December in Santa Barbara, CA: peak season for golf — great conditions and a wide playing window. Best tee times: mid-morning through early afternoon.
| Average December Weather | |
|---|---|
| Avg daily high | 66°F |
| Avg daily low | 48°F |
| Rainy days | 8 / mo |
| Avg peak wind | 6.2 mph |
December in Santa Barbara is defined by one variable: rain. With 8 precipitation days, it's the second-wettest month of the year here, and that single fact shapes every round you'll plan. On dry days, though, the conditions are genuinely pleasant — a 66°F average high sits right at the lower edge of the ideal range, and peak winds of just 6.2 mph make it the fourth-calmest month of the year. Soft fairways from recent rain can actually be forgiving, but be prepared for wet cart paths and slower greens.
The 18°F daily swing from a 48°F morning low to a 66°F afternoon high means your layering strategy matters as much as your club selection. Tee times after 10 AM let the overnight chill burn off and give storm cells from the previous day a chance to clear. Despite the rain risk, courses stay open and the season-tier badge here is Peak — the crowds that define spring are absent, and the rates reflect it.
Book afternoon slots — specifically 10 AM or later — to avoid the cold 48°F mornings and to let any overnight or early-morning rain clear before you reach the first tee. With 8 potential rain days in a 31-day month, checking the 48-hour forecast before confirming your reservation can save a wasted green fee. See how conditions rate hour by hour on our playability scale.
November is noticeably drier, with just 3 precipitation days compared to December's 8, and 6°F warmer at a 72°F average high — making it the easier month to play without disruption. January is nearly identical to December in temperature (65°F high vs. 66°F) and only slightly drier at 7 precipitation days, but winds pick up to 7.4 mph versus December's 6.2 mph. If rain is your main concern, November is the clear choice; if you're already planning a December trip, January offers little improvement.
Climate normals show the long-term picture, but day-to-day weather varies. Check today's live golf weather score for Santa Barbara, CA for the current playability rating, hourly wind, temperature, and the recommended tee time window.
← November in Santa Barbara, CA • January in Santa Barbara, CA →
December is the second-wettest month of the year in Santa Barbara, averaging 8 precipitation days. That doesn't mean every round is rained out — many of those days see short showers rather than all-day downpours — but it's the single biggest planning variable for the month. Booking flexible tee times and watching the short-range forecast closely gives you the best chance of a dry round.
The average high of 66°F keeps conditions playable and sits within the comfortable range for most golfers, especially with peak winds as low as 6.2 mph. The bigger concern is the rain, not the cold — afternoon tee times help on both fronts, letting temperatures climb while morning weather systems pass. Courses are in Peak season status, so conditions are maintained well even through the wetter stretch.