🇺🇸 San Francisco vs Santa Barbara 🇺🇸

San Francisco, United States vs Santa Barbara, United States — a side-by-side climate comparison to help you pick. Santa Barbara is the warmer of the two — about 5 degrees warmer on average across the year. Santa Barbara is drier, with roughly 25 fewer rainy days a year.

Climate at a glance

🇺🇸 San Francisco🇺🇸 Santa Barbara
Avg annual high19°C24°C
Hottest monthSeptember (24°C)August (29°C)
Coldest monthJanuary (8°C low)February (9°C low)
Rainy days / year6439
SnowRareRare
Best months to visitJune, July, AugustApril, May, November

🇺🇸 San Francisco

Best around June, July, August. Hottest in September (24°C), coldest lows in January (8°C).

🇺🇸 Santa Barbara

Best around April, May, November. Hottest in August (29°C), coldest lows in February (9°C).

Frequently asked questions

Is San Francisco or Santa Barbara warmer?

Santa Barbara is warmer overall, averaging about 5 degrees higher across the year.

Which is rainier, San Francisco or Santa Barbara?

San Francisco is rainier — Santa Barbara sees about 25 fewer rainy days per year.

When is the best time to visit San Francisco vs Santa Barbara?

San Francisco is best around June, July, August; Santa Barbara is best around April, May, November.

Not sure? Find your ideal destination by climate →