Santa Barbara, CA · Seasonality
When is Airbnb demand strongest in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara is a seasonal market. Jul is the strongest month and Dec the weakest, with the four best months carrying 44% of the year’s modelled revenue.
Peak month
Jul
Slowest month
Dec
Share of revenue in top 4 months
44%
Peak-to-trough spread
1.7×
Demand index high vs low
Demand month by month
- 80Jan
- 85Feb
- 95Mar
- 100Apr
- 105May
- 120Jun
- 135Jul
- 135Aug
- 115Sep
- 100Oct
- 85Nov
- 80Dec
| Month | Demand index | Modelled ADR | Modelled occupancy | Modelled revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 80 | $357 | 54% | $5,890 |
| Feb | 85 | $369 | 57% | $6,376 |
| Mar | 95 | $393 | 62% | $7,404 |
| Apr | 100 | $405 | 65% | $7,946 |
| May | 105 | $417 | 67% | $8,507 |
| Jun | 120 | $453 | 75% | $10,302 |
| Jul | 135 | $489 | 82% | $12,265 |
| Aug | 135 | $489 | 82% | $12,265 |
| Sep | 115 | $441 | 72% | $9,685 |
| Oct | 100 | $405 | 65% | $7,946 |
| Nov | 85 | $369 | 57% | $6,376 |
| Dec | 80 | $357 | 54% | $5,890 |
The demand index starts from the archetype curve for a pacific beach market and is centred on 100 for an average month. Monthly rate and occupancy are derived from the market averages, with rate moving 60% and occupancy 80% as fast as the index.
What to do in peak season
Around Jul, hold your rate and lengthen minimum stays. Every night you sell cheap in peak season is revenue you cannot recover later in the year.
Shoulder months
Shoulder demand is where most owners leave money behind. Drop minimum stays, open midweek gaps and let last-minute pricing do the work.
Dec and the slow season
With a 1.7× spread between best and worst month, a monthly or mid-term booking often beats chasing nightly stays in the trough.
Compare short-term and mid-term hereCompare Santa Barbara with nearby markets
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