7 Reasons to Visit Santa Barbara in Winter
Santa Barbara is one of those places that is great all year round! Summer is the most popular time to visit, but winter might just be my favorite time to be in Santa Barbara.
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1. Fewer crowds
Santa Barbara is a tourist town that brings in millions of visitors each year. Most of those visitors come during the summer months (May-August), which is why winter is a great time to visit.
The crowds have dwindled down significantly so you can enjoy Santa Barbara in all its glory without the distraction (and annoyance) of crowds.
Fewer crowds means you will have more of the beach to yourself, don’t really need to worry about reservations, and can enjoy downtown without the stress of navigating through all the people.
2. Best Sunsets
The most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen have been during winter in Santa Barbara. It is the best time and place to be for sunset-watching!
The sun does not set over the water in winter due to where Santa Barbara is situated on the coast. The sunsets are best in winter on a somewhat cloudy day because the sun hits the clouds and makes them incredibly colorful.
I find that winter in Santa Barbara has the most pink and orange sunsets, as well as super “fiery” ones where it just keeps getting better and better as the sun goes lower!
A few of my favorite beaches to catch sunset:
Devereux Beach
Butterfly Beach
Leadbetter Beach
3. Great Weather
It’s no secret that California, particularly Southern California, is an ideal place to spend time in the winter months if you want to escape the cold. Santa Barbara is beautiful in winter, although it does still get a few rainy days between December and February (an average of 5 days per month).
The average temperature in winter is 65ºF/18ºC.
I’ve spent many winter days tanning on the beach! Just be sure to always pack layers because the temperature drops rapidly as soon as the sun starts to go down.
4. Holiday Decor Downtown
Downtown during the holidays is decked out with festive decorations throughout State Street and beyond.
Paseo Nuevo is a cute shopping center where you’ll find the large Christmas tree and Santa Claus. If you time it right, you can hang out under the tree while it “snows”!
La Arcada is in the heart of Santa Barbara’s cultural arts district off of state street. It has restaurants, shops, and art galleries. It is always filled with classy, beautiful holiday decor.
La Arcada
La Arcada
Paseo Nuevo
Paseo Nuevo
Looking for things to do in Santa Barbara? Try one of the activities below!
5. Monarch Butterfly Season
The Monarch Butterflies migrate from southern Canada, through the United States, to central Mexico. The best place to spot them near Santa Barbara is the Goleta Butterfly Grove (about 10 miles north of downtown Santa Barbara).
While the butterfly population has been low in the last few years, there has been a slight uptick since 2021.
Even if you don’t spot any butterflies, the Goleta Butterfly Grove is one of my favorite places to go for walks – it takes you through eucalyptus groves out to the cliffs with gorgeous ocean views and beach access.
There’s a decent-sized parking lot (free!) and admission to the grove is also free.
6. Great surfing
Although I am a California native, I’ve never surfed, but I do know that everyone says surfing is best in Santa Barbara in winter! If you don’t want to take my word for it, check out Santa Barbara’s article on the best places to surf in winter.
7. Cheaper Hotels
No matter where you go, the off-season will always have cheaper prices for accommodation. Santa Barbara has many beautiful hotels, as well as smaller bed and breakfasts.
Fewer people visiting Santa Barbara means that hotels lower their prices to entice more visitors. You’ll likely also have better customer service and more access to amenities.
Use the search box below to find hotels for the dates you plan to visit Santa Barbara! If the search box is not loading, try turning off your ad blocker.
A few hotels to get you started
5-star splurge: Hotel Californian
Budget with good location: The Presidio
Close to the beach: Castillo Inn at the Beach
