Santa Barbara in August
In August, Santa Barbara averages 29°C (85°F) during the day and 19°C (66°F) at night, with only about 1 rainy day.
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.
It's peak hurricane season in Santa Barbara during August. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.
How August compares to the rest of the year in Santa Barbara
August is one of the warmest months in Santa Barbara (1st of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (24°C). August runs 1°C warmer than July (28°C) and cools 1°C in September (29°C).
August sunrise & sunset in Santa Barbara
Times shown for Santa Barbara local time (America/Los_Angeles), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Santa Barbara — August
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in Santa Barbara's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Santa Barbara in August
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 August's tier (High season) and Santa Barbara's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — August in Santa Barbara
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: comfortable tourism weather Northern Hemisphere summer holidays beach-season conditions peak hazard season (1 active)
Sun & mosquito risk — August in Santa Barbara
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
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow 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 August weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Santa Barbara in August →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Santa Barbara in August?
In August, Santa Barbara averages a high of 29°C (85°F) and a low of 19°C (66°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Santa Barbara in August?
August is generally dry in Santa Barbara, with about 1 rainy day on average.
Is August a good time to visit Santa Barbara?
August is warm and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Santa Barbara in August?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full August packing list for Santa Barbara for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.