Back to destinations
AI-generated illustrative scene; not a photograph of this destination
AI-generated
USA

Montecito weather & best time to visit

Sun, sea & sand

Montecito at a glance

Best time
May – Oct
Warmest month
Aug · 28°
Warmest sea
Sep · 18.6°
Sunshine a year
3,380 h
Rain a year
417 mm
Climate
Mediterranean
Time zone
UTC−8 / UTC−7
Elevation
55 m

Climate in Montecito

Montecito has a Mediterranean climate with warm to hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. August is the warmest month with average highs of 28 °C, while December is the coolest at 19 °C. With around 3,380 hours of sunshine a year, Montecito is very sunny; June is the sunniest month with 12.1 hours a day.

Holiday weather through the year

Best time to visit

Best time to visit Montecito

The best time to visit Montecito is from May to October. The sea stays too cool for a classic beach holiday: even in September it only reaches 18.6 °C. For sightseeing, day trips and hiking, conditions are most comfortable all year round except in August. The wettest month is February with 93 mm of precipitation.

Montecito through the seasons

How the weather changes over the seasons, with averages for each.

Montecito in spring

Mar – May

55

Fair

  • 20–24 °C by day
  • Sea 14 °C
  • 10.0 h of sun a day
  • 9 rainy days in all

Montecito in summer

Jun – Aug

78

Good

  • 26–28 °C by day
  • Sea 18 °C
  • 11.8 h of sun a day
  • 1 rainy day in all

Montecito in autumn

Sep – Nov

69

Good

  • 22–27 °C by day
  • Sea 18 °C
  • 8.6 h of sun a day
  • 6 rainy days in all

Montecito in winter

Dec – Feb

29

Poor

  • 19 °C by day
  • Sea 15 °C
  • 6.5 h of sun a day
  • 18 rainy days in all

Which month for what?

Beach & swimming

No month

Sea from 21 °C, warm and mostly dry

Sightseeing & hiking

All year except Aug

15–28 °C and not too much rain

Find your perfect month

Tell us what you like and we rate every month in Montecito for you.

Swimming in the sea
Sunshine
Little rain

Your best months: July – September

Based on the climate averages; tap a month to see its details.

Your holiday weather, at a glance

Weather in October

Weather in October

77

Holiday weather in October

Good

Best time to visit: May – October

Good forSightseeing & walks

A typical day in October

  1. Morning, 08:00: about 16°
  2. Midday, 13:00: about 24°
  3. Afternoon, 16:00: about 25°
  4. Evening, 20:00: about 20°
  5. Night, 23:00: about 18°

07:0318:25

Pleasant evenings; a light layer can help.

Estimated from the average high and low: coolest around sunrise, warmest in mid-afternoon.

Light for photos in October

Golden hour
Morning 06:47–07:37 · evening 17:52–18:41
Blue hour
Morning 06:37–06:47 · evening 18:41–18:51

Golden hour: the sun between 4° below and 6° above the horizon; blue hour: 6° to 4° below it. Times for the 15th of the month; mountains and clouds shift the light.

October in Montecito compared with home

Home:

Loading the climate at home …

Early or late October?

In October, daytime highs fall from about 26° at the start of the month to 23° at the end. The sea cools from 18° to 17°. The days get 1.0 h shorter.

Early or late October?
October1 Oct31 Oct
Daytime high26°23°
Night-time low15°12°
Sea18°17°
Daylight11.9 h10.9 h

What is the weather like in Montecito in October?

In October, Montecito is warm: daytime highs average 25 °C, and nights cool down to about 14 °C. The sea averages 17.9 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 8.7 hours a day. It hardly ever rains. All in all, October is a good month for a holiday in Montecito.

More details for October

Daylight
11 h 23 min07:03 – 18:25
UV index
5 · moderateclear sky, noon (estimate)All months
Muggy days
0 daysdew point 18 °C or moreAll months
Wind
20 km/haverage daily peakAll months
Cloud cover
21 %on averageAll months
Hot days
4 days30 °C or moreAll months
Time zone
UTC−7offset from UTC

How the score comes together

  • Temperatureweight 35 %100 %
  • Seaweight 25 %13 %
  • Sunshineweight 20 %95 %
  • Few rainy daysweight 20 %100 %

Each factor is rated from 0 to 100 % and weighted for the travel style “Sun, sea & sand”.

