Santa Barbara in March
In March, Santa Barbara averages 21°C (69°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night, with around 8 days of rain (92 mm total).
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
March is a great month to visit Santa Barbara: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How March compares to the rest of the year in Santa Barbara
March is in the middle of the year for warmth in Santa Barbara (9th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C below the annual average (24°C). March runs 1°C warmer than February (20°C) and warms a further 3°C into April (23°C).
March sunrise & sunset in Santa Barbara
Times shown for Santa Barbara local time (America/Los_Angeles), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Santa Barbara — March
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in Santa Barbara's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Santa Barbara in March
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 March's tier (High season) and Santa Barbara's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — March 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 — March 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 March weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Santa Barbara in March →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Santa Barbara in March?
In March, Santa Barbara averages a high of 21°C (69°F) and a low of 10°C (50°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Santa Barbara in March?
March sees occasional rain in Santa Barbara, with about 8 rainy days on average.
Is March a good time to visit Santa Barbara?
March 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 March?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full March packing list for Santa Barbara for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.