January Weather in Santa Cruz, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

January in Santa Cruz, United States, is characterized by cool temperatures and a touch of winter charm. With maximum temperatures reaching 18°C (65°F) and an average of 11°C (53°F), the month offers a refreshing respite from the heat of summer. Nights can get quite chilly, dropping to a minimum of 6°C (42°F). While the region experiences slightly high humidity at 82%, it also welcomes 148 mm (5.8 in) of rainfall over 9 days, contributing to the lush, green landscapes that define this coastal haven. Whether you're enjoying the brisk air or cozying up in a local café, January provides a unique opportunity to experience Santa Cruz's serene beauty and vibrant atmosphere.

January Temperature in Santa Cruz

In Santa Cruz, January ushers in a mild coastal climate, with average temperatures hovering around 11°C (53°F). The month starts chilly, with minimums dipping to 6°C (42°F), but the sun often breaks through, allowing daytime highs to reach a pleasant 18°C (65°F). This early winter weather is characteristic of Santa Cruz, where temperatures remain relatively stable throughout the season. As the year progresses into February and March, temperatures gradually climb, reaching up to 21°C (70°F) by late February, showcasing a subtle but noticeable trend towards warmth. Overall, January sets the tone for a cool, yet inviting atmosphere, enticing visitors to enjoy the serene landscapes and mild ocean breezes.

January Weather in Santa Cruz: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Santa Cruz, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec535253545557586061605653
Data source: Temperature data for Santa Cruz generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Santa Cruz

January in Santa Cruz brings a significant burst of precipitation, averaging 148 mm (5.8 in) across 9 rainy days, marking it as one of the wettest months of the year. This trend continues into February, although slightly less intense with 136 mm (5.3 in) over 7 days. As the seasons shift, March sees a reduction in rainfall to 110 mm (4.3 in), hinting at the transition towards drier months. Remarkably, April drops to 42 mm (1.6 in), and that decline continues through the summer, where rainfall becomes scarce, falling to a mere 2 mm (0.1 in) in both July and August. By the time autumn arrives, precipitation picks up again in October and November, but it never quite reaches the early year levels. Overall, this pattern showcases Santa Cruz's dynamic climate, with January firmly establishing the wet season before a dry spell takes hold.

January Precipitation Trends in Santa Cruz

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Santa Cruz, with values for each month alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January's conditions compare to those of other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec148136110422342223161126
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Santa Cruz

In Santa Cruz, January brings a notable humidity level of 82%, setting the stage for the month’s distinctly moist atmosphere. This trend continues into February, which sees a slight increase to 84%, before dipping back to 82% in March. As spring approaches, humidity begins to decline, with April recording 78% and continuing its downward trajectory through the warmer months, reaching a low of 54% in August. By September, humidity rises slightly to 55%, but the general tendency is clear: as winter transitions into summer, Santa Cruz experiences progressively drier conditions. Come autumn, November and December see an uptick, with humidity returning to 78% and 80%, respectively, setting a refreshing yet variable climatic rhythm throughout the year.

January Average Humidity in Santa Cruz

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Santa Cruz, with January's data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, allowing you to see how January's humidity levels compare to other months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec82%84%82%78%71%64%59%54%55%62%78%80%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Santa Cruz

In January, Santa Cruz experiences a moderate UV Index of 4, requiring about 30 minutes of sun exposure before a burn occurs. As the year progresses into February, the UV Index slightly increases to 5, maintaining the same burn time. However, the real leap happens in March, where the UV Index escalates to 8, signaling very high exposure levels; this trend continues into April with a peak of 9. By May through July, the UV Index reaches its highest point at 11, categorizing it as extreme and drastically reducing safe sun exposure to just 10 minutes. Fortunately, the intensity wanes as fall approaches, with the UV Index easing to 7 in October and 5 in November, before dipping to 3 in December. This yearly cycle highlights the growing need for sun safety awareness as spring and summer draw closer. For more detailed insights, visit Santa Cruz UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Santa Cruz for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Santa Cruz in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec4589111111109753
Data source: Santa Cruz January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

January Sunshine in Santa Cruz

In Santa Cruz, January welcomes the year with 162 hours of sunshine, a gentle precursor to the brighter days ahead. As winter wanes, February sees a boost to 222 hours, hinting at the approaching spring. By March, the sun makes a confident appearance, contributing 269 hours of light, while April shines even brighter with 303 hours. This upward trend reaches its peak in May and June, dazzling locals with 360 and 373 hours, respectively. As summer rolls in, July remains the sunniest month at 379 hours, before a gradual decrease begins in August, which still boasts a robust 348 hours. With the arrival of fall, the sunshine begins to taper off, bringing 310 hours in September, and further declining to 206 hours by December. Despite the ebb and flow of daylight, Santa Cruz lays a claim to abundant sunshine, fostering a vibrant coastal lifestyle all year round.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Santa Cruz: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Santa Cruz experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec162h222h269h303h360h373h379h348h310h286h233h206h
Data source: Santa Cruz January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Santa Cruz During January