What to pack in October

  • Wetsuit for longer swims
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses & sun hat
  • Light, breathable clothes
  • A jumper for the evenings

Compare two months in Montecito

Pick two months to see how the weather differs. A tick marks the clearly better value; for temperatures it depends on your plans.

vs

October and September bring similar holiday weather to Montecito (score 77 and 81). In September, days are 2 °C warmer than in October. The sea is 1 °C warmer in September. September has one rainy day fewer. The sun shines an hour longer a day in September.

October vs September, Montecito
MonthOctoberSeptember
Holiday weather score7781
Daytime high25°27°
Night-time low14°17°
Sea17.9°18.6°
Sunshine8.7 h10.0 hbetter
Rainy days21better
Rainfall17 mm4 mmbetter
Muggy days0better1

Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.

Montecito month by month

The typical weather for every month at a glance.

29January19° · Sea 14° · 6.4 h

In January, Montecito is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 9 °C. The sea averages 14.4 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 6.4 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 6 days, adding up to 88 mm. All in all, January is not an ideal month for a holiday in Montecito.

Montecito in January
30February19° · Sea 14° · 7.0 h

In February, Montecito is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 9 °C. The sea averages 14.1 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 7.0 hours a day. Rain falls on about 6 days, adding up to 93 mm. All in all, February is not an ideal month for a holiday in Montecito.

Montecito in February
42March20° · Sea 14° · 8.3 h

In March, Montecito is mild: daytime highs average 20 °C, and nights cool down to about 10 °C. The sea averages 13.7 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 8.3 hours a day. Rain falls on about 5 days, adding up to 64 mm. All in all, March is a so-so month for a holiday in Montecito.

Montecito in March
57April22° · Sea 14° · 10.1 h

In April, Montecito is warm: daytime highs average 22 °C, and nights cool down to about 11 °C. The sea averages 13.6 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. With around 10.1 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. Rain is rare: about 3 days bring 25 mm in total. All in all, April is a so-so month for a holiday in Montecito.

Montecito in April
67May24° · Sea 15° · 11.6 h

In May, Montecito is warm: daytime highs average 24 °C, and nights cool down to about 13 °C. The sea averages 14.6 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. With around 11.6 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. It hardly ever rains. All in all, May is a good month for a holiday in Montecito.

Montecito in May
75June26° · Sea 17° · 12.1 h

In June, Montecito is warm: daytime highs average 26 °C, and nights cool down to about 16 °C. The sea averages 16.5 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. With around 12.1 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. It hardly ever rains. All in all, June is a good month for a holiday in Montecito.

Montecito in June
78July28° · Sea 18° · 12.0 h

In July, Montecito is hot: daytime highs average 28 °C, and nights cool down to about 18 °C. The sea averages 17.9 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. With around 12.0 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. It hardly ever rains. On about 6 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. All in all, July is a good month for a holiday in Montecito.

Montecito in July
80August28° · Sea 18° · 11.4 h

In August, Montecito is hot: daytime highs average 28 °C, and nights cool down to about 18 °C. The sea averages 18.3 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. With around 11.4 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. It hardly ever rains. On about 8 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. All in all, August is an excellent month for a holiday in Montecito.

Montecito in August
81September27° · Sea 19° · 10.0 h

In September, Montecito is hot: daytime highs average 27 °C, and nights cool down to about 17 °C. The sea averages 18.6 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. With around 10.0 hours of sunshine a day, there is plenty of sun. It hardly ever rains. On about 7 days the thermometer climbs to 30 °C or more. All in all, September is an excellent month for a holiday in Montecito.

Montecito in September
77October25° · Sea 18° · 8.7 h

In October, Montecito is warm: daytime highs average 25 °C, and nights cool down to about 14 °C. The sea averages 17.9 °C – bracing, so a wetsuit helps for longer swims. The sun shines for around 8.7 hours a day. It hardly ever rains. All in all, October is a good month for a holiday in Montecito.

Montecito in October
50November22° · Sea 17° · 7.2 h

In November, Montecito is warm: daytime highs average 22 °C, and nights cool down to about 11 °C. The sea averages 16.5 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. The sun shines for around 7.2 hours a day. Rain is rare: about 3 days bring 38 mm in total. All in all, November is a so-so month for a holiday in Montecito.

