There is no bad month to visit Los Angeles, but each one gives you a different trip. Spring and fall are warm and less crowded. Summer has the warmest ocean and the biggest crowds. Winter brings most of the year’s rain, cooler nights and the holiday season. This guide goes month by month with average temperatures from NOAA, plus what is happening and what to watch for.
In this guide
It builds on our Los Angeles weather by month guide, which has the full climate table. For trip planning, see the Los Angeles visitors guide.
Best time to visit at a glance
- Best overall Late September to early November, and March to May
- Warmest August and September, with Downtown highs around 83 to 84°F
- Coolest December and January, with Downtown highs around 67 to 68°F
- Wettest February, with about 3.6 inches of rain Downtown on average
- Gray mornings May and June near the coast
- Fire weather Santa Ana winds are most common in fall
The temperatures below are NOAA’s 1991 to 2020 climate normals for Downtown Los Angeles (USC) and LAX. LAX is near the ocean and a good guide to the beach towns. Inland valleys run hotter in summer.
The short answer
For most visitors, the best time to visit Los Angeles is late September through early November. The weather is still warm, the ocean is still warm from summer, and summer crowds have gone home. March through May is the next best window, with green hills after the rains and mild days. Summer is best if beaches and long days matter more than crowds and prices. Winter is the quietest season outside the holidays.
Month by month
| Month | Downtown high / low (°F) | LAX high / low (°F) | Downtown rain (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 68.0 / 48.9 | 66.3 / 49.4 | 3.29 |
| February | 68.0 / 50.0 | 65.6 / 50.1 | 3.64 |
| March | 69.9 / 52.4 | 66.1 / 52.2 | 2.23 |
| April | 72.4 / 54.8 | 68.1 / 54.2 | 0.69 |
| May | 73.7 / 58.1 | 69.5 / 57.6 | 0.32 |
| June | 77.2 / 61.4 | 72.0 / 60.9 | 0.09 |
| July | 82.0 / 64.7 | 75.1 / 64.0 | 0.02 |
| August | 84.0 / 65.4 | 76.7 / 64.8 | 0.00 |
| September | 83.0 / 64.2 | 76.5 / 63.7 | 0.13 |
| October | 78.6 / 59.9 | 74.4 / 59.8 | 0.58 |
| November | 72.9 / 53.1 | 70.9 / 53.7 | 0.78 |
| December | 67.4 / 48.2 | 66.1 / 49.1 | 2.48 |
January
January is cool by local standards, with Downtown highs around 68°F and nights in the upper 40s. Rain comes in storms, and many days between them are clear and sunny. The Rose Parade in Pasadena opens the year on January 1. Crowds are light after the New Year holiday. See our Rose Parade guide.
February
February is the wettest month, with about 3.6 inches of rain Downtown on average. Bring an umbrella, but expect sunny days too. Lunar New Year events run in Chinatown and the San Gabriel Valley in late January or February.
March
Rain tapers off and hills turn green. Highs reach about 70°F Downtown. Spring break brings families to theme parks in the second half of the month.
April
April is mild and usually dry, with Downtown highs around 72°F. Wildflowers can peak after a wet winter. It is a good month for hiking before the heat arrives.
May
May starts warm inland but gray at the coast, with low morning clouds locals call May Gray. Afternoons often clear. Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer crowds.
June
June Gloom keeps the coast cloudy and cool in the mornings. Inland areas are warmer. School vacations start, and theme parks get busier.
July
July is warm and dry, with Downtown highs around 82°F and LAX around 75°F. It is peak season for beaches and theme parks. Book hotels early.
August
August is the warmest month Downtown, with highs around 84°F. Inland valleys can be much hotter. Beaches are busy, and the coast is the coolest place to be.
September
September stays warm, and heat waves are common. After Labor Day, crowds drop while the water is still warm from summer. This is one of the best months for a beach trip.
October
October is warm and mostly dry, with Downtown highs around 79°F. Santa Ana winds can bring hot, dry days and raise wildfire risk. Halloween events run all month.
November
Rain returns in small amounts, and highs fall to around 73°F Downtown. Holiday light displays start in the second half of the month. See our Christmas lights Los Angeles guide.
December
December is cool, with Downtown highs around 67°F, and the rainy season picks up. Holiday events fill the calendar, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s is busy at theme parks. See our New Year’s Eve in Los Angeles guide.
Things to plan around
May Gray and June Gloom
A marine layer often covers the coast on late spring and early summer mornings. It is not rain, and it often burns off by afternoon, but beach days can feel cool. If sun matters, head inland or wait for the afternoon.
Santa Ana winds and fire weather
Santa Ana winds are dry, gusty winds from the northeast that are most common in fall. They bring hot, clear days and raise fire risk. During red flag warnings, parks in the Santa Monica Mountains may close trails in advance. Check Ready LA County before hiking, and see our best hikes in Los Angeles list for current closures.
Rain and the ocean
After heavy rain, county health officials advise staying out of the ocean for 72 hours because of runoff. See our best beaches in Los Angeles list for water quality links.
Best time for specific trips
Pick your season
- Beaches | July through September, with the warmest water and sunniest coast.
- Hiking | Late fall through spring, avoiding red flag days.
- Museums and city sights | Any time; winter weekdays are quietest.
- Theme parks | Weekdays outside school holidays. See our Disneyland guide.
- Holidays | Late November through early January for lights, parades and the Rose Parade.
What to pack
Bring layers in every season. Mornings and evenings near the ocean are cool even in summer, and inland afternoons can be hot. Use sunscreen year-round. In winter, pack a light rain jacket.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Los Angeles?
Late September through October is hard to beat: warm weather, a warm ocean and fewer crowds than summer. April and May are also good.
What is the rainiest month in Los Angeles?
February, with about 3.6 inches of rain Downtown on average from 1991 to 2020.
What is the cheapest time to visit Los Angeles?
Winter outside the holidays, from mid-January through February, is usually the quietest season. Hotel prices vary by week, so compare dates.
Is Los Angeles hot in summer?
The coast is mild, with LAX highs around 75 to 77°F in July and August. Downtown is warmer, and inland valleys can be much hotter.
What is June Gloom?
June Gloom is the low cloud layer that often covers the coast on summer mornings. It usually clears by afternoon.
Official sources: NOAA climate normals; National Weather Service Los Angeles; Ready LA County; Discover Los Angeles.
Photo credits
Featured image: formulanone / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0