Santa Barbara in May
In May, Santa Barbara averages 23°C (74°F) during the day and 13°C (56°F) at night, with only about 3 rainy days.
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Skies are generally dry and clear.
May is a great month to visit Santa Barbara: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Santa Barbara
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Santa Barbara (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (24°C). May runs roughly the same as April (23°C) and warms a further 3°C into June (26°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Santa Barbara
Times shown for Santa Barbara local time (America/Los_Angeles), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Santa Barbara — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Santa Barbara's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Santa Barbara in May
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 May's tier (High season) and Santa Barbara's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May 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 — May 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Santa Barbara in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Santa Barbara in May?
In May, Santa Barbara averages a high of 23°C (74°F) and a low of 13°C (56°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Santa Barbara in May?
May is generally dry in Santa Barbara, with about 3 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Santa Barbara?
May 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 May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full May packing list for Santa Barbara for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.