January in Santa Cruz brings a 47% chance of sunny weather, marking it as one of the cloudier months of the year. As winter progresses into February, there's a noticeable uptick, with sunny days increasing to 61%. This trend continues with March and April, where the likelihood remains favorable at 56%. However, the shift towards brighter days becomes more pronounced as spring transitions to summer, peaking in August and September at an impressive 76% chance of sunshine. Overall, while January may start the year on a more overcast note, the subsequent months promise a delightful journey toward sunnier skies, inviting residents and visitors alike to embrace the warmth of the coming seasons.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Santa Cruz

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Santa Cruz throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Santa Cruz experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec47%61%56%56%72%69%66%76%76%60%57%43%
Data source: Santa Cruz January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Santa Cruz in January

In Santa Cruz, January ushers in the year with a modest 9 hours of daylight, a backdrop to brisk winter days. As the month transitions into February, the sun begins to linger a bit longer, granting 10 hours of light—a signal that spring is not far behind. The trend continues with daylight steadily increasing throughout March and April, reaching a vibrant 13 hours as the days bloom into the heart of spring in May. This peak is sustained through June and July, where long summer days provide 14 hours of sunshine, perfect for beach outings and outdoor adventures. As August rolls around, daylight starts its gradual decline, offering 13 hours once more before dipping to 12 hours in September. The daylight hours continue to wane through the fall, settling back to 10 hours in November, and culminating at 9 hours again by December, closing the cycle. This rhythmic shift highlights the captivating dance of seasons in Santa Cruz, where each month beckons a new chapter of natural beauty.

Average Daylight Hours in Santa Cruz for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Santa Cruz throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec9h 56m10h 50m11h 59m13h 10m14h 9m14h 38m14h 22m13h 29m12h 21m11h 11m10h 10m9h 39m
Data source: Santa Cruz daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Santa Cruz

In January, the winds in Santa Cruz whip through the coastal landscape at an average speed of 3.5 m/s (8 mph), setting the tone for a calm yet invigorating start to the year. This gentle breeze remains a constant companion as February sees a slight uptick to 3.7 m/s, while March returns to the 3.5 m/s mark, illustrating a stability in the winter winds. As spring approaches, a gradual increase begins; April and May experience a rise to 3.8 m/s and 4.1 m/s respectively, hinting at the promise of warmer weather. However, as summer rolls in, the wind speeds fluctuate, peaking again in June at 3.9 m/s before mellowing out in July and August. The trend continues into fall with a gentle decline, dropping to 3.0 m/s by November, showcasing how the winds subtly evolve as the seasons change. The return to 3.8 m/s in December reflects a consistent rhythm in Santa Cruz's wind patterns, where breezy days invigorate the coastal charm all year round.

Average January Wind Speed in Santa Cruz

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Santa Cruz, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec3.5 m/s3.73.53.84.13.93.53.23.13.33.03.8
Data source: Santa Cruz January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Santa Cruz Compares to Other Months

The weather in Santa Cruz 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 Cruz and find detailed weather information for every month.

In comparing the weather between January and February, both months exhibit relatively mild temperatures with only slight variations. January features a minimum temperature of 6°C and a maximum of 18°C, while February sees a slightly lower minimum at 5°C and a higher maximum reaching 21°C. Precipitation levels are fairly close, with January receiving 148 mm over nine days and February a bit less at 136 mm over seven days. Additionally, February tends to be slightly more humid, registering at 84% compared to January's 82%. For more specific details, you can check out Santa Cruz weather in February.

In comparing January and March weather, both months experience similar minimum temperatures at around 6°C (42°F) and an average temperature of 11°C (53°F). However, March enjoys slightly warmer maximum temperatures, reaching up to 20°C (68°F) compared to January's peak of 18°C (65°F). Precipitation levels also differ, with January receiving more rainfall at 148 mm (5.8 in) over 9 days, while March experiences less precipitation at 110 mm (4.3 in) over 11 days. Despite these variations, both months maintain a consistent humidity level of 82%. For more detailed insights, you can explore Santa Cruz weather in March.

In January, the weather tends to be cooler and wetter, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F) and an average of 11°C (53°F). The month sees substantial rainfall, accumulating to 148 mm (5.8 in) over about 9 days, accompanied by a high humidity level of 82%. In contrast, April experiences milder temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (44°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F), averaging 12°C (54°F). Precipitation in April is significantly lower at 42 mm (1.6 in), recorded over just 5 days, while humidity drops slightly to 78%. For more detailed insights, you can check Santa Cruz weather in April.

