Spring (March to May) is the best time to visit. The strawberry fields are in full production, the wildflowers are out on the surrounding hillsides, and the wineries are busy but not yet overwhelmed. The annual Santa Maria Strawberry Festival, held in late April, is worth timing a visit around.
Summer brings warm days and cold nights — the marine layer keeps temperatures moderate compared to the Central Valley inland. October is harvest season in the vineyards and another excellent time to visit the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Winter is mild and quiet; rain is possible from December through February but rarely disruptive.