Montecito in November
28December19° · Sea 15° · 6.2 h

In December, Montecito is mild: daytime highs average 19 °C, and nights cool down to about 9 °C. The sea averages 15.0 °C – swimming is only for the hardy. Expect around 6.2 hours of sunshine a day. Rain falls on about 6 days, adding up to 79 mm. All in all, December is not an ideal month for a holiday in Montecito.

Montecito in December

Climate in detail

Climate through the year

Long-term monthly averages. Tap a month to see its details.

Best time to visit

Nights and sleep in Montecito

How warm the nights get in each month, from the mean night-time low. Tap a month for details.

  • Cool 8–15°
  • Pleasant 15–20°

CoolOctober: nights around 14°. A duvet at night and a jumper for the evening.

The coolest nights are in January (9°), the warmest in August (18°). Nights are pleasant for sleeping (15 to 20 °C) from June to September.

Temperatures through the year

Average daytime high, night-time low and sea temperature per month.

OctoberDay 25°Night 14°Sea 18°
DayNightSea
MonthScoreDayNightSeaSunRain daysRain mm
JanuaryJan2919°9°14.4°6.4 h688
FebruaryFeb3019°9°14.1°7.0 h693
MarchMar4220°10°13.7°8.3 h564
AprilApr5722°11°13.6°10.1 h325
MayMay6724°13°14.6°11.6 h19
JuneJun7526°16°16.5°12.1 h02
JulyJul7828°18°17.9°12.0 h00
AugustAug8028°18°18.3°11.4 h01
SeptemberSep8127°17°18.6°10.0 h14
OctoberOct7725°14°17.9°8.7 h217
NovemberNov5022°11°16.5°7.2 h338
DecemberDec2819°9°15.0°6.2 h679

Climate averages 1996–2025 (sunshine partly WMO station normals 1991–2020), not a forecast. Data: Copernicus ERA5 / ERA5-Land via Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0), NOAA OISST, WMO 1991–2020 (NOAA NCEI), GeoNames (CC BY 4.0). Sources & licences

34.44° N, 119.63° W · 55 m · America/Los_Angeles

Swimming calendar

Sea temperature in Montecito

Monthly sea surface temperature with the range of cooler and warmer years.

Sea in October17.9°Cfresh

8 in 10 years: 16.3 – 19.6 °C

Swimming season: Always below 20 °C

  • cold
  • fresh
  • refreshing
  • pleasant
  • warm
  • very warm
OctoberMean sea temperature 17.9°8 in 10 years 16.3° – 19.6°
20°
Mean sea temperature8 in 10 years20 °C – comfortable for swimming

The sea temperature in Montecito ranges from 13.6 °C in April to 18.6 °C in September. Even at its warmest the sea stays below 20 °C, so swimming is bracing at best.

The sea warms up slowly: it is warmest in September, while the air already peaks in August. The sea temperature varies from year to year: in September, eight out of ten years were between 16.7 and 20.2 °C.

Sea temperature by month
MonthAverageCool yearWarm yearFeels
JanuaryJan14.4°13.4°15.4°cold
FebruaryFeb14.1°13.2°15.1°cold
MarchMar13.7°12.7°15.2°cold
AprilApr13.6°12.6°14.2°cold
MayMay14.6°13.3°15.4°cold
JuneJun16.5°15.3°17.6°cold
JulyJul17.9°16.7°19.2°fresh
AugustAug18.3°16.7°19.8°fresh
SeptemberSep18.6°16.7°20.2°fresh
OctoberOct17.9°16.3°19.6°fresh
NovemberNov16.5°15.4°18.2°cold
DecemberDec15.0°13.6°16.8°cold
Sunshine

Sunshine hours in Montecito

Average hours of bright sunshine per day, next to the length of the day. Tap a month to select it.

Per year
3,380 hours
Sunniest month
Jun · 12.1 h a day
Least sunshine
Dec · 6.2 h a day
OctoberSunshine 8.7 hDaylight 11.4 hShare of daylight 76 %
SunshineDaylight

In October, the sun shines for about 8.7 of 11.4 hours of daylight in Montecito, 76 % of the daylight hours.

