January Weather in Santa Monica, United States

Last updated: February 24, 2025

Experience the mild charm of Santa Monica in January, where temperatures range from a refreshing 5°C (40°F) at night to a warm 29°C (84°F) during the day. The month averages a comfortable 14°C (57°F), making it perfect for outdoor activities. Expect about 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over just four days, contributing to a humidity level of 74%, which adds a touch of moisture to the coastal air. Whether you’re strolling along the beach or enjoying the local sights, January offers a delightful blend of sun and occasional rain, ideal for visitors seeking a winter escape.

January Temperature in Santa Monica

January in Santa Monica showcases a mild winter, with temperatures ranging from a cool 5°C (40°F) at their lowest to a pleasant 29°C (84°F) at their peak. The average temperature hovers around a comfortable 14°C (57°F), setting the tone for a month that feels more like an early spring day than the depths of winter. As the month progresses into February, temperatures dip slightly, yet the overall experience remains warm compared to many other regions. This trend of mild winters in Santa Monica highlights the city’s appeal, as visitors can enjoy outdoor activities under the sun, even in the heart of January.

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

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Santa Monica, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec565758626368727372686357
Data source: Temperature data for Santa Monica generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Santa Monica

In January, Santa Monica experiences a moderate level of rainfall, with a total precipitation of 68 mm (2.7 in) spread over four days. This month sets the tone for a wetter winter, contrasting with the sharply reduced rainfall observed in the subsequent months. For example, February sees a drop to 53 mm (2.1 in), and by April, the amount plummets to just 15 mm (0.6 in) over a mere two days. As the year progresses into the summer months, precipitation becomes scarce, with June, July, and August each reporting minimal rainfall of only 1 mm (0.1 in) or less. This pattern highlights a clear seasonal trend in Santa Monica, where the first month of the year is relatively wet, paving the way for a much drier period in the warmer months ahead.

January Precipitation Trends in Santa Monica

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Santa Monica, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec6853711510121271780
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
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January Humidity in Santa Monica

In January, Santa Monica experiences a humidity level of 74%, setting the tone for a month characterized by a pleasant coastal climate. As winter transitions to spring, humidity inches up to 79% in February, marking the year's peak. Following this, humidity slightly dips to 75% in March but stabilizes around 70% from April through May, offering a comfortable atmosphere. The summer months see a slight increase, with July and June hovering around 73% and 72% respectively, before gradually dropping to the lower 60s by fall. Notably, September marks the lowest point of 68%, while December nudges back up to 71% as winter returns. Overall, Santa Monica's humidity trends reveal a yearly ebb and flow that complements its inviting beachside allure.

January Average Humidity in Santa Monica

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Santa Monica, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec74%79%75%71%70%72%73%69%68%67%68%71%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Santa Monica

In Santa Monica, January greets sun-seekers with a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a safe burn time of approximately 30 minutes. As we transition into February, the UV Index rises to 6, marking a shift to the high exposure category and reducing burn time to 25 minutes. This trend continues, with March reaching a very high UV Index of 8, and by April, it escalates to 9, requiring just 15 minutes in the sun before potential burns occur. The peak months of May and June follow suit, with extreme indices suggesting fretful moments under the sun—with only 10 minutes of exposure deemed safe. As summer progresses into July and August, the UV Index remains high at 11 and 10, respectively, prompting caution when enjoying the vibrant Californian sunshine. September sees a slight drop, but the sun remains potent with a UV Index of 10. The year winds down with moderate levels returning in October and November before settling back to 4 by December. For a deeper dive into UV Index trends in Santa Monica, check Santa Monica UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Santa Monica for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Santa Monica 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec46891011111010754
Data source: Santa Monica 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 Monica

In Santa Monica, January greets you with a solid 187 hours of sunshine, a gentle start to the year as the days gradually lengthen. As February rolls in, this bright embrace grows stronger, illuminating the city with 228 hours of golden rays. The momentum continues into March, where sunshine hours climb to 281, heralding the arrival of spring. By April, 314 hours beckon sun lovers to the beaches, followed by a delightful 348 hours in May, making it an ideal time for outdoor adventures. The peak comes in June and July with an impressive 364 and 380 hours respectively, turning Santa Monica into a sun-drenched paradise. As summer wanes, August still offers 360 hours of warmth, before the fall months gently taper off to 314 hours in September and 292 hours in October. Even as November and December arrive, bringing 255 and 225 hours of sunshine, the city retains its charm, promising plenty of bright days to relish during the winter months. This ebb and flow of sunshine hours perfectly captures the allure of Santa Monica, making it a year-round destination for sun seekers.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Santa Monica: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Santa Monica 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec187h228h281h314h348h364h380h360h314h292h255h225h
Data source: Santa Monica January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Santa Monica During January

