Santa Monica in January
Not the best time
January offers the most peaceful Santa Monica experience with empty beaches and budget-friendly accommodations. But the ocean's too cold for swimming and you'll spend more time in cafes than on sand.
Weather
January brings cool, crisp air to Santa Monica with occasional rain showers. Morning fog often rolls in from the ocean, burning off by afternoon. You'll need layers since beach temps hover in the low 60s during the day.
19°C high9°C low6 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$180/day average
Events & Festivals
- •New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge
- •MLK Jr. Day events
January Tips
- •Pack a windbreaker for evening walks on the pier
- •Hotel rates drop significantly after New Year's week
- •Many beachfront restaurants have limited outdoor seating
All Months
Santa Monica Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
7/10
Families
9/10
Adventure
5/10
Budget
4/10
Luxury
6/10
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