than January’s 148 mm (5.8 in) but still indicative of the region's wet winter season. This trend continues into March, where rainfall further decreases to 110 mm (4.3 in) while the number of wet days increases to 11. As spring approaches, precipitation sharply drops, with April receiving just 42 mm (1.6 in) and only 5 rainy days. These figures highlight a clear transition from the winter deluge to a much drier coastal climate, paving the way for the sunnier months ahead. The overall trend of decreasing rainfall underscores Santa Cruz's characteristic wet winters and dry summers, setting the stage for the shift to lighter showers in the coming months.
In February, Santa Cruz experiences a slight uptick in humidity, averaging around 84%, which marks it as one of the more humid months of the year. This increase follows January’s already high humidity of 82%, presenting a transitional period before the humidity begins to decline in the warmer months. As spring approaches, the humidity gradually decreases to 78% in April and continues to drop significantly through the summer, reaching a low of 54% by August. This trend highlights a consistent pattern in Santa Cruz's climate, where the first half of the year is typically characterized by higher moisture levels, gradually giving way to drier conditions as the heat of summer settles in. The cyclical nature of humidity reflects the coastal influences that shape this vibrant Californian city.
In February, Santa Cruz experiences a UV Index of 5, maintaining a moderate exposure category akin to January. With a burn time of just 30 minutes, residents and visitors should remain mindful of sun safety during outdoor activities. As the month progresses towards spring, we see a notable upward trend in UV intensity, with the UV Index ramping up significantly in March and April, culminating in a very high exposure as summer approaches. This pattern underscores the importance of preparing for increased sun exposure in the coming months. For more detailed insights on UV levels throughout the year, check out Santa Cruz UV Index.
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February brings a delightful boost of sunshine to Santa Cruz, with 222 hours of radiant light gracing the skies—an increase from 162 hours in January. This trend of growing sunlight continues into the following months, reaching its peak in May and June when daylight hours climb to 360 and 373 respectively. The gradual warming of this coastal haven not only brightens the landscape but also invigorates the local spirit, setting the stage for many outdoor adventures. As February transitions into spring, the days become longer and sunnier, making it a perfect time to experience the vibrant energy and natural beauty that Santa Cruz has to offer. As the sunshine lingers, it beckons both residents and visitors alike to embrace the joyful embrace of the season.
As winter wanes, February in Santa Cruz ushers in a marked increase in sunshine, with a 61% chance of sunny weather. This trend highlights a shift from the cooler, cloudier days of January, which saw only a 47% likelihood of sun. The sunny disposition continues into the following months, with March and April maintaining solid percentages around 56%. However, as spring approaches, the forecast brightens even more, leading into the sunnier, more reliable days of late spring and summer, where May reaches 72% and August peaks at 76%. February serves as a delightful bridge, where the promise of sunshine begins to return, inviting residents and visitors alike to enjoy the outdoors.
In February, Santa Cruz witnesses a delightful increase in daylight, with 10 hours of sun illuminating the coastal charm, marking a noticeable transition from the 9 hours in January. This upward trend continues into March, as daylight extends to 11 hours, ushering in the promise of spring. As we move through the spring months, daylight reaches its peak in May and June, basking in 14 hours of sunshine, before gradually tapering off again in the later summer and fall. This rhythmic dance of daylight durations paints a vivid picture of the changing seasons, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace outdoor activities during these sun-drenched days.
In February, Santa Cruz experiences a gentle increase in wind speed, averaging 3.7 m/s (8 mph), slightly up from January's calm breezes. This subtle uptick suggests a transition towards the more blustery months ahead, as winter gives way to early spring. With March mirroring February's winds, it sets a consistent pattern before a notable rise in April, reaching 3.8 m/s (9 mph). Overall, February stands out as a month of mild winds, marking the beginning of a gradual escalation that will continue into the warmer months, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities amidst refreshing coastal breezes.
The weather in Santa Cruz changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of February's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Santa Cruz and find detailed weather information for every month.
In February, temperatures in Santa Cruz show a slight increase compared to January, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum of 21°C (70°F), while January's temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F). Both months have an average temperature of 11°C (53°F), yet February experiences slightly less precipitation at 136 mm (5.3 in) over 7 days, compared to January’s 148 mm (5.8 in) over 9 days. Interestingly, February has a slightly higher humidity level at 84%, compared to January's 82%. For more detailed information on January weather, you can visit Santa Cruz weather in January.
February and March share similar average temperatures, with February displaying a slightly wider range between a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum of 21°C (70°F), compared to March's minimum of 6°C (42°F) and maximum of 20°C (68°F). While February experiences more precipitation at 136 mm (5.3 in) over 7 days, March sees a reduced total of 110 mm (4.3 in) over 11 days, indicating that rain may be spread more frequently throughout the month. Additionally, humidity levels are similar, with February at 84% and March slightly lower at 82%. For a closer look at March weather specifics, you can check Santa Cruz weather in March.
