Santa Monica Municipal Airport

KSMO / SMO

Santa Monica, US

Last Updated
Apr 18, 05:51Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Fresh 26 min ago
05:51Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
16°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 13°C
3 kt
60°
10 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1015 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KSMO 180551Z AUTO 06003KT 10SM CLR 16/13 A2996 RMK AO2 SLP144 T01610128 10211 20161 51013

Weather Briefing

VFR

Santa Monica Municipal Airport is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 10 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the east-northeast (60°) at 3 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 10 SM. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 16°C (61°F) with a dewpoint of 13°C. The narrow temperature-dewpoint spread suggests high humidity and potential for visibility restrictions, especially during cooling periods.

Forecast Outlook

The TAF forecast covers the next 24 hours. Conditions are expected to remain VFR throughout the forecast period.

Pilot Recommendations

Conditions are favorable for visual flight. 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.

QNH
1015 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1009 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (170 ft)
Pressure Alt
118 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 279 ft
ISA Deviation: +1.3°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KSMO 180520Z 1806/1906 VRB03KT P6SM FEW250 FM181900 23008KT P6SM SKC FM190300 VRB03KT P6SM SKC
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
06:16Z BASE
+0h
VFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: >6SM

24-Hour Weather Evolution

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Data Sources
  • • Current conditions from METAR observations
  • • Historical data from past 24 hours
  • • No forecast or predicted data included
  • • Data updated with each new METAR report
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Note: Future values beyond current TAF validity are estimates based on climatological data and trends. Always verify with current forecasts before flight operations.

Airport Runway Layout

N
SMO
03 ✈️
21

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 03/21
Active: 03
3,500 ft 150 ft Asphalt 44°
2.6 kt 1.5 kt
30° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KSMO

6,143 observations | Sep 2025 - Apr 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
68%
MVFR
17.4%
IFR
9.3%
LIFR
5.4%

Santa Monica Municipal Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 68% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 14.7% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the SW averaging 5.3 knots. Calm conditions occur 34.6% of the time. Temperatures typically range between 6°C and 33°C with an average of 16.6°C. The best months for VFR flying are April, February, January.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: SW (225°)
Average Speed: 5.3 kt
Maximum Recorded: 23 kt
Calm Winds: 34.6%
Direction Distribution:
N
9%
NE
11.1%
E
6.1%
SE
2.8%
S
9.8%
SW
23.2%
W
2.4%
NW
1%

Temperature Range

Average: 16.6°C
Range: 6°C to 33°C
6°C 33°C

Visibility

Average: 8.7 SM
Below 3 SM: 2.4%
Fog Frequency: 2.4%

Best Months for VFR

April February January

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 03/21
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 2 kt

Statistics computed from 6,143 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Apr 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Santa Monica Municipal Airport - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KSMO
IATA Code: SMO
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 170 ft MSL

Location

City: Santa Monica
Country: US
Latitude: 34.015800°
Longitude: -118.450996°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+8

Runway Information

Runway 03/21
Length: 3,500 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: Asphalt
ILS: No

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.

Official Data Sources

Weather NOAA Aviation Weather Center • International METAR/TAF Network
Airports OurAirports.com • Public domain airport database
NOTAMs FAA NOTAM System • ICAO NOTAM Distribution
Last updated: Jan 1, 1970 12:00 AM UTC

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.