Climate Overview
The climate in Santa Cruz is temperate. The average annual temperature is 15°C and approximately 444mm of precipitation falls per year. June is the wettest month, receiving around 133mm of rainfall. Santa Cruz is in the Southern Hemisphere. The seasons are reversed — summer runs from December to February, while winter falls between June and August. The summer months are: January, February, December. The coldest months are July, June, August, when temperatures can drop to 5°C.
Temperature
Temperatures in Santa Cruz vary considerably across the year, with a 25°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. The warmest month is January, when average highs reach 30°C and the mean temperature sits around 22°C. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 5°C and an average of 9°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 13°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 4°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Santa Cruz is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 444mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 37mm per month. The wettest month is June, averaging 133mm of rainfall. July and May also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 1mm. That's 132mm less than June, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
Santa Cruz is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 2km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is December, averaging 2km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in May, with average winds dropping to 1km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 1km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Seasons
89 days until Spring
It is currently winter in Santa Cruz, which began on June 21, 2026. Santa Cruz is in the Southern Hemisphere, where the seasons are reversed — spring starts in September, summer in December, autumn in March, and winter in June. The warmest period peaks in January at around 30°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in July near 5°C. Spring is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 89 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 7 to 27°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 66mm over the season and a monthly average of 22mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season — a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 13 to 30°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 7mm for the entire season. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 8 to 27°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 100mm over the season and a monthly average of 33mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. Layered clothing works best as temperatures gradually cool — enjoy the crisp air and changing scenery.
Winter
Temperatures range from 5 to 16°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 271mm for the season, averaging 90mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 2km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Santa Cruz is during January, February, March, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 20°C with modest rainfall averaging 4mm per month. By contrast, July can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 5°C. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Santa Cruz based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
