Santa Barbara in January
In January, Santa Barbara averages 19°C (67°F) during the day and 9°C (49°F) at night, with around 6 days of rain (123 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
January is a great month to visit Santa Barbara: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Santa Barbara
January is one of the coolest months in Santa Barbara (11th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C below the annual average (24°C). January runs 1°C warmer than December (19°C) and warms a further 1°C into February (20°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Santa Barbara
Times shown for Santa Barbara local time (America/Los_Angeles), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Santa Barbara — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Santa Barbara's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Santa Barbara in January
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 January's tier (High season) and Santa Barbara's popularity.
January in United States — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Major travel surge plus widespread Dec 24-26 and Jan 1 business closures.
Plan: Book flights and hotels well ahead; expect many restaurants/shops closed Dec 25 and Jan 1.
Crowds & pricing — January 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: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — January 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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Santa Barbara in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Santa Barbara in January?
In January, Santa Barbara averages a high of 19°C (67°F) and a low of 9°C (49°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Santa Barbara in January?
January sees occasional rain in Santa Barbara, with about 6 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Santa Barbara?
January is mild and pleasant. 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 January?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full January packing list for Santa Barbara for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.