Santa Maria Public Airport Captain G Allan Hancock Field

KSMX / SMX

Santa Maria, US

Last Updated
Jun 10, 13:51Z

Current Weather

Display Units
Recent 47 min ago
13:51Z

☀️ Day
VFR
Flight Rules
13°C
Temperature
Dewpoint: 12°C
3 kt
250°
6 SM
Visibility
Ceiling
Unlimited
1012 hPa
QNH
Altimeter Setting

Raw METAR

METAR KSMX 101351Z AUTO 25003KT 6SM BR CLR 13/12 A2987 RMK AO2 SLP116 T01330117 $

Weather Briefing

VFR

Santa Maria Public Airport Captain G Allan Hancock Field is currently reporting visual flight rules (VFR) conditions with clear skies and 6 SM visibility.

Wind Analysis

Winds are from the west-southwest (250°) at 3 knots.

Visibility & Ceiling

Visibility is 6 SM. Skies are clear with unlimited ceiling.

Temperature & Moisture

Temperature is 13°C (55°F) with a dewpoint of 12°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. Expected weather includes: Mist. Expect variable wind speeds ranging from 3 to 14 knots.

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. The forecast indicates conditions may deteriorate. Ensure you have fuel reserves and a viable alternate airport.

This briefing is generated from real-time METAR and TAF data. Always verify with official sources before flight.

QNH
1012 hPa
Sea Level Pressure
For altitude above MSL
QFE
1003 hPa
Field Pressure
Height above aerodrome (261 ft)
Pressure Alt
299 ft
QNE Reference
Standard: 1013 hPa
Density Altitude: 122 ft
ISA Deviation: -1.5°C

Forecast (TAF)

View Full TAF
Raw TAF
TAF KSMX 101156Z 1012/1112 VRB03KT 6SM BR SKC FM101500 33010KT P6SM SKC FM101700 32014G20KT P6SM SKC FM102200 31012KT P6SM SKC FM110400 VRB03KT P6SM SKC FM111000 VRB03KT 4SM BR BKN004
Upcoming Changes (Next 12 Hours)
14:37Z BASE
+0h
VFR VRB 3 kt
Visibility: 6SM
Mist
15:00Z FM101500
+1h
VFR 330° 10 kt
Visibility: >6SM
17:00Z FM101700
+3h
VFR 320° 14 kt
Visibility: >6SM
22:00Z FM102200
+8h
VFR 310° 12 kt
Visibility: >6SM

24-Hour Weather Evolution

Loading weather data...
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
Chart Features
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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
SMX
02
20 ✈️
12
30

Runway Information

Runway Length Width Surface Heading Wind Component
✈️ 02/20
Active: 20
5,130 ft 75 ft ASP 35°
1.9 kt 2.3 kt
50° angle
12/30 6,304 ft 150 ft ASP 135°
1.3 kt 2.7 kt
115° angle
🟢 Active Runway: Best headwind component for current conditions
⬆️ Headwind: Favorable wind component
↔️ Crosswind: ≤10kt Safe, 11-15kt Caution, >15kt Challenging

Weather Statistics - KSMX

8,400 observations | Sep 2025 - Jun 2026

Flight Rules Distribution

VFR
67.7%
MVFR
14%
IFR
7.6%
LIFR
10.7%

Santa Maria Public Airport Captain G Allan Hancock Field typically experiences VFR conditions 67.7% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 18.3% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the W averaging 7 knots, with gusts recorded up to 32 knots. Calm conditions occur 30.7% of the time. Temperature extremes range from 2°C to 34°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are February, January, March.

Wind Analysis

Prevailing Direction: W (270°)
Average Speed: 7 kt
Maximum Recorded: 32 kt
Calm Winds: 30.7%
Direction Distribution:
N
3.7%
NE
1.5%
E
5.9%
SE
9.1%
S
8.2%
SW
3.7%
W
21.2%
NW
16%

Temperature Range

Average: 14°C
Range: 2°C to 34°C
2°C 34°C

Visibility

Average: 8.2 SM
Below 3 SM: 3.5%
Fog Frequency: 8.2%

Best Months for VFR

February January March

Runway Wind Analysis

Runway 02/20
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 5.8 kt
Runway 12/30
Favorable wind: 100%
Avg crosswind: 2.7 kt

Statistics computed from 8,400 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Jun 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.

Santa Maria Public Airport Captain G Allan Hancock Field - Airport Information

Airport Details

ICAO Code: KSMX
IATA Code: SMX
Type: medium airport
Status: active
Elevation: 261 ft MSL

Location

City: Santa Maria
Country: US
Latitude: 34.898899°
Longitude: -120.457001°
Time Zone: Etc/GMT+8

Runway Information

Runway 02/20
Length: 5,130 ft
Width: 75 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No
Runway 12/30
Length: 6,304 ft
Width: 150 ft
Surface: ASP
ILS: No

About Santa Maria Public Airport Captain G Allan Hancock Field

Overview

Santa Maria Public Airport serves the central California coastal region, located in Santa Maria, California. As a medium-sized airport with two paved runways, it supports general aviation, commercial, and potentially agricultural aviation operations. The airport sits at 261 feet above mean sea level with coordinates that place it in a strategic position within Santa Maria's transportation infrastructure.

Flying Conditions

Pilots can expect predominantly visual flight rules (VFR) conditions, with 67.1% of observations supporting clear weather operations. The airport experiences significant wind influence, with western winds averaging 6.3 knots and occasional gusts up to 25 knots. Temperature ranges from 2°C to 28°C create generally stable flying conditions, though pilots should be aware of potential low visibility periods, with fog occurring in 12.9% of observations.

Notable Features

The airport features two asphalt runways: Runway 02/20 at 5,130 feet and Runway 12/30 at 6,304 feet. Both runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, which provides consistent approach options. The coastal location suggests potential for marine layer intrusions and associated visibility challenges, particularly during cooler months.

Approach Considerations

Given the prevailing western winds, pilots should anticipate minimal crosswind challenges, with average crosswind components of 5.2 knots on Runway 02/20 and 2.5 knots on Runway 12/30. Winter months (November, December, January) offer the most consistent VFR conditions, while pilots should be prepared for potential reduced visibility scenarios during other periods.

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.