Nestled along California’s Central Coast, Santa Maria Valley boasts a temperate Mediterranean climate that allows valley visitors to get outdoors and soak in the sunshine almost all year round.
Before you book your next Santa Maria Valley getaway, be sure to check in on the weather so you can pack and plan accordingly. Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect in any given season:
Spring
Spring in SMV marks the beginning of the drier seasons. It also marks the beginning of the wine-growing season for the winemakers at our more than 30 winery tasting rooms. You can expect to see about a 15% chance of rain in March, 10% chance in April and just a 5% chance in May. The skies become clearer in the spring, but prepare for overcast skies around 20% of the time. Humidity is also low during the spring. Expect high temperatures in the 60s and 70s with lows in the 40s to 50s. Spring is a great time to get outdoors and explore hiking in the region.
Summer
Summer is one of the most popular times to visit the Central Coast. Summer in Santa Maria Valley flaunts high temperatures in the 70s and lows in the 50s, with plenty of sunshine to go around. In fact, the summer months will provide you the clearest skies of the year, with just 10% cloud cover on average. These are the driest months of the year, with very minimal chance of rain. However, you will have to prepare for a comfortable average of 30% humidity in the summer. Summer is perfect for exploring the region’s 15 beaches.
Fall
As fall rolls in, temperatures gradually start to drop. In September – the hottest month of the year – you can look for highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s. October offers highs in the 60s and lows in the 50s, and November is a bit cooler with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. In fall, the humidity dissipates, with September at about 25%, October at about 15% and November nearly humidity-free! You’re looking at a 10-15% chance of rain September through November. Fall visitors can enjoy the hubbub of wine grape harvest. Learn more about our varietals here.
Winter
Winters in Santa Maria Valley are very mild. December – one of the coolest months – offers highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. The same can be said for January and February, although February does start to warm up slightly. Winter is the cloudiest time of year, and visitors can expect overcast skies about 30% of the time. Winter travelers should also prepare for rain, because these months come with about a 20% chance of precipitation. Although winter is the wet season, don’t expect humidity. If you visit during winter, don’t miss the monarch butterfly migration.
No matter when you plan, it’s always a great time to visit Santa Maria Valley. Get inspired for your next trip with our itineraries and browse lodging here.
