Santa Monica enjoys year-round popularity as a tourist destination because of its excellent climate and setting in Southern California. It’s up to you to decide when the best weather in Santa Monica is, but our in-depth guide on the weather in Santa Monica, California, will point you in the right way.
Santa Monica is LA County’s laid-back beachfront jewel, with a coastline of 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers). This town has a summery vibe no matter what time of year you visit, whether you enjoy taking strolls or bike rides along Santa Monica State Beach or enjoying the weather in Santa Monica Pier.
Check out Pacific Park, an amusement park with a Ferris wheel, aquarium, and cotton candy stands. Exercise on the Original Muscle Beach’s fitness equipment, shop ’til you drop on Third Street Promenade, and take in the breathtaking ocean views from Palisades Park.
The farmer’s market is a must-visit location since it provides all of the fresh food for area restaurants.
Santa Monica experiences year-round pleasant weather, with an average high of 70 degrees. To avoid the crowds, you might wish to visit in the spring or autumn as the summer months can be extremely crowded.
Remember that even in the summer, the water may be rather chilly, so if you want to spend time at the beach, you might want to wait until it has had a chance to warm up.
General Climate Overview
Spring (from March to May)
This season feels moderate because of the combination of humidity and temperature. Warmer temperatures are experienced in the later months, with highs between 72.4°F (22.4°C) and 66.6°F (19.2°C). With only 1 to 2 days of considerable precipitation per month, it rarely rains.
Spring is an excellent time for anyone looking for things to do because it is the second busiest season for tourism.
Summer (from June to August)
The middle of the year has quite pleasant weather with comfortable high temperatures. With only a few days of precipitation per month, these months experience the least amount of precipitation. In Santa Monica, June to August is the biggest travel season, thus hotel rates may be more than usual.
Autumn (from September to November)
Given the humidity and wind, the daily highs in the autumn vary between 78.6°F (25.9°C) and 69.3°F (20.7), which will feel extremely pleasant. It typically snows or showers 0 to 2 days each month. Due to the weather, tourism is at its lowest during these months, so hotels may be inexpensive.
Winter(from December to February)
Santa Monica’s seasonal climate is pleasant for visitors from warm climates because it is not too hot. The typical high temperature ranges from 64.7°F (18.2°C) to 71.1°F (21.7°C) for this time of year.
Three to five times every month on average, it snows or showers lightly. Tourist traffic is generally low during these seasons.
Weather In Santa Monica
Temperature
Santa Monica experiences a wide range of typical temperatures. Given the humidity, there is very little chance of rain or snow throughout the year, and temperatures feel extremely pleasant. When compared to other tourist locations across the world, the region is more temperate than most, ranking 88th for nice weather.
In terms of temperature, September, August, and subsequently July are the warmest months to visit Santa Monica. See below for the monthly average temperatures.
The warmest time of year is typically from late August to early September when daytime highs frequently hover above 80°F (26.7°C) and lows hardly ever go below 64.6°F (18.1°C).
Precipitation
If you prefer dry weather, June, August, and July have the lowest probability of major precipitation in Santa Monica. Please take note that in this section, “significant precipitation” is defined as .1 inch or more. Early May has the lowest likelihood of rain or snow.
For instance, there are often no rainy days during the week of April 30. On the other hand, late January is when it will most likely rain or snow, with an average of 2 days of heavy precipitation the week of January 22.
Humidity and Wind
Santa Monica has some mildly muggy months, with moderately humid months on the other side of the year. January has the lowest relative humidity (42.8%) while July has the highest (68.3%). Santa Monica often experiences very little wind. April has the most wind, followed by May and June.
The average wind speed in April is about 4.4 knots (5.1 MPH or 8.2 KPH), which is referred to as “a light breeze.”
Early to mid-April has the highest maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting longer than a few seconds), with average top sustained speeds reaching 11.6 knots, which is regarded as a mild breeze.
Peak Season To Visit Santa Monica
The greatest time to visit Santa Monica is during the peak tourist season. The city is crowded with tourists at this time of year when the weather is at its best. Mid-June to mid-August is when business is at its busiest. The typical temperature at this time of year is roughly 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
There are many activities to do in the city, and the weather is typically beautiful. Hotel rates are at their greatest during this time, though. Visit Santa Monica in the off-peak season if you want a less expensive choice.
From mid-September through mid-November is the off-peak period. At this time of year, the weather is still pleasant and hotel rates are reduced.
Off-Season In Santa Monica
Off-season is the greatest time to explore Santa Monica. Usually, this occurs between mid-September and mid-October, and then between mid-January and mid-February. Even though there are fewer tourists during these times, the weather is still lovely.
As a result, you can find better discounts and less-crowded lodging and activities. Any time of year is a terrific time to visit Santa Monica, but the off-season is the best if you want to avoid the crowds and save some money.
Events And Festivals In Santa Monica Season Wise
The best time to visit Santa Monica depends on the events and festivals that interest you. Summer is without a doubt the finest season to visit Santa Monica if you enjoy the sun and the beach. If you’re more interested in the arts and culture scene, planning your vacation for the autumn or winter may be a better idea.
