Santa Cruz Westside Weather
Town • San Francisco Bay Area
West of the wharf, Santa Cruz turns away from the sheltered inner bay and faces the open Pacific. The Westside runs from the neighborhoods above Cowell Beach out to Natural Bridges State Beach. The paved bluff-top path of West Cliff Drive follows its ocean edge, and the UC Santa Cruz campus climbs the hill behind it. Surfers at Lighthouse Point set it apart from the Boardwalk side of town, along with the sea arch and wintering monarch butterflies at Natural Bridges. Wilder Ranch lies just past the city limit.
Plan your week
10-Day Forecast
Hour by hour
Hourly Forecast
Current Conditions
Comfort Breakdown
Santa Cruz Westside weather today and through the year
It's 53°F at Santa Cruz Westside right now (feels like 50°F), with 7 mph wind and a comfort score of 77. Monday's forecast high at Santa Cruz Westside is 58°F, 7°F below the mid November normal of 65°F. No fog in the forecast for today at Santa Cruz Westside. In November, 17% of morning hours here are foggy on average. The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 59°F with a 11 mph wind (comfort 65).
September is the warmest month at Santa Cruz Westside, with an average high of 74°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 41°F. January is the wettest month (5.1 in.), out of about 25.7 in. a year. By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Santa Cruz Westside are September, October, and August. The best hours are usually 8 AM to 11 AM in September, 10 AM to 1 PM in October, and 7 AM to 10 AM in August.
The Westside sits where the north shore of Monterey Bay bends toward the open coast. Past Lighthouse Point the shoreline faces southwest, open to the prevailing northwest wind and swell. West Cliff Drive and Natural Bridges are breezier, wavier, and foggier than Main Beach, a couple of miles east in the shelter of the bay.
Forecast updated November 15, 2026 at 4:00 AM PST. Climate figures come from NOAA 1991-2020 normals. Hourly patterns come from NOAA's HRRR hourly analysis from September 2014 to April 2026.
What to expect at Santa Cruz Westside in the next few days
Active National Weather Service alerts
- High Surf Advisory until Tue 4:00 AM
Fog
No fog in the forecast for today at Santa Cruz Westside. In November, 17% of morning hours here are foggy on average.
Best time to go
The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 59°F with a 11 mph wind (comfort 65).
Best day this week
Of the next 7 days, Friday looks best for Santa Cruz Westside, with a 60°F high and midday comfort near 79. Thursday looks weakest (47).
Rain
Next good chance of rain: today (72%, about 0.05 in.).
Live weather map
Weather around Santa Cruz Westside right now
Overcast and 53° at Santa Cruz Westside right now.
About the live weather map for Santa Cruz Westside
The map centers on Santa Cruz Westside and stacks fog, satellite clouds, and precipitation radar on one view. Clouds come from the GOES-West satellite and rain from NOAA radar, and both show current conditions. Fog comes from our HRRR-based fog model, and the slider steps through its forecast for the next 12 hours.
Dots mark nearby places with their current temperature, colored by comfort score. Use the layer buttons to turn any layer off, or open the full map for every destination in the region.
Nearby Temperature Comparison
Conditions at nearby San Francisco Bay Area destinations
Tip: Bay Area temperatures can change by 20 to 30°F over a short distance because of microclimates.
Santa Cruz Westside vs nearby places
Typical summer conditions compared with Santa Cruz Westside, from the same NOAA HRRR hourly record. The list shows the closest places, then nearby places whose climate differs the most.
