Current Weather
Raw METAR
Clouds - Visual Profile
Weather Briefing
IFRSanta Monica Municipal Airport is currently reporting instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions with broken clouds at 800 feet and 10 SM visibility.
Wind Analysis
Winds are from the south-southeast (150°) at 3 knots.
Visibility & Ceiling
Visibility is 10 SM. The ceiling is 800 feet AGL (broken). Only precision approaches may be usable depending on minimums.
Temperature & Moisture
Temperature is 17°C (63°F) with a dewpoint of 15°C. The temperature-dewpoint spread is very narrow, indicating saturated or near-saturated air. Fog formation or low cloud development is likely.
Forecast Outlook
The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. The forecast shows a transition between VFR and IFR conditions. Pilots should monitor the forecast closely and have an alternate airport plan.
Pilot Recommendations
An instrument rating and IFR flight plan are required. Verify that destination and alternate approach minimums are above current and forecast conditions. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread creates risk of fog formation, particularly during evening and early morning hours.
This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.
Forecast (TAF)
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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
✈️ 03/21
Active: 21
|
3,500 ft | 150 ft | Asphalt | 44° |
↑ 1.5 kt
•
↔ 2.6 kt
60° angle
|
Weather Statistics - KSMO
8,292 observations | Sep 2025 - Jul 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Santa Monica Municipal Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 66.5% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 14% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the SW averaging 5.6 knots. Calm conditions occur 32.3% of the time. Temperatures typically range between 6°C and 33°C with an average of 16.8°C. The best months for VFR flying are April, February, January.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 8,292 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jul 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Santa Monica Municipal Airport - Airport Information
Airport Details
Location
Runway Information
Flight Planning Tools
Nearby Airports
About Santa Monica Municipal Airport
Overview
Santa Monica Municipal Airport serves the Los Angeles metropolitan area as a critical general aviation facility located in coastal western Los Angeles County. Situated at 170 feet mean sea level, the airport provides essential aviation infrastructure for private, business, and training operations in the densely populated Santa Monica region. Its single runway offers critical access for small to medium aircraft serving local transportation needs.
Flying Conditions
Pilots can expect predominantly favorable VFR conditions, with 61.6% of observations indicating clear weather and an additional 21.3% presenting marginal VFR conditions. Southwestern winds dominating at 225° with an average speed of 5.1 knots create generally stable approach environments. Seasonal temperature variations range from 6°C to 29°C, with October, January, and September presenting the most consistent and favorable flying conditions.
Notable Features
The airport's coastal location introduces unique microclimate dynamics typical of Los Angeles basin airports. The single 3500-foot asphalt runway (03/21) provides straightforward operational parameters with consistently favorable wind alignments. Proximity to urban terrain and Pacific coastal influences can produce localized visibility and wind variations that pilots should carefully monitor during approach and departure.
Approach Considerations
Runway 03/21 demonstrates excellent wind compatibility, with 100% favorable wind conditions and minimal average crosswind at 2.1 knots. Pilots should anticipate potential reduced visibility events, with 3% of observations reporting visibility below 3 statute miles and occasional fog presence. Standard instrument approach planning should account for the airport's relatively low elevation and potential marine layer influences characteristic of coastal Southern California environments.
Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.
Learn More
Recommended guides based on current conditions at KSMO
Official Data Sources
Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.