Sunshine hours: estimated from radiation data (ERA5, 1996–2025) and calibrated against measured station values; no weather station is close enough here. Daylight is the time from sunrise to sunset on the 15th of the month.

Rain

Rain in Montecito: rainy days and rainfall

A rainy day is a day with at least 1 mm of rain or snow; the amount is what falls in the whole month. Tap a month to select it.

Per year
417 mm on 34 days
Wettest month
Feb · 93 mm
Driest month
Jul · 0 mm
OctoberRainy days 2Rainfall 17 mm

In October, Montecito has about 2 rainy days with 17 mm of rain in total.

Sun protection

UV index in Montecito

How strong the sun is at noon, month by month, and how quickly unprotected skin burns.

Clear-sky UV in October
5 · moderateAround midday seek shade; use sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

The sun is strongest in June (UV 11).

Minutes until sunburn in October

Very fair skin
about 25 min
Fair skin
about 30 min
Light brown skin
about 45 min
Olive skin
about 55 min

Rough guide for unprotected skin at noon under a clear sky; clouds lengthen the time, water, sand and snow shorten it. Sunscreen extends the time only partly.

Monthly values: clear-sky noon estimate from the sun's angle, ozone and altitude. UV today: Open-Meteo forecast.

Wind & clouds

Wind and clouds in Montecito

How breezy and how cloudy Montecito is through the year. Tap a month to select it on the whole page.

Wind

Typical daily peak of the wind in km/h: what the afternoon breeze usually reaches, not the gusts.

Year average
21 km/h · moderate breeze
Windiest month
Apr · 25 km/h
Calmest month
Aug · 19 km/h
OctoberWind 20 km/hBeaufort 4
20
WindBeaufort 4

In October, the wind in Montecito typically peaks at 20 km/h during the day: Beaufort 4, moderate breeze.

Breezy months for windsurfing and kiting

From Beaufort 4 (20 km/h) the daily breeze is usually enough for windsurfing and often for kiting: Oct – Jun.

Clouds

Average share of the sky covered by cloud, day and night.

Year average
28 % · mostly sunny
Clearest month
Aug · 13 %
Cloudiest month
Jan · 43 %
OctoberCloud cover 21 %Sunshine 8.7 h

In October, cloud covers on average 21 % of the sky over Montecito: mostly sunny, with about 8.7 hours of sunshine a day.

Wind: mean daily maximum of the hourly wind 10 m above ground (ERA5, 1996–2025). Gusts are stronger, and the model grid of about 28 km smooths out local effects such as capes and valley winds. Clouds: mean total cloud cover of all layers over day and night (ERA5, 1996–2025). Thin high cloud counts as cover even when the sun still shines through.

Heat & humidity

Heat and humidity in Montecito

How often the day gets hot in Montecito (30 °C and more), and in which months heat and humidity come together. Tap a month to select it.

Hot days a year
32 days
Hottest month
Aug · 28 °C
Hot months
none

Heat calendar

  • pleasant
  • some hot or muggy days
  • often muggy
  • often hot
  • hot and muggy
OctoberHot days (30 °C+) 4Daytime high 25 °C

In October, Montecito has about 4 hot days, with an average daytime high of 25 °C: pleasant. Heat plays no part this month.

Hot days reach at least 30 °C; a month counts as muggy when the mean dew point reaches 18 °C on at least 15 days. Averages from ERA5 and ERA5-Land, 1996–2025. Muggy nights through the year

Planning a trip to Montecito

Weather for your travel dates

Pick your arrival and length of stay, and we sum up the weather to expect.

Montecito in the school holidays

How the weather suits the usual holiday periods. Dates vary by school and region, so each holiday uses the months it usually falls in.

Montecito has its best school-holiday weather during the summer holidays (score 79) and its weakest during the Christmas holidays (score 29).

