Santa Barbara in February

In February, Santa Barbara averages 20°C (68°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night, with around 5 days of rain (69 mm total).

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

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

20°C
Avg high
9°C
Avg low
5
Rain days
69 mm
Rainfall

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

10th
warmest month of the 12
4th
wettest month of the 12
15%
of yearly rainfall falls in February
10 h 58 min
daylight on the 15th

February is one of the coolest months in Santa Barbara (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (4th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C below the annual average (24°C). February runs 1°C warmer than January (19°C) and warms a further 1°C into March (21°C).

February sunrise & sunset in Santa Barbara

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:44 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
5:41 PM
Day length
10 h 58 min

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

Photography light in Santa Barbara — February

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:44 AM – 6:24 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:24 AM – 7:24 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:01 PM – 6:01 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:01 PM – 6:41 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Poor
Core barely rises (or hasn't yet returned for the season). Consider a different month.

📅 When to book — Santa Barbara in February

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 February'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 — February 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 — February in Santa Barbara

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
7.7
High
Cover up and apply SPF 30+ for any outdoor activity longer than 30 minutes.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●○○○○
Minimal
Occasional mosquitoes possible near standing water. Repellent rarely needed.

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 February weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Santa Barbara in February?

In February, Santa Barbara averages a high of 20°C (68°F) and a low of 9°C (48°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Santa Barbara in February?

February sees occasional rain in Santa Barbara, with about 5 rainy days on average.

Is February a good time to visit Santa Barbara?

February 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 February?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full February 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.