Santa Barbara in October
In October, Santa Barbara averages 27°C (80°F) during the day and 15°C (60°F) at night, with only about 2 rainy days.
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.
It's peak hurricane season in Santa Barbara during October. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.
How October compares to the rest of the year in Santa Barbara
October is in the middle of the year for warmth in Santa Barbara (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (24°C). October runs 2°C cooler than September (29°C) and cools 4°C in November (23°C).
October sunrise & sunset in Santa Barbara
Times shown for Santa Barbara local time (America/Los_Angeles), calculated for the 15th of October. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Santa Barbara — October
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of October, in Santa Barbara's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Santa Barbara in October
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 October's tier (High season) and Santa Barbara's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — October 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 beach-season conditions peak hazard season (1 active)
Sun & mosquito risk — October 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 October weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Santa Barbara in October →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Santa Barbara in October?
In October, Santa Barbara averages a high of 27°C (80°F) and a low of 15°C (60°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Santa Barbara in October?
October is generally dry in Santa Barbara, with about 2 rainy days on average.
Is October a good time to visit Santa Barbara?
October 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 October?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full October packing list for Santa Barbara for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.