In January, Santa Monica enjoys a 64% chance of sunny weather, making it one of the brighter months during the winter season. This positive outlook sets the tone for the subsequent months, with the likelihood of sunshine gradually increasing to 68% in February and reaching its peak at 76% in September. Interestingly, as spring approaches, the sunlit days trend upward, peaking in late summer before tapering off in the fall. Despite the slight dip to 51% in December, January remains a pleasant start to the year, hinting at the sunny days that follow. This consistent pattern highlights Santa Monica's appeal as a year-round destination for sun seekers.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Santa Monica

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Santa Monica 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 Monica experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec64%68%73%58%56%67%69%73%76%70%67%51%
Data source: Santa Monica January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Santa Monica in January

In Santa Monica, January ushers in 10 hours of daylight, setting the tone for a gradual transition as the year unfolds. This consistent duration continues into February, but as March arrives, the days begin to stretch, gaining an extra hour of sunlight. The trend accelerates into spring, with daylight extending to 13 hours by April and May, making these months ideal for enjoying outdoor activities. As summer hits its peak in June and July, residents bask in up to 14 hours of daylight, the most the city sees all year. However, as summer fades into autumn, daylight gradually diminishes, with September witnessing a decline to 12 hours. This downward trend continues into the colder months, landing at 9 hours by December, reminding us of the cyclical nature of seasons in this coastal paradise.

Average Daylight Hours in Santa Monica for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Santa Monica throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec10h 9m10h 58m11h 59m13h 3m13h 56m14h 22m14h 7m13h 20m12h 19m11h 17m10h 22m9h 54m
Data source: Santa Monica daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Santa Monica

In Santa Monica, January brings a gentle average wind speed of 2.9 m/s (6 mph), setting a slightly breezy tone for the year ahead. The wind remains relatively consistent over the following months, with February showing a slight decrease to 2.6 m/s but gradually stabilizing around 2.5-2.8 m/s for the next several months. As summer approaches, a subtle dip occurs in July and August, where the wind speeds drop to 2.3 m/s (5 mph). Interestingly, the trend shows a revival in the fall, as October picks up to 2.5 m/s before a slight fluctuation into the winter months. Overall, this mild breeziness characterizes Santa Monica's coastal charm, making each month inviting yet uniquely serene.

Average January Wind Speed in Santa Monica

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Santa Monica, 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.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec2.9 m/s2.62.82.72.52.52.32.32.22.52.22.6
Data source: Santa Monica January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Santa Monica Compares to Other Months

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

January and February experience similar average temperatures, with January showing a slightly higher maximum of 29°C (84°F) compared to February's 28°C (83°F). Both months maintain a comfortable average of 14°C (57°F), but January starts off a bit warmer with a minimum of 5°C (40°F) against February's 4°C (39°F). In terms of precipitation, January is slightly wetter with 68 mm (2.7 in) compared to February's 53 mm (2.1 in), although February has one more day of rain. Humidity levels also rise from January to February, increasing from 74% to 79%. For a detailed view of the weather in February, you can check Santa Monica weather in February.

January and March exhibit similar average temperatures, with January recording a minimum of 5°C (40°F) and a maximum of 29°C (84°F), while March slightly increases its minimum to 6°C (43°F) and has a maximum of 27°C (80°F). Precipitation levels are comparable, with January experiencing 68 mm (2.7 in) over 4 days and March seeing a slight increase to 71 mm (2.8 in) across 8 days. Both months feature high humidity levels, with January at 74% and March at 75%. For more detailed insights on March weather specifically, check out Santa Monica weather in March.

In January, the weather is generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (40°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F). This month experiences about 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over four days and has a humidity level of 74%. In contrast, April offers warmer conditions, with temperatures spanning from a minimum of 9°C (49°F) to a maximum of 33°C (92°F). The precipitation significantly decreases to just 15 mm (0.6 in) over two days, and humidity drops slightly to 70%. For more details on the pleasant weather of April, check out Santa Monica weather in April.

