Best Time to Visit Los Angeles

Pacific Coast Highway travel suggests the best time to visit Los Angeles with information about the weather and climate month by month and season by season.

So, you're planning a trip to the City of Angels? But when is the best time to visit? Well, don't worry! We've got you covered. We'll go through the "Best Time to Visit Los Angeles" in a month-by-month breakdown right now.

Los Angeles at Night

Best Month to Visit Los Angeles

Los Angeles in January is a bundle of freshness, shrugging off the residual holiday cheer. The weather dances between 48°F to 68°F (8-20°C). By Southern California standards, it may feel cold, but most visitors find it quite pleasant. Don't forget a lightweight jacket!

February is similar to January, with temperatures lulled between 51°F to 68°F (10-20°C). Here's a fun fact - it's one of the "rainier" months in the "Los Angeles weather" calendar! Yet, even at its rainiest, L.A. rain is generally light and sporadic - nothing an umbrella can't handle!

As we trot into March, temperatures are a tad warmer, varying from 51°F to 70°F (10-21°C). The days get longer, and the city gears up for spring's vibrant colors.

Our Pick of the LA Guides

April is predictably spring-like with temperatures dancing between 54°F and 73°F (12-23°C). Picture-perfect skies, a gentle breeze - ideal for hiking up Griffith Park or visiting The Getty Center.

May bids adieu to the little rain L.A. sees and welcomes a warmer climate. Temperatures can be seen floating between 58°F and 74°F (14-23°C). It's an excellent time to explore those outdoor food markets you've bookmarked!

June brings the much-whispered wonder of 'June Gloom' - dispelling the myth, it's really just mornings with fog that retreats by midday. The temperature plays between 61°F and 78°F (16-25°C).

Welcome to July, the peak of Los Angeles summers! With temperatures sizzling between 64°F and 83°F (17-28°C), the city lives up to the Southern California climate reputation. LA's beaches are a great place to cool off. So slap some sunblock on and head out!

Drummer busking on Santa Monica Pier

August is another scorcher with the temperature gauge lingering between 64°F and 84°F (17-29°C). Ever fancied a Hollywood Bowl concert under the stars? Or a visit to Universal Studios? This is that GOLDEN time.

September sees the summer gradually cooling off, with temperatures straddling between 63°F and 83°F (17-28°C). This is when LA's skies are in their best mood, offering perfect clarity - picture-perfect sunset at Santa Monica Pier, anyone?

October walks in with an autumnal chill - light sweaters reappear as temperatures cap between 58°F and 78°F (14-25°C). Halloween in Los Angeles anyone? The haunted hayrides are legendary!

As we move into November, the temperatures shuffle between 53°F and 73°F (11-22°C). Daylight gets scarce, but the sweet November sun will accompany you on those enchanting strolls at The Grove.

Lastly, December embraces a cool and bright aura, with temperatures hanging between 48°F to 68°F (8-20°C). And here's the kicker - LA Christmas is without snow but with plenty of sparkle!

Best Season to Visit Los Angeles

Now, to explore the 'Best Time to Visit Los Angeles' from a seasonal perspective: Winter in Los Angeles - December, January, and February - is mild by most standards. There’s little rain and daytime temperatures are pleasant. Evenings can get chilly, but seldom do you need more than a light jacket.. and a warm drink!

Spring - March, April, May - is incredible! The city blooms under perfect temperatures, and the Southern California climate showcases its best side. Plus, it's outside the peak-tourist season, so think less crowds and more fun!

Skateboarder at Venice Beach

Summers in Los Angeles - June, July, and August - truly bring the heat. Temperatures can climb into the 80s (around 27°C) or higher. Beaches are the place to be, and music festivals are buzzing. Be wary of the sun's intensity though, and keep yourself hydrated.

Autumn - September, October, November - offers the sweet spot between summer and winter weather. It's warm enough for beach days and cool enough for city exploration. In fact, it might just be the 'Best Time to Visit Los Angeles'!

