Santa Barbara — Water Temperature, Sea Conditions & Trends
This page provides clear and up-to-date information about water temperature for Santa Barbara (California, United States). It includes the current water temperature, daily data for the last month presented in a simple chart, and a 7-day forecast. The page also compares today’s value with typical averages for this period, shows usual monthly ranges during the year, and lists nearby beaches with short descriptions. Local weather for the next few days and general details about Santa Barbara help you plan your visit and choose the best time for swimming.
Current Water Temperature
Water temperature in Santa Barbara in the Pacific Ocean today is 21°C.
Water Temperature: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast
✅ As of today, the minimum water temperature ranges from 68°F (20°C) to 74°F (23°C). The water is warm and pleasant for swimming, and in this range, one can stay in the water for extended periods without the risk of hypothermia. This is the ideal temperature for relaxation, swimming, and water sports. Families with children, as well as outdoor enthusiasts, will enjoy swimming and time spent in the water. For most people, this is the optimal temperature for a comfortable beach experience.
It is important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in good weather. When the air temperature is below 68°F (20°C), and sometimes even below 77°F (25°C), swimming can be unpleasant even with relatively high water temperatures.
Water Temperature Chart Over the Last 30 Days
Water temperature in Santa Barbara has risen over the last week and month. Currently, the sea water at this location is slightly warmer than average for this day in previous years.
According to our forecast, Water temperature in Santa Barbara will be 18.8°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.
Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data
| Date | Current | Average | Forecast |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUL 17 | 19.8°C | 18.8°C | |
| JUL 18 | 20.0°C | 19.0°C | |
| JUL 19 | 20.1°C | 19.0°C | |
| JUL 20 | 20.4°C | 18.8°C | |
| JUL 21 | 20.6°C | 18.8°C | |
| JUL 22 | 21.1°C | 18.8°C | |
| JUL 23 | 21.1°C | 18.5°C | |
| JUL 24 | 21.0°C | 18.8°C | |
| JUL 25 | 21.4°C | 18.8°C | 21.4°C |
| JUL 26 | 17.8°C | 21.0°C | |
| JUL 27 | 18.0°C | 20.7°C | |
| JUL 28 | 18.0°C | 20.3°C | |
| JUL 29 | 17.0°C | 19.9°C | |
| JUL 30 | 17.5°C | 19.6°C | |
| JUL 31 | 17.5°C | 19.2°C | |
| AUG 1 | 19.5°C | 18.8°C |
* Current - Actual water temperature value
** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years
*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast
Actual nearshore water temperatures may fluctuate by several degrees from the reported values, especially following heavy rainfall or extended periods of strong winds. Certain wind patterns can cause colder, deeper waters to rise and replace the sun-warmed surface water, leading to noticeable variations.
Our forecast is based on a proprietary mathematical model that considers real-time water temperature changes, historical trends, key weather patterns, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each region. Additionally, we incorporate data from other resorts to enhance accuracy.
Water temperature data for this location is gathered from various sources, including buoys and satellite sea and ocean surface maps provided by the NOAA agency. We also incorporate data from local authorities in each specific location worldwide to ensure more accurate temperature readings.
Annual Water Temperature Overview by Month
Monthly Water Temp Ranges
Annual Water Temperature Trend
Santa Barbara sits on California’s Central Coast and enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate tempered by the Pacific Ocean. Sea surface temperatures are noticeably cooler than inland air, with a typical annual cycle: winters generally see water around 12–14°C, spring waters warm to roughly 13–16°C, summer brings the warmest conditions of about 16–20°C (with late summer and early autumn occasionally reaching around 21°C on warm years), and autumn usually ranges from 15–19°C. Cold upwelling events can briefly lower nearshore temperatures and produce noticeable variability from year to year, so visitors often find the ocean refreshingly cool even on warm summer days.
Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)
| Month | Min | Avg | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°C | 14°C | 16°C |
| February | 12°C | 14°C | 16°C |
| March | 9°C | 13°C | 16°C |
| April | 11°C | 14°C | 16°C |
| May | 11°C | 14°C | 17°C |
| June | 12°C | 16°C | 19°C |
| July | 14°C | 18°C | 20°C |
| August | 15°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| September | 14°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| October | 14°C | 18°C | 21°C |
| November | 13°C | 16°C | 18°C |
| December | 13°C | 15°C | 17°C |
* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.
Santa Barbara: Weather Forecast
July 26
July 27
July 28
July 29
July 30
Location, Beaches & Local Information
Nearby Beaches & Facilities
Padaro Beach
Loon Point Beach
Santa Claus Lane Beach
Lookout County Park
Summerland Beach
Carpinteria Salt Marsh Nature Park
Sandyland Cove Beach
Carpinteria City Beach
Fernald Point Beach
Swimming Conditions
Swimming and beach holidays in Santa Barbara cater to a range of preferences, from sheltered harbor and gentler-slope beaches suited to families to rockier coves and world-class surf breaks favored by more experienced water users. East Beach, Leadbetter and Arroyo Burro are popular for casual swimming, while Rincon and other breaks draw surfers. Kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkeling are best in the calmer, clearer conditions of late summer and early fall when temperatures peak. Because water often stays below 18°C outside the warmest weeks, many people use thin wetsuits for longer swims; seasonal lifeguard services, rip currents and occasional runoff advisories mean swimmers should heed local guidance for safety and water quality before entering the ocean.