The best time to visit Los Angeles is in the spring, from March through May, and in autumn, from September to November. These times of the year have lovely weather, fewer crowds, and cleaner, crisper air.
The summer months from June through August can swelter with soaring temperatures and thick smog. Despite the heat and choking air, summer draws hordes of tourists to L.A., and you’ll find beaches, bars, and restaurants packed to the hilt.
Los Angeles’ winters, from December to March, are rainy and cool. There are frequent showers, but temperatures are mild compared to the bitter cold climate of other US cities. You’ll find great deals on flights and hotels during this time.
Not sure when to head to the City of Angels? Discover when to go to L.A. with this comprehensive Los Angeles weather guide by season and month!
Got more travel plans on the horizon? Check out our other weather & when to go guides and our California Travel Guide for more tips and recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Weather in Los Angeles
By season
Spring
Spring is one of the best times of the year to visit Los Angeles. March says goodbye to the rains of winter, and days become sunny and bright. Daily temperatures in April and May range between 50°F (10°C) and 72°F (22°C). By May, the odd rain showers have mostly disappeared.
These months are a fantastic time for heading outdoors and exploring. Pop on a pair of comfy walking shoes and hit the streets for an epic LA itinerary. Follow the stars along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stroll through the spectacular gardens at the Huntington Library or take a hike in the mountains among locals at Runyon Canyon Park. Or spend your vacation hopping between popular Southern California theme parks like Disneyland.
Enjoy picnics in the green urban parks and soak up the warm sunshine. You’ll still find great deals on hotel rooms and flights and fewer crowds than in the summer months.
March is the month for the annual Los Angeles Marathon, while the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Fiesta Broadway is also worth checking out in April. Kick back to some jazz in May at the annual Jazz Reggae Festival.
Summer
The summer months of June through August mark the high season, with tourists flocking into the city despite soaring temperatures.
June features a special phenomenon that has earned the city the moniker of “June Gloom.” Thick blankets of fog roll in during the morning, creating a damp, cloudy pall over the city. The gloomy fog can last for a few hours, cooling things down significantly. But, despite this foggy start to the summer, visitors arrive in droves to explore the famous city’s top spots and hit the beach.
Temperatures start ramping up in July. By August, the mercury sits around 85°F (29.5°C) every day. As its peak season, the most popular beaches in L.A. are packed with tourists; be prepared for long queues at beach bars and restaurants.
The inner-city swelters with temperatures rising to 90°F (32°C). Heavy smog abounds, making the beach the best place to be. The Santa Monica Pier in nearby Santa Monica buzzes with action, and Malibu Beach in nearby Malibu is the perfect spot if you want to catch a few Pacific Ocean waves on your holidays.
Despite the heat, there are some fantastic festivals to enjoy in the summer high tourist season. The vibrant LA Pride happens in June, the Outfest in July, and the Nisei Week Japanese Festival in August. And don’t forget to celebrate the birth of the United States at the 4th of July Block Party in Grand Park.
Fall
Along with spring, autumn is another great time to visit Los Angeles. The blistering heat of summer dissipates, and the crowds of tourists disperse.
Temperatures cool down to averages of between 79 °F (26°C) and 83°F (28.5°C), and its perfect beach weather. In September and October, the sea temperature is a balmy 68°F (20°C), making swimming a must for travelers! These shoulder season months are a good time to explore famous Hollywood spots like Universal Studios and the Hollywood Boulevard Walk. You’ll find fewer crowds and shorter queues.
By November, the weather in Los Angeles is turning, and trails of northern cyclones over the Pacific bring rain. Day temperatures cool down to 73°F (23°C) and nights become a chilly 51°F (10.5°C). November also sees an increase in natural disasters such as storms, rock falls, and landslides.
Autumn is packed with events and festivals, from the Emmy Awards and the LA County Fair in September to the Dia de Los Muertos Festival and DTLA Film Festival in October. Ring in the festive season with the Hollywood Christmas Parade, taking place in late November.
Winter
Winter in Los Angeles is cloudy, cool, and wet, but nothing that a good waterproof jacket and umbrella can’t beat. Average daytime temperatures drop to 55°F (13°C), with January being the coldest month of the year.
If you don’t mind the rain and cold, winter is considered the low season; you should be able to find cheaper prices and some good deals on flights and hotels.
Winter is the perfect time to hit museums, art galleries, and other cultural institutions. From the Getty and the Broad to the Huntington Library and the Natural History Museum, there are a ton of incredible places to explore in Los Angeles in inclement weather.
It’s also awards time! The majority of LA’s famous shows happen in winter, including the Golden Globe Awards (January), the Grammy Awards (January or February), and the Academy Awards (February). Don’t miss the Chinese New Year and Golden Dragon Parade in L.A.’s Chinatown in February.
By month
January
January is the coldest and wettest month of the year in Los Angeles. While it may not be as cold as other cities like Boston and New York, temperatures are still chilly for the coastal city with lows of 47°F (8°C) and highs of just 68°F (20°C). The sun does make the odd appearance between the rainfall, though, and some days can see up to 10 hours of sunshine a day.