In January, temperatures in Santa Cruz range from a chilly minimum of 6°C (42°F) to a mild maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average temperature of 11°C (53°F). The month is relatively wet, with approximately 148 mm (5.8 in) of precipitation spread over 9 days, and humidity levels are notably high at 82%. In contrast, May brings warmer conditions, featuring a minimum temperature of 8°C (47°F) and a maximum of 20°C (68°F), averaging around 13°C (55°F). Precipitation significantly decreases to just 23 mm (0.9 in) over 3 days, accompanied by lower humidity at 71%. For more details about the weather conditions in May, you can refer to Santa Cruz weather in May.

In January, the weather is quite cool, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F) and an average of 11°C (53°F). The month sees considerable precipitation, with 148 mm (5.8 in) falling over 9 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 82%. In contrast, June offers a much warmer and drier climate, featuring temperatures that range from a minimum of 11°C (51°F) to a pleasant maximum of 29°C (84°F), with an average of 14°C (58°F). With only 4 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation over just 1 day and humidity dropping to 64%, June is typically a much sunnier time. For more detailed insights on the June climate, check out Santa Cruz weather in June.

January and July present a striking contrast in weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a mild 6°C (42°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), accompanied by significant precipitation of 148 mm (5.8 in) across about 9 days, resulting in a much higher humidity level of 82%. In contrast, July enjoys warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and a maximum of 21°C (70°F), paired with an astonishingly low precipitation of just 2 mm (0.1 in) over zero rainy days, leading to a notably drier atmosphere with humidity at 58%. For more detailed insights, you can explore Santa Cruz weather in July.

January and August exhibit striking contrasts in weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average of 11°C (53°F). The month is characterized by significant precipitation, totaling 148 mm (5.8 in) over approximately nine days, coupled with high humidity levels at 82%. In stark contrast, August enjoys milder temperatures, with a minimum of 12°C (54°F) and a maximum of 24°C (75°F), averaging 16°C (61°F). Remarkably, August experiences very little rainfall, with only 2 mm (0.1 in) and no rainy days, resulting in a comfortable humidity level of 54%. For more details about the weather in August, you can check Santa Cruz weather in August.

The weather in January contrasts significantly with that of September. January experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (42°F) and a maximum of 18°C (65°F), while September boasts a minimum of 11°C (53°F) and can reach as high as 31°C (88°F). Additionally, January is quite wet, averaging 148 mm (5.8 in) of precipitation over 9 days, whereas September sees remarkably dry conditions, with only 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation and no rainy days at all. Furthermore, humidity levels are higher in January at 82%, compared to a much more comfortable 55% in September. For a more detailed look at September's conditions, you can refer to Santa Cruz weather in September.

January and October present contrasting weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average of 11°C (53°F). This month also experiences significant rainfall, averaging 148 mm (5.8 in) over about 9 days, contributing to a high humidity of 82%. In contrast, October boasts milder temperatures, with a range from 9°C (48°F) to a warm 29°C (84°F) and an average of 16°C (60°F). Precipitation is much lower in October, totaling only 31 mm (1.2 in) across just 2 days, while humidity drops to a comfortable 62%. For more details, you can visit Santa Cruz weather in October.

In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 6°C (42°F) to a maximum of 18°C (65°F), with an average of 11°C (53°F), while November experiences slightly warmer conditions, with minimums still at 6°C (44°F) and maxima reaching 23°C (73°F), averaging 14°C (57°F). January sees considerably more rainfall, with 148 mm (5.8 in) over 9 days, compared to the much drier November, which has only 61 mm (2.4 in) over 5 days. Humidity is also slightly higher in January at 82%, compared to November's 78%. For more details on the weather in November, you can check out Santa Cruz weather in November.

When comparing the weather between January and December, January generally presents cooler temperatures. The minimum temperature in January is slightly lower at 6°C (42°F) compared to December's 7°C (45°F), while the average high in January reaches 18°C (65°F), which is lower than December's maximum of 21°C (70°F). Precipitation is a bit more frequent in January, with a total of 148 mm (5.8 in) over 9 days, while December sees 126 mm (4.9 in) with the same number of rainy days. Additionally, January has a slightly higher humidity level at 82%, compared to December's 80%. For more detailed insights on December weather, visit Santa Cruz weather in December.

Compare Santa Cruz's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Santa Cruz

January in Santa Cruz showcases a distinct shift in weather compared to other months, featuring cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels. With an average temperature hovering around 11°C (53°F), the month experiences frequent rain, contributing to a total precipitation of 148 mm over approximately 9 days. This elevated moisture creates a lush, vibrant landscape that sets January apart, offering a refreshing contrast to the dryer, sunnier seasons. For those seeking to understand more about how January weather aligns with the overall climate of the region, detailed insights can be found at Santa Cruz Climate.