Quick Answer
September through November is the best time to visit Los Angeles. The notorious June Gloom marine layer has cleared, temperatures are warm and dry, and the city feels at its most relaxed. For everything you can do while you’re there, see our Los Angeles city guide. Accommodation books up fast around awards season and major concerts - search hotel availability early.
Season Overview
| Month | Avg Temp | Rainfall | Crowds | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C | High | Low | Low |
| February | 20°C | High | Low | Low |
| March | 21°C | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| April | 22°C | Low | Medium | Medium |
| May | 23°C | Low | Medium-High | Medium |
| June | 24°C | Very Low | High | High |
| July | 27°C | Very Low | Very High | Very High |
| August | 28°C | Very Low | Very High | Very High |
| September | 28°C | Very Low | High | High |
| October | 25°C | Very Low | Medium-High | Medium-High |
| November | 22°C | Low | Medium | Medium |
| December | 19°C | Medium | Medium | Medium-High |
Peak Season: June–August
Summer is the peak season for LA tourism, driven by school holidays and the city’s beach reputation. Hotel rates in Santa Monica and West Hollywood regularly exceed $300 per night as of 2026. The irony is that June and early July on the coast are frequently overcast until noon due to the marine layer - a phenomenon locals call June Gloom. The overcast skies can persist all day in beach neighborhoods like Venice and Malibu.
Inland areas - Hollywood, downtown, the San Fernando Valley - are typically clear but hot, reaching 35°C+ on peak summer days. The upside is a packed calendar of outdoor events, food festivals, and concerts at venues like the Hollywood Bowl, which runs its season from June through October.
Shoulder Season: March–May and October–November
Spring is warm and increasingly dry from March onward. The hills are green after winter rains, making hikes in Griffith Park and the Santa Monica Mountains particularly good. The LA Marathon typically runs in March, and the city is lively without being gridlocked. Hotel rates are moderate.
October and November are arguably the finest months of the year. Santa Ana winds bring dry, warm air from the desert, occasionally pushing temperatures above 30°C - this is when beach days are genuinely excellent. The film industry’s awards season ramps up, and the city’s cultural calendar is full. Be aware that Santa Ana conditions also increase wildfire risk in outlying areas, though this rarely affects central LA directly.
Off Season: January–February
LA’s rainy season runs roughly December through March, with January and February seeing the most precipitation. Average temperatures stay comfortable at 18–20°C, rarely requiring more than a light jacket. Rainfall means cleaner air, clearer views of the San Gabriel Mountains, and a noticeable drop in crowds at Griffith Observatory and Universal Studios. Budget travelers can save significantly: hotel rates are at their annual low and flights from New York or Chicago can be found from approximately $150 round-trip.
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C, some rain | Low | Low | Golden Globes, winter hiking season |
| February | 20°C, some rain | Low | Low | Grammy Awards, Chinese New Year in Chinatown |
| March | 21°C, drying | Medium | Medium | LA Marathon, green hills |
| April | 22°C, mostly dry | Medium | Medium | Coachella in nearby Indio |
| May | 23°C, dry | Medium-High | Medium | Memorial Day weekend busy |
| June | 24°C, June Gloom coast | High | High | Hollywood Bowl opens, Pride events |
| July | 27°C, hot inland | Very High | Very High | 4th of July, peak tourist month |
| August | 28°C, hot and dry | Very High | Very High | Summer concerts, beach crowds |
| September | 28°C, warm and clear | High | High | Emmy Awards, ideal beach weather |
| October | 25°C, warm | Medium-High | Medium-High | Santa Ana winds, AFI Fest begins |
| November | 22°C, cooling | Medium | Medium | Thanksgiving, early awards season |
| December | 19°C, cooler | Medium | Medium-High | Holiday events, Rose Parade prep |
Key Events and Festivals
- LA Marathon - March, route through the city’s major neighborhoods
- Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival - April, Indio (90 minutes from LA)
- Hollywood Bowl Summer Season - June through October, iconic outdoor concerts
- Emmy Awards - September, draws industry crowds to West Hollywood and Beverly Hills
- AFI Fest - November, American Film Institute festival across Hollywood venues
- Rose Parade - January 1, Pasadena, free viewing along Colorado Boulevard
Plan Your Trip
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