| Place | Distance | Summer afternoons | Morning fog | Afternoon wind | Compared with Santa Cruz Westside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz Main Beach | 2.6 mi | +6°F | 33% | 12 mph | about 6°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (33% vs 44% of morning hours) |
| Capitola | 6.3 mi | +10°F | 36% | 8 mph | about 10°F warmer on summer afternoons and calmer summer afternoons (8 vs 15 mph) |
| Scotts Valley | 7.2 mi | +17°F | 46% | 7 mph | about 17°F warmer on summer afternoons and calmer summer afternoons (7 vs 15 mph) |
| Almaden Quicksilver County Park | 20 mi | +26°F | 7% | 9 mph | about 26°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (7% vs 44% of morning hours) |
| Los Gatos | 20.3 mi | +25°F | 8% | 8 mph | about 25°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (8% vs 44% of morning hours) |
| Almaden Valley | 21.9 mi | +26°F | 7% | 9 mph | about 26°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (7% vs 44% of morning hours) |
Places with a climate like Santa Cruz Westside's
- Glen Park (58 mi away): nearly the same temperatures every month
- Excelsior District (57 mi away): nearly the same temperatures every month
- Butano State Park (22 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
Climate Dashboard
Current conditions vs. NOAA normals and recent destination baseline
What the Santa Cruz Westside climate comparisons mean
These cards compare recent conditions at Santa Cruz Westside with the available local baseline. Temperature and year-to-date rainfall use long-term normals when available. Fog, sunshine, wind, and comfort use the matching recent or modeled baseline identified on each card.
Positive and negative differences describe how Santa Cruz Westside departs from its own usual pattern. They should not be read as a direct comparison with another city or as a forecast beyond the period shown.
Santa Cruz Westside weather by month
September is the warmest month at Santa Cruz Westside, with an average high of 74°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 41°F. January is the wettest month (5.1 in.), out of about 25.7 in. a year. Morning fog peaks in July, when fog or low cloud covers 49% of the hours from 6 to 10 AM. November has the clearest middays, with clouds covering about 22% of the sky from 11 AM to 3 PM.
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Santa Cruz Westside are September, October, and August. The best hours are usually 8 AM to 11 AM in September, 10 AM to 1 PM in October, and 7 AM to 10 AM in August.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Rainy days | Morning fog | Midday cloud | Afternoon wind | Daylight | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 61°F | 42°F | 5.1 in | 9 | 15% | 30% | 8 mph | 9.9 h | 37 |
| Feb | 61°F | 43°F | 5.1 in | 9 | 14% | 27% | 11 mph | 10.8 h | 36 |
| Mar | 63°F | 44°F | 3.9 in | 8 | 16% | 33% | 12 mph | 11.9 h | 52 |
| Apr | 65°F | 45°F | 1.8 in | 6 | 23% | 37% | 15 mph | 13.1 h | 52 |
| May | 68°F | 48°F | 0.6 in | 3 | 30% | 40% | 15 mph | 14.2 h | 49 |
| Jun | 71°F | 50°F | 0.2 in | 2 | 36% | 36% | 16 mph | 14.7 h | 61 |
| Jul | 72°F | 53°F | 0.0 in | 1 | 49% | 40% | 14 mph | 14.4 h | 66 |
| Aug | 73°F | 54°F | 0.1 in | 1 | 47% | 39% | 14 mph | 13.5 h | 71 |
| Sep | 74°F | 52°F | 0.1 in | 1 | 38% | 34% | 14 mph | 12.3 h | 75 |
| Oct | 71°F | 49°F | 1.2 in | 5 | 25% | 25% | 12 mph | 11.1 h | 72 |
| Nov | 65°F | 44°F | 2.7 in | 7 | 17% | 22% | 9 mph | 10.1 h | 65 |
| Dec | 60°F | 41°F | 5.0 in | 9 | 16% | 31% | 8 mph | 9.6 h | 36 |
Morning fog is the share of hours from 6 to 10 AM with fog or low cloud. Midday cloud is the average from 11 AM to 3 PM, and afternoon wind is the average from 1 to 5 PM. The highlighted rows are the most comfortable months.
What makes Santa Cruz Westside's weather different
When the fog burns off
52%of 5 AM hours foggy in July
Fog or low cloud covers Santa Cruz Westside in 52% of 5 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 24% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (14%).
