We are planning three weeks in Santa Barbara (thnaks for all the suggestions of where to stay). But recently, every time I mention it to people up here (Palo Alto) they say 'oh, it's lovely there but the weather is grey in August'. Is this so? I've read that there may be some morning fog, but nothing about three straight weeks of grey!
Should we go further south?
Thanks in advance.

Moring fog yes, grey in August, not usually. Maybe they were thinking of the "June Gloom" season. August in Santa Barbara will be sunny and warm in the afternoons, cool evenings and likely foggy mornings.

My wife and I were there at the end of last August. The weather was perfect with sunny afternoons and perfect winds for sailing.
Will

Our Anniversary is in August. We have spent many weekends celebrating it, at coastal hotels in SB. It's always been sunny for us!

thanks everyone, I'm reassurred