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Photo: Bright white sunset at Butterfly Beach (Montecito, California) 2013 by Damian Gadal (CC BY 2.0) License

Butterfly Beach

Beach · Montecito, California

Comfortable for a swim today

Good to swim

Comfortable for a swim today: water temperature is 70°F, within the comfortable 70–86°F range.

  • Water temperature is 70°F, within the comfortable 70–86°F range.
  • No official beach advisory posted (California Water Boards — FHAB Reports checked).
Good to swimGood conditions todaycamping-nearby
Editor's Notes
One of the few Southern California beaches that faces south and west, Butterfly Beach is prized for sunsets over the water — and for celebrity-spotting below Montecito's bluffs and the historic Biltmore hotel.

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Comfortable for a swim today

Good to swim

Comfortable for a swim today: water temperature is 70°F, within the comfortable 70–86°F range.

  • Water temperature is 70°F, within the comfortable 70–86°F range. NOAA buoy 46053, as of Aug 21, 8:30 PM UTC
  • No official beach advisory posted (California Water Boards — FHAB Reports checked).
Water temp
70°F
21°C

Official advisories

Checked against California Water Boards — FHAB Reports — no advisory posted.

Live data from NOAA buoy 46053 (16.3 mi away), as of Aug 21, 8:30 PM UTC.

Weather at Butterfly Beach

H: 69° L: 65°
Partly Cloudy
Partly Cloudy
68°
|
Feels like 69°
Precipitation
19%
Humidity
92%
Wind
8 mph
UV Index
8.9
Water Conditions:
🏊Cool but swimmable🧴High UV - use sunscreen
12 AM
Mist
66°
3 AM
Fog
66°
6 AM
Partly Cloudy
66°
9 AM
Sunny
68°
12 PM
Sunny
67°
3 PM
Overcast
69°
6 PM
Sunny
69°
9 PM
Clear
68°

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Butterfly Beach?
Butterfly Beach is a beach in Montecito, California.
What is the water temperature at Butterfly Beach?
As of August 21, 2026, the water temperature at Butterfly Beach in Montecito, California is 70°F (21°C), measured by NOAA buoy 46053, 16.3 miles away.
Can you swim at Butterfly Beach?
Comfortable for a swim today: water temperature is 70°F, within the comfortable 70–86°F range. Checked August 21, 2026.
How is Butterfly Beach rated?
Butterfly Beach in Montecito, California has an average visitor rating of 4.7 out of 5, based on 368 reviews.
What amenities does Butterfly Beach have?
Visitor-listed amenities at Butterfly Beach include camping-nearby.

Visitor Reviews

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Been here? A quick note helps the next visitor plan their day. Handy things to mention:

Water temperatureCrowds & parkingBest time to goSafety & access

Best Times to Visit

👍
Right Now
Good conditions for visiting
🏖️ Swimming Beaches Tips:
  • Arrive early for best parking and beach spot selection
  • Check for lifeguard schedules and swim only in designated areas
  • Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life
  • Watch for beach flags indicating water conditions
Best Seasons:
☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug)🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov)🌸 Spring (Mar-May)

Location & Contact

1233 Channel Dr #1101, Montecito, CA 93108

Montecito, California 93108

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Amenities

Camping nearby