When the wind picks up
1 PMwhen afternoon wind builds, February–November
From February through November, wind at Santa Cruz Westside typically builds after 1 PM. In June it peaks around 4 PM, averaging 17 mph with 62% of those hours windy, while mornings average 6 mph.
Microclimate
+17°FScotts Valley, 7.2 mi away, on summer afternoons
Scotts Valley, 7.2 miles away, runs about 17°F warmer than Santa Cruz Westside on summer afternoons.
Daylight
9.6–14.7 hof daylight, Dec to Jun
Days at Santa Cruz Westside range from about 9.6 hours in December to 14.7 hours in June. In mid-June the sun sets around 8:29 PM, and in mid-December around 4:56 PM.
Seasons at Santa Cruz Westside
- Warm seasonJul 28 – Oct 3 · highs 72°F+
The warm season lasts about 2.2 months, from Jul 28 to Oct 3, when the average high is 72°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 74°F.
- Cool seasonNov 29 – Mar 5 · highs 63°F or lower
The cool season runs from Nov 29 to Mar 5, when the average high is 63°F or lower. The coldest nights come around Dec 8, with an average low near 41°F.
- Rainy seasonNov 5 – Apr 11 · 86% of the year's rain
The rainy season runs from Nov 5 to Apr 11, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 86% of the year's rain.
The dark line marks today. Season dates come from the smoothed daily NOAA 1991-2020 normals. Counting from Oct. 1, a typical year has its first inch of rain by Oct 27 and half of its annual total by Jan 25.
Days per year and extremes (Nov 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2026)
This record runs from Nov 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2026. Over this record, Santa Cruz Westside averaged 1 day a year at 90°F or hotter and no freezing nights. It averaged 18 days a year with at least half an inch of rain and 37 afternoons with wind of 20 mph or more at 2 PM. About 145 mornings a year had 3 or more hours of fog or low cloud.
In the same record, the hottest day was Sep 9, 2026 (97°F) and the coldest night was Jan 28, 2025 (34°F). The wettest day was Nov 14, 2025 (2.57 in.), and the strongest 2 PM gust was 49 mph on Mar 12, 2025.
- 1day at 90°F or hotter
- 0nights at or below freezing
- 18days with ½ in. of rain or more
- 37afternoons with 20+ mph wind
- 145mornings with 3+ hours of fog or low cloud
- Hottest day97°FSep 9, 2026
- Coldest night34°FJan 28, 2025
- Wettest day2.57 inNov 14, 2025
- Strongest 2 PM gust49 mphMar 12, 2025
What shapes Santa Cruz Westside's weather
Summer fog forms over the cold water off the north coast and rides the afternoon sea breeze straight onto the Westside's flat marine terraces. These are old wave-cut benches now raised above the sea. With no hill between the neighborhood and the ocean, the gray can hang on into the afternoon. By then Scotts Valley, behind the first ridge, is usually sunny and much warmer.
Uphill, the university campus climbs the lower slopes of Ben Lomond Mountain. On summer mornings the upper campus sometimes breaks out above a thin marine layer, the shallow sheet of cool ocean air that holds the fog. It also catches more winter rain than the shoreline as storms are lifted over the mountain.
Winter storms drive surf straight at the cliffs. Big swells throw spray and occasional waves over the bluff edge, and storm damage and erosion along West Cliff Drive are an ongoing management problem for the city.
Tips for visiting Santa Cruz Westside
Watch whales from West Cliff Drive
The paved bluff-top path runs from the wharf to Natural Bridges with benches along the way, and a short spur leads to Whale Point.
See monarchs from mid-October to mid-February
Monarchs overwinter in the Natural Bridges eucalyptus grove. Late October and November are often best, and they cluster on chilly days below 60°F.
Time tide pools for a low tide
The Natural Bridges tide pools are in a Marine Protected Area and are best viewed when the tide is 2 feet or lower.
Swim with care at Natural Bridges
There are no lifeguards, and State Parks warns that surf there can be unpredictable. Ask at the entrance station or visitor center before going into the water.