In January, temperatures typically range from a minimum of 5°C (40°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), with an average of 14°C (57°F). This month sees about 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over four days, along with a humidity level of 74%. In contrast, May offers milder conditions, characterized by a minimum temperature of 10°C (50°F) and a maximum of 31°C (88°F), averaging 17°C (63°F). Notably, May experiences significantly less rainfall, with only 10 mm (0.4 in) of precipitation occurring over just one day and lower humidity at 70%. This shift from January to May highlights a move towards warmer and drier weather. For more detailed insights, check out Santa Monica weather in May.

In January, the weather typically ranges from a minimum of 5°C (40°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), with an average temperature of 14°C (57°F). During this month, Santa Monica experiences around 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over four days, contributing to a relatively high humidity of 74%. In contrast, June brings warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 13°C (56°F) and a maximum of 33°C (91°F), averaging 20°C (68°F). Notably, June has significantly less precipitation at just 1 mm (0.1 in) over zero days, and humidity decreases slightly to 72%. For more details, you can visit Santa Monica weather in June.

In January, the weather is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (40°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), averaging around 14°C (57°F). The month sees about 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over approximately four rainy days, accompanied by a humidity level of 74%. In contrast, July boasts warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 16°C (60°F), an average of 22°C (73°F), and a maximum reaching 38°C (101°F). This summer month is notably dry, experiencing only 2 mm (0.1 in) of precipitation, and it enjoys clear skies with no rainy days, while the humidity remains slightly lower at 73%. For more details on the warm conditions during this month, check out Santa Monica weather in July.

In January, the weather is generally cooler with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (40°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), averaging around 14°C (57°F). The month experiences moderate precipitation, with 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain over approximately 4 days, contributing to a humidity level of 74%. In contrast, August showcases a warmer climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 16°C (61°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F), averaging 23°C (74°F). This month boasts significantly less rain, with only 1 mm (0.0 in) recorded and no rainy days, resulting in a slightly lower humidity of 69%. For more details on the weather conditions during this time, you can check Santa Monica weather in August.

January and September present notably different weather patterns. In January, temperatures range from a minimum of 5°C (40°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), with an average of 14°C (57°F). This month tends to be more humid, averaging 74% humidity, and experiences around 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over four days. In contrast, September boasts a warmer minimum temperature of 14°C (57°F) and can soar up to 37°C (100°F), averaging 22°C (72°F). Additionally, September enjoys significantly less precipitation, with only 2 mm (0.1 in) and no rainy days, along with lower humidity at 68%. For a detailed look at what to expect, visit Santa Monica weather in September.

In January, the weather is generally cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (40°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F) and an average of 14°C (57°F). The month sees about 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation over approximately four days, leading to a higher average humidity of 74%. In contrast, October experiences warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 10°C (50°F), an average of 20°C (69°F), and a maximum that can reach a sizzling 37°C (99°F). Precipitation is significantly lower in October, averaging only 7 mm (0.3 in) across one day, and the humidity dips to 67%. For more details on the October weather, you can check Santa Monica weather in October.

In comparing January and November weather, January tends to have slightly cooler averages with a range from a minimum of 5°C (40°F) to a maximum of 29°C (84°F), while November has a higher average minimum temperature of 6°C (44°F) and can reach up to 32°C (89°F). Precipitation levels also differ significantly; January experiences more rainfall at 68 mm (2.7 in) over four days, compared to November's lighter 17 mm (0.7 in) over just one day. Additionally, humidity is higher in January at 74%, while November sees a more moderate level of 68%. For a detailed look at November weather specifically, you can visit Santa Monica weather in November.

In comparing the weather between January and December, we find that both months share similar temperature ranges, with January featuring a minimum of 5°C (40°F), an average of 14°C (57°F), and a maximum of 29°C (84°F), while December has a minimum of 5°C (42°F), an average of 14°C (57°F), and a slightly cooler maximum of 27°C (80°F). Precipitation levels are slightly higher in December, totaling 80 mm (3.1 in) over 5 days compared to January's 68 mm (2.7 in) across 4 days. Additionally, January experiences a higher humidity level at 74%, compared to December's 71%. For more detailed insights regarding the weather in December, check out Santa Monica weather in December.

Compare Santa Monica's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Santa Monica

In January, Santa Monica showcases a mild winter charm that sets it apart from the scorching summer months. While the temperatures are relatively cool with averages around 14°C (57°F), visitors can still enjoy pleasant daytime highs, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities without the sweltering heat. The relatively low precipitation of just a few days enhances the beach experience, although humidity can be felt at 74%, creating a refreshing coastal atmosphere. This unique blend of mild temperatures and minimal rain offers an inviting escape, attracting those seeking a break from harsher winter climates. For a deeper insight into year-round conditions, check out Santa Monica Climate.