  • Easter holidays

    Mar – Apr

    53

    Fair

    • 21 °C by day
    • Sea 14 °C
    • 9.6 h of sun a day
    • 3 rainy days a month

    Good for: Sightseeing & walks

  • May half-term

    May – Jun

    69

    Good

    • 24 °C by day
    • Sea 15 °C
    • 11.7 h of sun a day
    • 1 rainy day a month

    Good for: Sightseeing & walks

  • Summer holidays

    Jul – Aug

    79

    GoodBest holidays

    • 28 °C by day
    • Sea 18 °C
    • 11.6 h of sun a day
    • 0 rainy days a month
  • October half-term

    Oct

    77

    Good

    • 25 °C by day
    • Sea 18 °C
    • 8.7 h of sun a day
    • 2 rainy days a month

    Good for: Sightseeing & walks

  • Christmas holidays

    Dec – Jan

    29

    Poor

    • 19 °C by day
    • Sea 15 °C
    • 6.3 h of sun a day
    • 6 rainy days a month

    Good for: Sightseeing & walks

Based on the climate averages 1996–2025.

Getting there

Flying from

Nonstop flight
about 11 h 5 min
Distance
8,780 km
Time zone
UTC−7
Jet lag
About 5 days (8 h west)

Rule of thumb for flying west: for a few days before, stay up a little later, and get afternoon and evening light at your destination.

Estimated from the straight-line distance: 30 minutes for take-off and landing plus 830 km/h cruising speed.

Compare & alternatives

Compare

Montecito compared

Put Montecito side by side with another destination.

Nearby:
Compare with home:

Montecito vs Santa Barbara

In October the holiday weather in Montecito and Santa Barbara is about equally good (score 77 vs 77). During the day it is about as warm in Santa Barbara as in Montecito. The sea is about equally warm.

Montecito vs Santa Barbara, in October
in OctoberMontecitoSanta Barbara
Holiday weather score7777
Daytime high25°25°
Sea18°18°
Sunshine9 h9 h
Rainy days22
Best timeMay – OctMay – Oct

Through the year

OctoberMontecito 25°Santa Barbara 25°
MontecitoSanta Barbara
Go to Santa Barbara
Ranking

USA in October: the best places

In October, Montecito ranks 24 among the 31 nearest destinations in this country.

  1. Los Angeles23°19°98
  2. 2Long Beach26°19°98
  3. 3Fresno26°98
  4. 4Mariposa (Yosemite)24°98
  5. 5Bakersfield27°97
  6. 6Anaheim25°97
  7. 7Carmel-by-the-Sea19°15°96
  8. 8Monterey21°15°96
  9. 24MontecitoThis page25°18°77
All destinations: USA

Near Montecito

Other destinations close by.

Places with a climate like Montecito

Destinations whose weather through the year is closest to Montecito's – good alternatives.

  1. 81 % similar98Long BeachUSA26°19°Best time: all year
  2. 74 % similar98EnsenadaMexico24°19°Best time: all year
  3. 72 % similar73San DiegoUSA24°19°Best time: Jul – Sep
  4. 71 % similar64AljezurPortugal24°19°Best time: Jun – Sep

Frequently asked questions about Montecito

When is the best time to visit Montecito?

The best time to visit Montecito is from May to October. That is when the holiday weather score, which combines temperature, sea, sunshine and rain, is highest.

How warm is the sea in Montecito?

The sea temperature in Montecito ranges from 13.6 °C in April to 18.6 °C in September. Even at its warmest the sea stays below 20 °C, so swimming is bracing at best.

Can you swim in Montecito in October?

Only if you don't mind cold water: in October the sea averages just 17.9 °C. Comfortable swimming temperatures are not reached at any time of year.

What is the warmest month in Montecito?

August is the warmest month, with average highs of 28 °C and nights around 18 °C. December is the coolest month at 19 °C.

When does it rain most in Montecito?

The wettest month is February with 93 mm of precipitation. The driest month is July with 0 mm.

How many hours of sunshine does Montecito get?

Montecito gets around 3,380 hours of sunshine a year. The sunniest month is June with 12.1 hours a day; in December there are 6.2 hours a day.

What time zone is Montecito in?

Montecito is on UTC−8 in January and UTC−7 in July.

How long is the flight from London to Montecito?

A nonstop flight from London to Montecito takes about 11 h 5 min, for a straight-line distance of about 8,780 km.

Which school holidays are best for Montecito?

Montecito has its best school-holiday weather during the summer holidays (score 79) and its weakest during the Christmas holidays (score 29). Holiday ratings (0–100): Easter holidays 53, May half-term 69, summer holidays 79, October half-term 77, Christmas holidays 29.