In Santa Monica, there is always something happening, no matter what time of year you visit. Here are some of the festivals and events you may attend in each season:
Spring
– Santa Monica Film Festival: This festival takes place in April and features the best in independent and international cinema.
– Santa Monica Pier Twilight Concert Series: From Thursdays through May, the Santa Monica Pier hosts a free concert series that features a range of musical styles.
– Santa Monica Festival: This yearly occasion, which takes place in June, showcases the various cultures represented in the city through cuisine, music, and dance.
Summer
– Santa Monica Seafood Festival: This annual event takes place in October and celebrates Santa Monica’s seafood heritage with cooking demonstrations, live music, and more. – Santa Monica Farmers’ Market: Every Wednesday and Saturday morning from June to November, you can find fresh, locally grown produce at the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market.
Fall
– Santa Monica Art Walk: This regular occasion, held on the first Thursday of each month, includes art galleries, live music, and other attractions.
– The Santa Monica Jazz Festival, which takes place every November and showcases some of the world’s top jazz musicians.
Winter
– Santa Monica Holiday Celebration: On December 31st, this annual celebration offers live music, food, and entertainment for all ages.
You can always find something to enjoy in Santa Monica, no matter what time of year you go. So get to work on your travel itinerary right away and enjoy everything that great city has to offer.
Best weather in Santa Monica for Outdoor Activities
Santa Monica, a charming coastal community in Southern California, is well-known for its lovely beaches, wonderful climate, and a wide variety of outdoor activities.
Although Santa Monica is a well-liked tourist destination all year round, the best months to go are from April through October. The best weather for taking advantage of all that Santa Monica has to offer is during these months.
The busiest travel period in Santa Monica is from April to October, and for good reason. This time of year, the weather is ideal for enjoying the outdoors. Lows rarely fall below 60 degrees, and the average high temperature at this time is a balmy 75 degrees.
During these months, the ocean water is frequently very warm as well, making it perfect for swimming, surfing, and other water sports. You’ll be able to experience all the city’s attractions without the crowds during these months because Santa Monica is likewise less busy during these times.
Plan your trip for April through October if you want to take advantage of all that Santa Monica has to offer best weather and fewer visitors will welcome you, making this the best time to see all that this lovely city has to offer.
Weather In Santa Monica Month Wise
September-November
Daytime highs range from the upper 60s to the low 70s from September through November, and rain showers are infrequent.
The majority of your trip can therefore be spent relaxing on the beach, swimming, strolling along Third Street Promenade, biking along Marvin Braude Beach Trail, and having picnics in Palisades Park or Tongva Park.
Additionally, as the season goes on, hotel rates frequently decrease, making it feasible to find a bargain. Even though there isn’t any autumn foliage to be seen here if you like to celebrate the season, come in October.
There are several options for fall-themed activities, including seminars at the cookery school at Santa Monica Place and events with a pumpkin theme at the city’s farmers markets.
December-February
Santa Monica is a year-round vacation destination due to its location in Southern California, although beach goers may want to stay away from visiting in the winter. The year’s wettest months are December, January, and February, and daytime temperatures hardly ever rise over 65 degrees.
However, there are a few advantages to traveling in the winter: December‘s holiday decorations make the Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place feel more joyous, while January’s amazing dining specials during Santa Monica Restaurant Week make the city an even bigger gourmet destination.
Travelers on a tight budget will appreciate that these months, particularly January and February, are great times to get deals.
March-May
Spring breakers from local universities flock here in March and April to stretch out on the sand before school resume. May’s typical highs remain in the mid-sixties, with largely bright sky, and more tourism.
In addition to attracting more tourists, this perfect weather also helps drive up accommodation rates. Booking in advance will ensure reduced rates because hotel bargains are less prevalent due to the increased demand.
Arrive in May for Monopoly, a yearly culinary event that turns Main Street into a walkable Monopoly board with more than 20 tasting options, for an exciting new way to experience the city.
June-August
Santa Monica comes alive in the summer, but don’t anticipate being the only traveler there.
The driest months of the year, June, July, and August are good for beach trips, bike rides, and strolls since they have pleasant daytime temperatures in the mid-60s to low-70s and warmer water that is suitable for swimming without a wetsuit.
As soon as the kids are out of school, the city’s family-friendly environment is perfect for families, and thanks to its array of well-attended summer events, such as a Fourth of July parade and a beach festival with live music, tourists may add enjoyable seasonal activities to their trip plans.
But keep in mind that all of these benefits lead to one significant drawback: The cost of rooms continues to be exorbitant. Visitors should book their lodging months in advance to guarantee availability.
Conclusion
The ideal weather in Santa Monica is between September and November. You’ll experience some of the hottest weather of the year during these fall months, and you won’t have to contend with the extra-heavy crowds that can be seen in June, July, and August.
As a result, you can relax at the beach and visit well-liked destinations like the Santa Monica Pier and the Third Street Promenade without feeling crowded. When you arrange your travel for autumn, you may also be able to discover discounts on lodging and airfare.
Consider visiting in December, January, or February if you’re on a budget and don’t mind a higher risk of rain – though rains are few and far between thanks to the city’s nearly 280 days of sunlight per year.