When comparing February and April weather, one can note a gradual warming trend as spring approaches. February typically experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and an average of 11°C (53°F), peaking at 21°C (70°F). In contrast, April boasts slightly higher temperatures, beginning at a minimum of 7°C (44°F) and averaging 12°C (54°F), while reaching a maximum of 24°C (75°F). Additionally, February is marked by significantly higher precipitation, totaling 136 mm (5.3 in) over approximately 7 days, compared to April's lighter rainfall of 42 mm (1.6 in) in just 5 days. Humidity levels also drop from 84% in February to 78% in April, indicating a more comfortable atmosphere as the season transitions. For more details on the specific conditions for April, check out Santa Cruz weather in April.
February and May present contrasting weather conditions. February typically sees a minimum temperature of 5°C (42°F) and an average of 11°C (53°F), with maximums reaching up to 21°C (70°F). However, it also brings significant rainfall, totaling 136 mm (5.3 in) over about 7 days, accompanied by high humidity at 84%. In contrast, May offers milder temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F) and an average of 13°C (55°F), peaking at 20°C (68°F). Precipitation is notably lower during this month, averaging just 23 mm (0.9 in) across 3 days and with a drop in humidity to 71%. For more details about the weather in May, check out Santa Cruz weather in May.
February and June exhibit distinctly different weather patterns. In February, temperatures range from a chilly minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a comfortable maximum of 21°C (70°F), with an average of 11°C (53°F). The month is characterized by considerable precipitation, totaling 136 mm (5.3 in) over approximately 7 days, contributing to high humidity levels of 84%. In contrast, June brings milder temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (51°F) and a maximum reaching 29°C (84°F), averaging 14°C (58°F). The precipitation dramatically drops to just 4 mm (0.2 in) over the course of only 1 day, resulting in more comfortable humidity levels at 64%. For more insights on the weather in June, check out Santa Cruz weather in June.
February and July present strikingly different weather patterns. In February, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 21°C (70°F), with an average of 11°C (53°F). The month is marked by significant precipitation, with 136 mm (5.3 in) of rain spread over seven days, and relatively high humidity at 84%. In contrast, July boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and an average of 15°C (59°F), but it mirrors February's maximum temperature of 21°C (70°F). The standout difference is the nearly non-existent rainfall, only 2 mm (0.1 in) throughout the month and no rainy days, accompanied by a much lower humidity level of 58%. For a detailed look at July weather, you can visit Santa Cruz weather in July.
February and August present strikingly different weather patterns. February experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and an average of 11°C (53°F), while August boasts milder conditions, starting at a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and averaging 16°C (61°F). Rainfall also sets the two months apart; February sees significant precipitation of 136 mm (5.3 in) across about 7 days, creating a damp atmosphere coupled with high humidity at 84%. In contrast, August is notably dry, with only 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain and no recorded rainy days, alongside a much lower humidity of 54%. For more detailed insights on August's weather characteristics, check out Santa Cruz weather in August.
February and September present notably different weather patterns. In February, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 21°C (70°F), with an average of 11°C (53°F). The month is quite wet, receiving an average of 136 mm (5.3 in) of precipitation over about 7 days, coupled with high humidity at 84%. In contrast, September boasts milder conditions, featuring a minimum temperature of 11°C (53°F) and peaking at 31°C (88°F) with an average of 16°C (62°F). Remarkably, September experiences significantly less precipitation, with just 2 mm (0.1 in) and no rainy days, along with a much lower humidity level of 55%. For a closer look at September’s climate, check out Santa Cruz weather in September.
February and October present contrasting weather patterns. In February, temperatures range from a mild minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 21°C (70°F), with an average of 11°C (53°F). This month is characterized by significant rainfall, totaling 136 mm (5.3 in) over about seven days, resulting in a high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, October enjoys warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum reaching 29°C (84°F), averaging at 16°C (60°F). Precipitation is much lighter in October, with only 31 mm (1.2 in) falling over just two days and a noticeably lower humidity of 62%. To explore more about the weather in this month, check out Santa Cruz weather in October.
When comparing February and November weather, both months exhibit mild temperatures, but November tends to be slightly warmer. In February, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 21°C (70°F), while November's temperatures range from 6°C (44°F) to 23°C (73°F). February experiences more precipitation, with 136 mm (5.3 in) over 7 days, compared to November’s 61 mm (2.4 in) across 5 days. Additionally, February has a higher humidity level at 84%, whereas November's humidity sits at 78%. For more detailed information, check out Santa Cruz weather in November.
When comparing the weather in February and December, both months exhibit relatively mild temperatures, with average highs reaching around 21°C (70°F). February typically sees a slightly lower minimum temperature of 5°C (42°F) compared to December’s 7°C (45°F). Both months have similar average temperatures of 11°C (53°F) and 12°C (53°F), respectively. However, February experiences more precipitation, with 136 mm (5.3 in) over about 7 days, while December has 126 mm (4.9 in) spread across 9 days. Additionally, February's humidity is a bit higher at 84% compared to December's 80%. For more details on December's climate, you can visit Santa Cruz weather in December.
As February unfolds in Santa Cruz, the weather presents a unique transition between the cooler winter months and the warming spring days. While temperatures remain mild, with averages comfortable enough for outdoor activities, you can expect a notable amount of rainfall, making February one of the wetter months of the year. The high humidity coupled with periodic showers contrast sharply with the drier summer season, creating a lush and vibrant landscape. For those eager to understand how February fits into the broader climate picture, insights can be explored in more detail at Santa Cruz Climate.