10-Day Weather Forecast for Santa Cruz, CA - The Weather Channel | weather.com (2024)

FAQs

What are the seasons in Santa Cruz? ›

Santa Cruz County has many micro climes which can vary in temperature . The mountain regions tend toward cooler winters and hotter summers while Santa Cruz has mild weather throughout the year, enjoying a Mediterranean climate characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, mostly dry summers.

tenDayWeather-Half Moon Bay, CA

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. Expect mist and reduced visibilities at times. High 64F.

Santa Cruz Weather in the Summer

The months of June, July, and August are marked by seemingly endless sunny days- the average highs in the summer rest in the mid 70s, although it often gets much warmer. July, August, and September are typically the hottest months of the year.

June-August

Average temperatures in June, July and August hover in the mid-70s, though Santa Cruz can experience much warmer days. (The record high was 107 degrees.)

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit Santa Cruz is from September through November when the summer tourists have returned home, leaving a bit more room on the beaches, walking paths and other attractions.

The rainy period of the year lasts for 7.2 months, from October 4 to May 10, with a sliding 31-day rainfall of at least 0.5 inches. The month with the most rain in Santa Cruz is February, with an average rainfall of 3.7 inches. The rainless period of the year lasts for 4.8 months, from May 10 to October 4.

Half Moon Bay is ranked 3 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Half Moon Bay is 169.9% of the national average.

Half Moon Bay is in San Mateo County. Living in Half Moon Bay offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Half Moon Bay there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many retirees live in Half Moon Bay and residents tend to have moderate political views.

Many visitors enjoy sunbathing, fishing, and long walks in the sand as well. You'll often see people wading into the water or surfing the waves, but please use caution around the ocean. The water here can be very cold, and rip currents can pull even experienced swimmers out to sea.

The highest official temperature ever recorded in Santa Cruz was on Sept. 3, 2017, when the thermometer climbed to 110 degrees. There were also two days in August of 2020 when it reached 107.

Does Santa Cruz ever get hot? ›

A hot day in Santa Cruz is considered to be any day above a “feels like” temperature of 82ºF. Santa Cruz is expected to experience 7 hot days this year. Due to a changing climate, Santa Cruz will experience 15 days above 82ºF in 30 years.

It has an ideal Mediterranean climate with low humidity and sunshine 300 days a year. There are four incorporated cities in the County. The largest is the City of Santa Cruz, with a population of 59,946.

Occurring mostly in the spring and summer when warm humid air crosses over cooler ocean waters, the fog shapeshifts the Santa Cruz County landscape. Sometimes thick and dark, sometimes light and airy, the fog has a way of redefining coastlines, mountain ranges, ocean views, and tree lines.

The most popular open water swimming beach in Santa Cruz is Cowell Beach, located on the west side of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. This small cove is generally protected from the wind by tall cliffs and the setting is idyllic.

Monterey is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history. Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town.

Climate. Santa Cruz has mild weather throughout the year, experiencing a warm-summer Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, mostly dry summers. Due to its proximity to Monterey Bay, fog and low overcast are common during the night and morning hours, especially in the summer.

Santa Cruz offers about 300 days of sunshine per year.

But the Santa Cruz Mountains are affected by the (relatively) warm air off the Pacific Ocean that discourages a frequent snowline. To keep snow from melting on contact, temperatures need to be at-or-below freezing just above ground level, for snow to accumulate.

Daily high temperatures are around 60°F, rarely falling below 53°F or exceeding 70°F. The lowest daily average high temperature is 59°F on December 25. Daily low temperatures are around 46°F, rarely falling below 38°F or exceeding 54°F.