Here's the thing - the city's weather is friendly, the majority of the year. The key really lies in figuring out what interests you the most - LA has a robust offering - Beaches, Hollywood, Arts & Culture, Food, Luxury, Festivals, we could go on!

Best Times for Different Interests

The beach at Santa Monica

If you're seeking to enjoy sandy beaches, pick the summer months. However, do brace for crowds, especially over weekends and public holidays.

For the art and culture enthusiasts, who'd like to savor LA's museums and galleries like The Getty or LACMA, any time of the year works really, thanks to Los Angeles's friendly weather.

The food-focused tourist will be delighted to know that Farmer's Markets happen all year round. However, the variety is slightly wider during spring and summer months.

The movie buffs wishing for a tour of Universal Studios, or perhaps even a visit to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, would find the autumn/winter period more comfortable and less crowded.

The Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles

Planning a hike to the Hollywood sign? Spring's your best bet. While the trail’s open year-round, the bearable temperatures and vibrant greenery in spring make it particularly lovely.

If you're the music festival-kind, then summer's for you! Gear up for celebrations like the Hollywood Bowl Summer Series or FYF Fest.

And for those desiring luxurious shopping and people watching in Beverly Hills, every season has its own charm.

In summary, deciphering the 'Best Time to Visit Los Angeles' boils down to personal preferences. Aim for a balance between the weather and your to-do list - and there really wouldn't be a bad time to visit!

Other LA pages

Best Spa Hotels in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel recommends the best spa hotels in Los Angeles including the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Hotel Bel-Air, Four Seasons, and Ritz-Carlton.
Best Museums in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the best museums in Los Angeles including the top art museums and museums for families.
Cheap Flights to Los Angeles
Cheap flights to Los Angeles International Airport LAX with JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and Virgin America.
Public Transport in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel brings your guide to public transport in Los Angeles to show how you can get around in the city without a car, even to the beaches.
Most Romantic Hotels in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the most romantic hotels in Los Angeles, including beach-front beauties as well as those in the heart of the city.
Soul of Los Angeles
Soul of Los Angeles from French publishers Jonglez is a travel guide to 30 Exceptional Experiences in California's largest city.
Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel’s travel guide to Los Angeles, including dining and accommodation options, public transport, and the city’s best things to do.
Ten Best Views in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks ten of the best views in Los Angeles, including Malibu, Santa Monica, the Griffith Observatory and the Getty Center.
Culture Trails
Pacific Coast Highway Travel reviews the book Culture Trails by Lonely Planet, which has a section on Vintage Hollywood alongside 51 other perfect weekends.
LA to Hearst Castle
Pacific Coast Highway travel offers advice on driving from LA to Hearst Castle, including distance, journey time, and route.
Best Budget Hotels in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the best budget hotels in Los Angeles so you can have a cheap stay in LA and still be near Hollywood or Universal Studios.
Car Rental in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel’s guide to car rental in Los Angeles including airport rentals, rental requirements, insurance, parking, and more.
New Hotels in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel lists the new hotels in Los Angeles, and those refurbished and renovated, and all open for business in 2025.
Vintage Hollywood
Vintage Hollywood in Los Angeles is an extract from the Lonely Planets book Culture Trails.
Los Angeles Travel Guide
The Los Angeles travel guide book from Lonely Planet also covers San Diego and Southern California, including Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, and Disneyland.
Must-See Hollywood
Pacific Coast Highway Travel reviews 111 Places in Hollywood That You Must Not Miss, a guide that includes iconic attractions and hidden secrets too.
Los Angeles Airport Hotels
Los Angeles Airport hotels include Hilton, Radisson, Marriott, Embassy Suites, Crowne Plaza and other top names, all of them within a mile or so of LAX.
Best Hotels for Families in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the best hotels for families in Los Angeles, whether you want to be close to Universal Studios or the Hollywood Walk of Fame.