There may be a lot of rain around, but January is the perfect time for exploring the city’s museums, galleries, and movie studios. Pop on a good waterproof jacket and grab an umbrella, and hit the town!
February
The rain starts to ease off in February, and it’s a wonderful time to visit L.A. if you don’t mind the odd shower. Blue skies become more common and days longer with temperatures ranging between lows of 48°F (9°C) and highs of 69°F (21°C).
The pleasant weather and decreasing rain showers make February ideal for enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking. It’s also the perfect time to hit famous LA tourist spots, like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Universal Studios, with fewer tourists.
March
Spring springs in March, and the weather is nothing less than glorious. Bright blue skies are cloud-free, and temperatures range from 49°F (9°C) to 69°F (20.5°C).
While the sea temperature is still a chilly 59°F (15°C), the beautiful weather is perfect for hitting the beach. Take a picnic and spend some time on one of the many beautiful beaches along the coast.
With plenty of sunshine, March is also ideal for sightseeing without sweltering in the intense heat of summer and jostling with crowds of tourists. It’s a great time of year for meandering along the Pacific Highway to tackle some of the best LA day trips.
April
April enjoys a mixture of sunny and cloudy days while temperatures begin to ramp up in the run-up towards summer. Days are a balmy 72°F (22°C), sometimes warming into the high 70s, while nights are a cool 51°F (11°C).
An odd shower might fall here and there, but generally, April is a dry month. It’s a lovely time of the year for beach-going, picnicking, and exploring top LA attractions like Universal Studios and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
May
Los Angeles is warm and dry during May, making it a popular time for visitors wanting to avoid the high-season chaos. Days are sunny and bright, and the chance of a rain shower is very low, but it’s still a good idea to carry a lightweight rain jacket.
You can enjoy 12 hours of sunshine during the day with temperatures averaging 74°F (23°C). Hit the beach, and be sure to wear high-factor sunscreen to protect yourself from the UV rays.
June
Summer has arrived in Los Angeles with some brilliantly sunny days and warm temperatures. The mercury hovers around 79°F (26°C), and tourists begin arriving in droves to hit the beaches and explore Hollywood.
June is also a somewhat bizarre month in Los Angeles, with thick blankets of fog rolling in to cover the city. Hailed as “June Gloom,” the fog can last up to 13 hours a day without the sun burning it off.
Despite the foggy days, June is a wonderful month to visit the City of Angels.
July
A Mediterranean-style summer with hot, dry days and balmy nights is in full swing in July. Temperatures reach highs of 84°F (29°C) during the day, and evenings are a refreshing 63°F (17°C).
With 13 hours of sunshine every day and sea temperatures of 68°F (20°C), July is the perfect time of year for relaxing on Venice Beach or catching some waves at Surfrider Beach in Malibu. Be sure to keep applying sunscreen and wear a hat, as the UV levels are high at this time of the year.
August
The heat and humidity is on, and August in Los Angeles is positively simmering! Temperatures hover around 85°F (29.5°C), and UV levels are high, so slather yourself in sunscreen before hitting the beach.
In August, the beach is where it’s at. Head to Venice Beach for some people-watching or kick back at a beach bar on Manhattan Beach. Los Angeles’ nightlife is buzzing at this time of the year, and you can rub shoulders with the rich and famous at bars and nightclubs around the city. August is also a good time to escape into the cool hills above Hollywood for hiking.
September
September is one of the best months to visit Los Angeles as the weather cools down slightly and the summer crowds begin heading home. Days are sunny and warm, and evenings are pleasantly cool.
You’ll have 12 hours of sunshine to do plenty of sightseeing, exploring, and hitting the beach. Temperatures are still warm, with highs of 83°F (28.5°C) and gentle breezes begin to blow in off the sea in the afternoons.
October
As temperatures continue to cool down, October is another fantastic month to visit L.A. as there are even fewer crowds, great deals on the best hotels in LA, and crowd-free beaches. Days still boast at least 11 hours of sunshine, allowing plenty of time for exploring Hollywood’s hot spots or going shopping in Beverly Hills.
Go hiking in the hills overlooking the city or spend some time on the beach soaking up the last few weeks of sunshine. Daytime temperatures hover around 79°F (26°C) in October, and the odd rain shower begins to make an appearance in the forecast.
Every October, LA’s Koreatown hosts the annual LA Korean Festival. With the festival celebrating its 50th year in 2023, it’s the perfect time to join in and celebrate the city’s Korean heritage with mouth-watering food and fun performances.
November
November marks the start of the rainy season in Los Angeles, with intermittent showers at the beginning of the month increasing to regular showers towards the end. Despite the precipitation, temperatures are still pleasant and warm, with averages of 73°F (23°C).
November is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. There’s still plenty of sunshine around, and it’s ideal for spending an afternoon lounging on the beach. You’ll also find some good deals on flights and hotels during November.
December
Winter in Los Angeles is considered mild, with average daily temperatures of 68°F (20°C). The rains have arrived, and showers are a regular occurrence. The wind has also picked up, and some days can be quite blustery.
The cooler temperatures and rainy weather are ideal for heading indoors and meandering around museums and art galleries. December is also the perfect time to go shopping, with all the stores gearing up for Christmas.
