Santa Barbara, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Santa Barbara, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Santa Barbara, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Santa Barbara, California, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Santa Barbara, California, United States of America, the best time to go is August. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Santa Barbara, California, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Santa Barbara, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Santa Barbara, California, United States of America by month

January

January in Santa Barbara can be chilly. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Barbara. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the right type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

If you go to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

February

February in Santa Barbara is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain once in a while. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Barbara. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

If you go to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

March

March in Santa Barbara is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain sometimes. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Barbara. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to choose the necessary type. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

If you go to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

April

April for Santa Barbara is mild and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Barbara. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

If you go to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

May

May in Santa Barbara is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Barbara. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right kind. Most adapters available are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you go to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

June

Traveling to Santa Barbara in June, you will notice that it is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Barbara. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the correct kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

July

If you go to Santa Barbara in July, you will notice that it is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Barbara. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you get the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

If you go to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

August

August in this region is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Barbara. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right type. A lot of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

If you go to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

September

September for Santa Barbara is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Barbara. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the right kind. Many adapters available are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

If you go to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

October

If you visit Santa Barbara during October, you might notice that it is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Barbara. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

If you go to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

November

November in this region is mild. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Barbara. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to find the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

If you go to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

December

December for Santa Barbara is cool. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Santa Barbara. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the right kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most locations.

If you go to Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:

What to do in Santa Barbara, California, United States of America

Santa Barbara, California is an idyllic coastal town located on the central coast of California. Its Mediterranean climate and stunning natural beauty make it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. From glorious beaches to cultural landmarks, to fine dining and wine tasting experiences, Santa Barbara has something for everyone. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Santa Barbara:

1. Stearns Wharf - A visit to Santa Barbara is incomplete without visiting the iconic Stearns Wharf. This historic wharf dates back to the mid-19th century and it is the oldest working wharf on the west coast. The wharf is home to several shops, restaurants, and a museum that details the history of the wharf.

2. Santa Barbara Mission - Founded in 1786, the Santa Barbara Mission is a breathtaking example of Spanish colonial architecture. The beautifully landscaped grounds and the museum showcasing the history of the mission make it a must-visit attraction in Santa Barbara.

3. Santa Barbara Zoo - Home to over 500 animals from different parts of the world, the Santa Barbara Zoo is a popular attraction for families visiting Santa Barbara. The zoo is spread over acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and home to exotic animals, including lions, kangaroos, and elephants.

4. Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Located on the foothills of Santa Ynez Mountains, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a peaceful oasis that showcases the rich diversity of California's native plants. The garden has over 78 acres of landscaped grounds, hiking trails, and several exhibitions showcasing the flora and fauna of California.

5. State Street - State Street is the main street in Santa Barbara and home to several shops, restaurants, and boutiques. It is a pedestrian-only street that stretches for several blocks and is a popular destination for shopping and dining.

6. Butterfly Beach - This beautiful beach is located in Montecito, a few miles south of Santa Barbara. The white sand, gentle waves, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean make it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

7. Santa Ynez Valley - The Santa Ynez Valley is a scenic region located a few miles north of Santa Barbara. The region is home to several wineries, including the famous Sideways wineries. Visitors can go wine tasting, take a hot air balloon ride or go horseback riding in the beautiful countryside.

In conclusion, Santa Barbara is a charming coastal town that offers a range of attractions for visitors. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or gourmet cuisine, Santa Barbara has something for everyone. Plan a visit to Santa Barbara and experience the beauty of the California central coast.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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