virginia

well thats my whole question. i have friends who live in town so i have a place to stay. i can go anytime. any tips at all appreciated.

lvk

Mid to late September is the best time to visit coastal CA, IMO. Why? Less chance of the marine layer clouding your days. Warm, but not blazing hot weather. Tourist traffic has dissipated. Families moving their kids into UCSB have gone back home.

That's my whole answer.

virginia

lvk, your whole answer is appreciated. thanks. they keep telling me all times are good - but me thinks they just want a visitor. this sept will work well for me.

socialworker

HI virginia--we were supposed to spend a few days after Thanksgiving in SB one year, but cicumstances intervened and we did not go. However, when I had made the reservation at the B&B, I expressed some regret to the owner that November happened to be the time that fit our travel plans and not some nicer time, weather-wise. She replied that she thought that November had some of the best weather in SB of the whole year!
Altho we were not able to verify her statement--as we did not end up going--we have been in LA several times in November since then and had gorgeous weather every time. So if you live in a place where November is cold and raw, you might want to try November, as even in our cold New England environs, September is usually very nice and I always try to escape local bad weather for good, if possible, when traveling...

virginia

socialworker. you make a good point about maine weather in november. to late for atv or boat. to early for snowmobiling or caribbean. thanks.

LoveItaly

Hi virginia, SB often has "June Gloom" meaning fog along the coastline. I have been there almost every month of the year..except for February and March. Like every where you do not know what to completey expect but I will say that you can expect beautiful weather and less crowds in September. Have fun, you will be in a wonderful area!

Neopolitan

I'd say anytime you can stay for free in Santa Barbara is the perfect time!

LoveItaly

That is soooo true Neo..I missed that part of Viginia's post.

laurenzo

I agree with the Sept.-Oct. votes. It is so beautiful here that time of year. The weather is actually warmer in the fall season than summer. A free place makes it even better!!

trippinkpj

ITA that Sept.-Oct. is best. But summer should be okay too. Just a few more chances of fog. Go a few miles inland and it's wam and clear.

alan64

Mid-Sept until November is usually best, but early November can still be nice.