Best Time to Visit Santa Monica

Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the best time to visit Santa Monica with a monthly summary of weather, hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.

Santa Monica Pier at Sunset

Welcome to sunny Santa Monica, where the beach meets the city in a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement! As people who've spent countless days soaking up the California sun and exploring this lively coastal town, we're here to help you figure out the best time to visit Santa Monica.

Before we dive into the month-by-month breakdown, let's talk about the Santa Monica climate and weather patterns that make this place so special.

Santa Monica boasts a Mediterranean climate, which means mild temperatures year-round and plenty of sunshine. With an average of 310 days of sunshine per year, it's no wonder this beachside paradise is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

The Santa Monica weather is influenced by its coastal location, with cool ocean breezes keeping things comfortable even during the hottest summer months.

Now, let's take a closer look at what each month has to offer in Santa Monica. We'll cover everything from temperatures and rainfall to special events and hotel prices, so you can plan your perfect getaway.

Young couple at Santa Monica Pier

Best Time to Visit Santa Monica Month by Month

January: While it might be chilly elsewhere, here you can expect average highs of 64°F (18°C) and lows of 49°F (9°C). Rainfall averages about 3.2 inches (81 mm), and snow? Forget about it! This is the perfect time to catch the tail end of the holiday decorations along Third Street Promenade. Hotel prices tend to be lower in January, making it a budget-friendly time to visit.

February: With average highs of 65°F (18°C) and lows of 51°F (11°C), February is still mild and pleasant. Rainfall drops slightly to about 3 inches (76 mm). Don't miss the Santa Monica Pier's Valentine's Day events if you're feeling romantic. Hotel prices remain reasonable, but book early for Valentine's weekend to snag the best deals.

March: Temperatures start to climb with highs around 67°F (19°C) and lows of 52°F (11°C). Rainfall decreases to about 2.4 inches (61 mm). March is a great time to catch the St. Patrick's Day parade and festivities. Hotel prices begin to creep up as spring break crowds arrive, so plan accordingly.

April: Average highs reach 69°F (21°C) with lows of 54°F (12°C). Rainfall drops to a mere 0.7 inches (18 mm). Don't miss the Easter egg hunts at local parks and the Earth Day celebration at the Santa Monica Pier. Hotel prices continue to rise as the weather improves.

May: Despite the occasional morning fog, temperatures are lovely with highs of 70°F (21°C) and lows of 57°F (14°C). Rainfall is practically non-existent at 0.2 inches (5 mm). The Santa Monica Festival brings art and culture to the streets. Hotel prices are moderate, making it a great time to visit before the summer rush.

June: Once the morning fog burns off, you're in for perfect beach weather. Highs average 73°F (23°C) with lows of 60°F (16°C), and rainfall is a mere 0.1 inches (2.5 mm). The Summer SOULstice Street Festival on Main Street (late June or early July) is a must-see. Hotel prices start to climb as summer vacation season kicks off.

Check out this Fodor's guide to Los Angeles, which also covers Santa Monica, Malibu, and Disneyland

July: Summer is in full swing! With highs of 75°F (24°C) and lows of 63°F (17°C), it's great beach weather. Rainfall? What rainfall? Expect a whopping 0 inches (0 mm). The 4th of July fireworks at the Santa Monica Pier are spectacular. Hotel prices peak during this popular month, so book well in advance.

August: The dog days of summer are here, but Santa Monica keeps it cool. Highs reach 76°F (24°C) with lows of 64°F (18°C), and rainfall remains at zero. The Twilight Concert Series at the Santa Monica Pier is in full swing. Hotel prices remain high, but you might snag a deal towards the end of the month as summer winds down.

September: Fall? What fall? Santa Monica stays warm with highs of 75°F (24°C) and lows of 63°F (17°C). Rainfall is still minimal at 0.3 inches (7.6 mm). Hotel prices start to dip as the summer crowds thin out.

October: Halloween vibes and perfect weather! Expect highs of 73°F (23°C) and lows of 59°F (15°C). Rainfall increases slightly to 0.6 inches (15 mm). Don't miss the spooky Halloween events at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Hotel prices are moderate, making it a great time to visit.

November: Fall finally arrives (sort of). Highs average 70°F (21°C) with lows of 54°F (12°C). Rainfall increases to 1.1 inches (28 mm). The Turkey Trot run on Thanksgiving morning is a fun way to burn off those extra calories. Hotel prices are generally lower, except for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

December: Temperatures cool to highs of 66°F (19°C) and lows of 50°F (10°C). Rainfall averages 2.3 inches (58 mm). The holiday lights and ice skating rink at ICE at Santa Monica are magical. Hotel prices vary, with deals available early in the month and peak rates around Christmas and New Year's.

Best Time for You to Visit Santa Monica

Now that we've covered the basics for each month, let's talk about the best time to visit Santa Monica. Honestly, there's no bad time to visit this coastal paradise, but some periods might suit your preferences better than others.

If you're a sun-worshipper looking for the perfect beach weather, July through September is your best bet. The temperatures are warm, rainfall is practically non-existent, and the beach is buzzing with activity. Just keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so expect higher hotel prices and larger crowds.

For those who prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, consider visiting in April, May, or October. The weather is still pleasant, and you'll have more breathing room at popular attractions. Plus, hotel prices tend to be more reasonable during these shoulder seasons.

Budget-conscious travelers might want to aim for November through March (excluding the holiday season). While temperatures are cooler and there's a higher chance of rain, you'll find the best hotel deals during these months. Plus, you'll get to experience Santa Monica like a local, without the summer tourist crowds.

Our Pick of the California Guides

If you're interested in special events, plan your visit around the ones that appeal to you most. From the 4th of July fireworks to the Summer SOULstice festival, there's always something exciting happening in Santa Monica.

Remember, the best time to visit Santa Monica ultimately depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Whether you're seeking perfect beach weather, budget-friendly options, or a specific event, Santa Monica has something to offer year-round.

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