Stay behind the cliff fences
The city warns that intermittent waves of unusual size can sweep over previously dry areas. Keep off wet rocks along the bluffs.
Keep dogs off the Natural Bridges beach
Leashed dogs are allowed only in the parking lots and picnic areas, not on the beach or trails.
Santa Cruz Westside through the seasons
- Spring (March–May)
- Wildflowers bloom in the coastal scrub at Natural Bridges, and northwest wind often runs brisk on the open bluffs in the afternoon.
- Summer (June–August)
- Summer is the foggiest season here, with gray mornings that can last into the afternoon. Humpback whales feed in the bay from May through October.
- Fall (September–November)
- Fall brings clearer days, and September is usually the warmest month, though the afternoon wind stays brisk. The monarchs start arriving at Natural Bridges in mid-October.
- Winter (December–February)
- Big swells pound the cliffs in winter. Storms in 2023 damaged West Cliff Drive badly enough that the city fast-tracked emergency repairs.
Activities and the weather that matters
- Walking and biking West Cliff Drive: Calm, clear mornings are best. Summer afternoons bring a stiff sea breeze, and winter storm surf can close sections near the edge.
- Tide pooling: Tide pooling needs a low tide of 2 feet or less and small surf. Natural Bridges cancels its tide pool tours in rain and bad weather.
- Monarch viewing: Cool, gray days below 60°F keep the butterflies clustered in the trees. Warm, sunny afternoons get them flying.
- Mountain biking at Wilder Ranch: Bikes are allowed on all Wilder Ranch trails and roads. The bluff trails are windy in summer afternoons and the inland trails get muddy after winter rain.
Official sources and current conditions
- California State Parks: Natural Bridges State Beach
- California State Parks: Wilder Ranch State Park
- City of Santa Cruz: Ocean safety
- NOAA tide predictions: Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay
Numbers on this page come from NOAA data. The text draws on the official sources linked above.
Historical Climate Data
Long-term weather patterns and climate data
Data sources: Recent temperatures come from NOAA URMA and recent precipitation from NOAA Stage IV. Fog, cloud, wind, humidity, and sunshine come from NOAA HRRR, and long-term baselines from NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
Climate Overview
Based on NOAA 30-year temperature/rain normals (1991-2020) with recent fog/sun baseline
🌟 Best Months to Visit
⚠️ Challenging Months
Monthly Breakdown
| Month | Comfort | High/Low | ☀️ Sun | 🌫️ Fog | 💧 Rain | Perfect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | 77 | 61.2° / 45.3° | 6.8h | 4d | 3.56" | 14 |
| December 2024 | 72 | 60.2° / 46.2° | 5.5h | 5d | 4.97" | 13 |
| January 2025 | 80 | 59.1° / 41.4° | 6.6h | 2d | 0.19" | 17 |
| February 2025 | 73 | 60.1° / 44.6° | 6.7h | 6d | 8.42" | 14 |
| March 2025 | 74 | 59.2° / 44.9° | 7.7h | 6d | 3.25" | 14 |
| April 2025 | 77 | 60.2° / 47° | 9.6h | 12d | 0.53" | 11 |
| May 2025 | 81 | 66.2° / 48.7° | 11.4h | 13d | 0.12" | 17 |
| June 2025 | 78 | 64.7° / 50.6° | 11.2h | 16d | 0" | 13 |
| July 2025 | 77 | 64.8° / 53.9° | 10.3h | 23d | 0" | 9 |
| August 2025 | 78 | 71.3° / 55.1° | 9.9h | 16d | 0" | 16 |
| September 2025 | 80 | 71.3° / 57.5° | 8.7h | 18d | 0.18" | 14 |
| October 2025 | 81 | 67.2° / 52.2° | 7.9h | 9d | 1.69" | 18 |
| November 2025 | 75 | 62.8° / 49.2° | 6.3h | 8d | 5.37" | 15 |
| December 2025 | 74 | 60.8° / 47° | 5.5h | 6d | 3.44" | 13 |
| January 2026 | 78 | 62.6° / 46.9° | 6.8h | 5d | 5.73" | 21 |
| February 2026 | 75 | 62.6° / 47.7° | 6.6h | 2d | 5.79" | 16 |
