What is the Average Rainfall in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara is a city located on the central coast of California, USA. It has a population of 92,363 people, and the average rainfall that it receives each year is around 13.03 inches. Santa Barbara receives the majority of its rain during the winter months, and much less precipitation than other cities in the area such as San Diego.
The average rainfall in Santa Barbara is made up of two types: rain and snow. During the winter months, rainfall amounts vary greatly, with some years being much drier than average. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), from October to April, Santa Barbara receives between 5 to 9 inches of rain per year. During the late spring and summer months, rainfall is significantly lower, between two and four inches a month.
Santa Barbara does experience some snowfall during the winter months, though it is rare. An average December snowfall is typically 0.1 inches, but there have been instances where more than 1 inch of snow or sleet has fallen on some days. Overall, Santa Barbara receives minimal snowfall compared to other areas in California.
Santa Barbara also receives other amounts of precipitation in the form of fog and humidity during the Spring and Summer months which adds to the overall total amount of rain received during this time period.
When looking at the overall picture throughout the year, Santa Barbara’s average annual rainfall totals come out to around 13.03 inches, which is slightly lower than the California average rainfall of 13.51 inches.
Despite its relatively low average rainfall totals each year, Santa Barbara has a Mediterranean climate that allows vegetation to flourish year round. Furthermore, its stunning coastal terrain and stunning beaches are an attraction for tourists from all over the world each year.
The below table provides an overview of the climatological statistics for Santa Barbara for each month of the year:
| Month | Average High Temperature | Average Low Temperature | Average Rainfall | Snowfall (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65.7°F | 43°F | 3.26 in. | 0.1 in. |
| February | 65°F | 43°F | 2.59 in. | N/A |
| March | 68°F | 45°F | 3.14 in. | N/A |
| April | 71°F | 48°F | 1.3 in. | N/A |
| May | 73°F | 50°F | 0.35 in. | N/A |
| June-September | >77°F | <51-53 °F | < 0.10 - 0.53 in. | N/A |
| October | >72 °F | <51 °F | >1.38 in. | >0 in. |
| November | >67 °F | <46 °F
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In conclusion, Santa Barbara receives an average of 13.03 inches of rain per year, mostly during winter months and much less during late spring and summer months. Fog and humidity levels increase along with temperatures during the warmer months, making it a desirable destination for tourists throughout the year looking to experience its beautiful scenery and epic beaches.
