Optimal Time to Explore Los Angeles

It’s hard to pinpoint the best time to visit Los Angeles. Like every destination, each season presents its unique advantages and challenges; however, L.A. always offers something to enjoy. Typically, March through May emerges as the best time for a visit, marked by fewer crowds, pleasant temperatures, and generally good air quality.

The Weather in Los Angeles

Many people think Los Angeles enjoys warm and sunny weather year-round, but actually:

• Weather can vary greatly across different parts of the city; summer may feel unbearably hot inland, yet comfortable at the beach.
• Beaches often experience foggy conditions in early summer.
• Smog levels have improved significantly since the mid-1970s, as per the Air Quality Management District. Generally, air quality worsens in the summer compared to winter, yet beach areas often have better air.
• Autumn and early spring can bring “Santa Ana” winds which create dry and sometimes hot conditions, discomforting for allergy sufferers.
• Surprisingly, ocean temperatures remain cooler than anticipated, reaching their warmest at 68 degrees Fahrenheit in August, while winter sees temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Most rainfall occurs in the winter months; thus, visitors may encounter several days of rain without breaks.
• April and October typically feature clear skies and mild temperatures.
• Post-winter rain often leads to crystal-clear skies, particularly on cool days.

Peak Season in Los Angeles

In a bustling city like L.A., it often feels crowded; however, the most popular attractions are particularly overrun with tourists during the summer. As fall arrives, crowds begin to diminish. Winter welcomes visitors escaping colder climates. January through April are considered less busy months tourist-wise. Additionally, Disneyland and other theme parks remain crowded during school vacations, Thanksgiving, and the holiday season.

Key Events & Festivals

Los Angeles is home to several major annual events that can significantly influence your itinerary. The Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, held annually on January 1 (or January 2 if the first is a Sunday), brings many visitors, while the LA Marathon in mid to late March also causes street closures.

How Long to Stay

Seeing everything L.A. has to offer can take weeks. Between exciting tours, beach days, and nearby adventures, a complete experience may extend well over a month. Unfortunately, most visitors spend less than a week here, necessitating some prioritization.

• A weekend visit allows for exploring a single area or choosing a thematic focus, such as beach towns, museums, or dedicating time to cinematic experiences. A weekend in Downtown LA could also result in a long to-do list.
• With three to four days, consider a side trip. Whether heading to Catalina Island or exploring day trip options, this extra time provides ample opportunity to visit museums or enjoy Venice Beach.
• If you have five to six days, think about adding a couple of excursions. A shopping outing in the Fashion District, attending a sports event, or enjoying a night out at the theater can enrich your stay.

Monthly Breakdown of Los Angeles

January

January welcomes pleasantly mild weather along with numerous fun activities. Expect around 10 hours of daylight.

• Typically, the grand Rose Bowl Parade occurs in Pasadena on January 1.
• Cultural events celebrate the Chinese and Vietnamese New Year.

February

While February can be rainier, temperatures are still comfortable. Rainy days provide a chance to explore many of the city’s best indoor attractions, such as world-class museums.

• The Academy Awards take place in February, allowing opportunities for public participation through bleacher seating.

March

March ushers in blooming flowers, and despite potential for spring break crowds, it remains an ideal time to visit with typically dry and sunny conditions.

• The Los Angeles Marathon kicks off from Dodger Stadium to the Santa Monica Pier, attracting large crowds and prompting street closures.
• It’s also California poppy season, making the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve a worthwhile destination.

April

With an average high of 71 degrees Fahrenheit, April usually boasts dry, sunny weather. A light jacket is advisable near the coast due to cooler temperatures.

• Fiesta Broadway celebrates Cinco de Mayo, a major street fair in downtown L.A., happening in April instead of May.
• April marks the beginning of baseball season, offering opportunities to catch a Dodgers or Angels game.

May

May showcases dry conditions, abundant sunshine, and minimal rainfall, making it an attractive time to visit prior to the peak summer tourist season.

• The multi-day Amgen Tour of California bike race often concludes near Los Angeles in May.
• Blue whales begin their migration in early summer.

June

“June gloom” can bring gray fog, especially in the mornings; nonetheless, sunny days are plentiful as the summer tourist rush unfolds.

• June offers vibrant LGBTQ+ Pride celebrations, particularly well-known in West Hollywood.
• The L.A. Conservancy organizes classic film screenings in the historic theaters of downtown L.A.

July

July’s delightful weather invites plenty of outdoor activities and events, from film screenings to concerts.

• Expect fireworks displays at Disneyland and the Hollywood Bowl on July 4.

August

August in Los Angeles is warm and clear, thanks to a departure from June’s gloom, making cloudless, sunny skies the norm.

• The International Surf Festival occurs along the coast in cities like Torrance and Manhattan Beach.

September

Like August, September remains warm and dry, with smaller crowds as children return to school.

• The Los Angeles County Fair runs throughout the month, bringing significant attendance.
• The L.A. Street Food Fest highlights gourmet food trucks at Santa Anita Park.

October

October’s cooler temperatures offer a pleasant reprieve from summer heat and attract fewer visitors.

• Halloween festivities abound in Los Angeles, with events occurring at locations like Disneyworld and Universal Studios.

November

November marks the beginning of L.A.’s rainy season; however, stormy weather typically arrives in January. Temperatures hover around a pleasant 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Visitors may spot migrating gray whales off L.A.’s coast.
• Pasadena features the Doo Dah Parade, a quirky and festive street event.

December

December sees increased crowds at popular attractions; nevertheless, the holiday season offers numerous enjoyable activities.

• Zoo Lights at the Los Angeles Zoo creates a dazzling display of colorful lights throughout the zoo.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best time to visit Los Angeles?

  The ideal time to visit Los Angeles is from March to May. Visitors can expect fewer crowds, mild temperatures, and relatively good air quality.

• What is the hottest month in Los Angeles?

  Los Angeles experiences its hottest temperatures mainly from July to September, with August typically being the peak month, averaging highs around 85 degrees F (29 degrees C).

• Why is Los Angeles’s weather so good?

  The Eastern Pacific High greatly influences Los Angeles’s weather, where air flows outward and clockwise around a Northern Hemisphere High, leading to warm air descending toward land.

Weather & Climate