Flying in Santa Monica, CA
There are 12 airfields within 93 miles of Santa Monica — the nearest is Santa Monica Municipal Airport (KSMO), about 2 miles out. Daylight runs from about 14h 16m of daylight at midsummer down to about 9h 44m 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 Monica
Public and private airfields within 93 miles, nearest first.
Santa Monica Municipal Airport
Los Angeles International Airport
Jack Northrop Field Hawthorne Municipal Airport
Van Nuys Airport
Bobe Hope / Hollywood Burbank Airport
Compton Woodley Airport
Whiteman Airport
Zamperini Field
Long Beach International Airport
San Gabriel Valley Airport
Los Alamitos Army Air Field
Fullerton Municipal 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) | 04:52–19:08 | 14h 16m |
| Equinox (Mar 20) | 06:02–17:58 | 11h 55m |
| December solstice (Dec 21) | 07:08–16:52 | 9h 44m |
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 | 20.3°C / 69°F | 10.5°C / 51°F | 17 km/h | 9% |
| Summer | 26.7°C / 80°F | 16°C / 61°F | 15 km/h | 4% |
| Autumn | 24.9°C / 77°F | 13.5°C / 56°F | 14 km/h | 8% |
| Winter | 18.2°C / 65°F | 7.7°C / 46°F | 15 km/h | 20% |
Airspace & charts
For the exact airspace classes, frequencies, restricted areas, and airfield plates around Santa Monica, go straight to the official sources — never plan a route off this page alone.
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