| March 2026 | 87 | 70.7° / 50.2° | 9.7h | 4d | 0.02" | 26 |
| April 2026 | 80 | 64.1° / 49.3° | 9.2h | 7d | 3.93" | 19 |
| May 2026 | 81 | 65.3° / 50.8° | 10.8h | 11d | 0.77" | 20 |
| June 2026 | 81 | 66° / 53.8° | 10.4h | 16d | 0" | 16 |
| July 2026 | 82 | 70.4° / 55.1° | 11.1h | 12d | 0" | 21 |
| August 2026 | 79 | 69.5° / 56.2° | 9.5h | 22d | 0" | 10 |
| September 2026 | 83 | 71.7° / 54.3° | 9.7h | 10d | 0.06" | 24 |
| October 2026 | 85 | 71.8° / 52.9° | 8.2h | 2d | 0.35" | 26 |
Climate Trends
Average Temperature by Month
About the Santa Cruz Westside climate charts
The temperature chart compares average monthly highs and lows at Santa Cruz Westside, showing both the seasonal cycle and the typical day-to-night range. The comfort chart summarizes how often the combined weather pattern is favorable rather than judging temperature alone.
Precipitation shows the total recorded or modeled rainfall for each month at Santa Cruz Westside. Sunshine compares average bright-sky hours with the daylight available, while fog shows the average number of morning fog or low-cloud hours per day. Switch between the chart tabs to compare the same months across each measure.
Hourly Temperature, Fog, Wind, Cloud Cover, and Solar Radiation Patterns
Average local hour by month from 2014-09-30 to 2026-04-30
- Temperature: At Santa Cruz Westside, the warmest typical hour is 6 PM in September (63°F). The coldest is 6 AM in February (51°F).
- Fog: Fog or low cloud covers Santa Cruz Westside in 52% of 5 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 24% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (14%).
- Wind: From February through November, wind at Santa Cruz Westside typically builds after 1 PM. In June it peaks around 4 PM, averaging 17 mph with 62% of those hours windy, while mornings average 6 mph.
- Cloud Cover: November middays are the clearest at Santa Cruz Westside (22% average cloud cover), and May middays are the cloudiest (40%).
- Solar Radiation: The strongest typical sun at Santa Cruz Westside comes at 2 PM in June, averaging 847 W/m².
How to read the hourly heatmaps for Santa Cruz Westside
This heatmap shows how average temperature at Santa Cruz Westside changes by hour and month. Read left to right for the seasons and top to bottom for the time of day. Warmer colors mark the usual afternoon peaks, and cooler colors show overnight and winter lows.
This heatmap shows when fog or low cloud is most likely at Santa Cruz Westside. Darker cells mark the months and hours when fog has been most common. They help separate overnight or morning fog from cloud that tends to linger into the afternoon.
This heatmap shows the typical hourly wind pattern at Santa Cruz Westside through the year. It makes recurring afternoon wind, calmer overnight periods, and seasonal changes easier to compare than a single daily wind value.
This heatmap shows average cloud cover at Santa Cruz Westside for every month and hour. Use it to see whether cloudiness is mainly an overnight and morning pattern or commonly persists during the part of the day you plan to visit.
This heatmap shows the average solar radiation reaching Santa Cruz Westside by month and hour. Brighter cells indicate the strongest typical sun, while muted cells can reflect nighttime, shorter winter days, cloud cover, smoke, or terrain shading.
Each cell combines one month with one local hour. Hover over or focus on a cell for its value and sample coverage. The red marker shows the current month and hour.
How recent months compared at Santa Cruz Westside
- October 2026 recap: October 2026 at Santa Cruz Westside averaged a high of 72°F, 5°F warmer than October 2025 (67°F).
