Flying in Santa Barbara, CA
There are 12 airfields within 93 miles of Santa Barbara — the nearest is Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (KSBA), about 8 miles out. Daylight runs from about 14h 18m of daylight at midsummer down to about 9h 42m at midwinter, so your VFR window shifts a lot through the year. Below: the airfields nearby, the seasonal daylight and weather, and where to find the official charts.
Airfields near Santa Barbara
Public and private airfields within 93 miles, nearest first.
Santa Barbara Municipal Airport
Santa Ynez Airport
Santa Cruz Island Airport
Oxnard Airport
Santa Paula Airport
Camarillo International Airport
Point Mugu Naval Air Station (Naval Base Ventura Co)
Lompoc Airport
Santa Maria Public Airport Captain G Allan Hancock Field
Vandenberg Space Force Base
Van Nuys Airport
Whiteman Airport
Daylight & the VFR window
Most VFR flying happens between sunrise and sunset, so daylight length is your practical flying window. Times below are local solar time (clock times shift with your time zone and DST). Plan night currency and reserves around the short end of the year.
| Time of year | Sunrise–sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|
| June solstice (Jun 21) | 04:51–19:09 | 14h 18m |
| Equinox (Mar 20) | 06:02–17:58 | 11h 55m |
| December solstice (Dec 21) | 07:09–16:51 | 9h 42m |
Typical weather
Seasonal averages from 2021–2023. A guide to what to pack and plan for — always check current METARs, TAFs, and NOTAMs before you fly.
| Season | Avg high | Avg low | Avg wind | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 21.1°C / 70°F | 11.2°C / 52°F | 13 km/h | 12% |
| Summer | 28°C / 82°F | 17.8°C / 64°F | 9 km/h | 3% |
| Autumn | 25.3°C / 78°F | 14.2°C / 58°F | 11 km/h | 8% |
| Winter | 18.3°C / 65°F | 8.2°C / 47°F | 12 km/h | 21% |
Airspace & charts
For the exact airspace classes, frequencies, restricted areas, and airfield plates around Santa Barbara, go straight to the official sources — never plan a route off this page alone.
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