Santa Barbara in September
In September, Santa Barbara averages 29°C (83°F) during the day and 18°C (65°F) at night, with only about 1 rainy day.
High seasonConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.
It's peak hurricane season in Santa Barbara during September. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.
How September compares to the rest of the year in Santa Barbara
September is one of the warmest months in Santa Barbara (2nd of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 5°C above the annual average (24°C). September runs 1°C cooler than August (29°C) and cools 2°C in October (27°C).
September sunrise & sunset in Santa Barbara
Times shown for Santa Barbara local time (America/Los_Angeles), calculated for the 15th of September. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Santa Barbara — September
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of September, in Santa Barbara's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Santa Barbara in September
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 September's tier (High season) and Santa Barbara's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — September 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 — September 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 September weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Santa Barbara in September →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Santa Barbara in September?
In September, Santa Barbara averages a high of 29°C (83°F) and a low of 18°C (65°F) — generally warm.
Does it rain a lot in Santa Barbara in September?
September is generally dry in Santa Barbara, with about 1 rainy day on average.
Is September a good time to visit Santa Barbara?
September 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 September?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full September packing list for Santa Barbara for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.