- Rain year: The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 26.8 in. of rain to Santa Cruz Westside, 104% of the 25.7 in. normal.
Location Details
Santa Cruz Westside weather questions
Everything you need to know about weather and visiting Santa Cruz Westside
What is the weather like at Santa Cruz Westside today?
It's 53°F at Santa Cruz Westside right now, with a comfort score of 77 (great). Monday's forecast high at Santa Cruz Westside is 58°F, 7°F below the mid November normal of 65°F. The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 59°F with a 11 mph wind (comfort 65).
What is the best month to visit Santa Cruz Westside?
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Santa Cruz Westside are September, October, and August. The best hours are usually 8 AM to 11 AM in September, 10 AM to 1 PM in October, and 7 AM to 10 AM in August. The warm season lasts about 2.2 months, from Jul 28 to Oct 3, when the average high is 72°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 74°F.
What are the warmest and coldest months at Santa Cruz Westside?
September is the warmest month at Santa Cruz Westside, with an average high of 74°F. December is the coldest, with an average low of 41°F.
When does the fog burn off at Santa Cruz Westside?
Fog or low cloud covers Santa Cruz Westside in 52% of 5 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 24% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (14%).
When is it windiest at Santa Cruz Westside?
From February through November, wind at Santa Cruz Westside typically builds after 1 PM. In June it peaks around 4 PM, averaging 17 mph with 62% of those hours windy, while mornings average 6 mph.
How much rain does Santa Cruz Westside get?
January is the wettest month (5.1 in.), out of about 25.7 in. a year. The rainy season runs from Nov 5 to Apr 11, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 86% of the year's rain. The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 26.8 in. of rain to Santa Cruz Westside, 104% of the 25.7 in. normal.
How does Santa Cruz Westside weather compare with Scotts Valley?
Scotts Valley, 7.2 miles away, runs about 17°F warmer than Santa Cruz Westside on summer afternoons.
What kind of place is Santa Cruz Westside?
West of the wharf, Santa Cruz turns away from the sheltered inner bay and faces the open Pacific. The Westside runs from the neighborhoods above Cowell Beach out to Natural Bridges State Beach. The paved bluff-top path of West Cliff Drive follows its ocean edge, and the UC Santa Cruz campus climbs the hill behind it. Surfers at Lighthouse Point set it apart from the Boardwalk side of town, along with the sea arch and wintering monarch butterflies at Natural Bridges. Wilder Ranch lies just past the city limit.
What is Santa Cruz Westside weather like in November?
November at Santa Cruz Westside averages a high of 65°F and a low of 44°F, with 2.7 in. of rain over about 7 rainy days. About 17% of morning hours are foggy. Afternoon wind averages 9 mph.
More about Santa Cruz Westside weather
Guides that explain the weather here and nearby
Data sources and methods
- Monthly temperatures and precipitation: NOAA 1991-2020 normals.
- Fog, cloud, wind, sun, and comfort by hour and month: NOAA's HRRR hourly analysis from September 2014 to April 2026.
- Daily records and recent months: NOAA URMA and HRRR analyses, plus NOAA Stage IV precipitation.
- Nearby comparisons and regional rankings use the same hourly HRRR summaries for every destination in the region.
- Alerts: National Weather Service. Tides and ocean temperature: NOAA CO-OPS, where shown.
- All statements on this page are computed from these datasets, apart from the “What shapes the weather” guide, which cites its sources inline.
- California State Parks, Natural Bridges State Beach (accessed 2026-10-27)
- Visit Santa Cruz County, Best beaches for whale watching (accessed 2026-10-27)
- City of Santa Cruz, Ocean Safety (accessed 2026-10-27)
- City of Santa Cruz, Quick Guide to the 5-year Roadmap for West Cliff (accessed 2026-10-27)
- California State Parks, Wilder Ranch State Park (accessed 2026-10-27)
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