Santa Barbara in April

In April, Santa Barbara averages 23°C (74°F) during the day and 12°C (53°F) at night, with only about 3 rainy days.

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Skies are generally dry and clear.

April is a great month to visit Santa Barbara: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

23°C
Avg high
12°C
Avg low
3
Rain days
22 mm
Rainfall

How April compares to the rest of the year in Santa Barbara

7th
warmest month of the 12
5th
wettest month of the 12
5%
of yearly rainfall falls in April
13 h 3 min
daylight on the 15th

April is in the middle of the year for warmth in Santa Barbara (7th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (24°C). April runs 3°C warmer than March (21°C) and stays flat into May.

April sunrise & sunset in Santa Barbara

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:27 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:29 PM
Day length
13 h 3 min

Times shown for Santa Barbara local time (America/Los_Angeles), calculated for the 15th of April. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Santa Barbara — April

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of April, in Santa Barbara's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:27 AM – 6:07 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:07 AM – 7:07 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:49 PM – 7:49 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:49 PM – 8:29 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Santa Barbara.

📅 When to book — Santa Barbara in April

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on April's tier (High season) and Santa Barbara's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — April in Santa Barbara

High season

This is a busy month in Santa Barbara — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — April in Santa Barbara

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.5
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Santa Barbara in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 19°C / 67°F 9°C / 49°F 123 mm 6
February 20°C / 68°F 9°C / 48°F 69 mm 5
March 21°C / 69°F 10°C / 50°F 92 mm 8
April 23°C / 74°F 12°C / 53°F 22 mm 3
May 23°C / 74°F 13°C / 56°F 14 mm 3
June 26°C / 79°F 16°C / 61°F 5 mm 1
July 28°C / 83°F 19°C / 65°F 2 mm 0
August 29°C / 85°F 19°C / 66°F 4 mm 1
September 29°C / 83°F 18°C / 65°F 5 mm 1
October 27°C / 80°F 15°C / 60°F 12 mm 2
November 23°C / 73°F 12°C / 53°F 26 mm 3
December 19°C / 66°F 9°C / 48°F 92 mm 6

Other cities with similar April weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Santa Barbara in April →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Santa Barbara in April?

In April, Santa Barbara averages a high of 23°C (74°F) and a low of 12°C (53°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Santa Barbara in April?

April is generally dry in Santa Barbara, with about 3 rainy days on average.

Is April a good time to visit Santa Barbara?

April is mild and pleasant and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Santa Barbara in April?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full April packing list for Santa Barbara for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Santa Barbara on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.