Best Time to Visit Los Angeles
September is the best month to visit Los Angeles. The summer crowds dissipate after Labor Day, but the Pacific Ocean remains warm enough for swimming. You avoid the "June Gloom" fog and the heavy rain risks of winter. Daytime temperatures hover around 83°F (28°C), providing ideal conditions for hiking Griffith Park or outdoor dining in West Hollywood. Airfares and hotel rates often drop as the peak vacation season ends. If you want the quintessential Southern California experience—sunny skies, manageable traffic, and warm beaches—book your trip for the window between September and early October.
Month by month breakdown
January
January is the coolest month in Los Angeles, with highs of 68°F (20°C) and lows of 49°F (9°C). Expect clear, crisp air after occasional rainstorms, offering the best views of the Hollywood Sign. Crowds are thin after the New Year’s Day Rose Parade in nearby Pasadena. Hotels are at their annual price floor. You should attend Dine LA Restaurant Week, where the city’s top eateries offer discounted prix-fixe menus.
February
February remains mild with temperatures between 69°F (21°C) and 51°C (11°F). This is statistically the wettest month, so pack an umbrella for sudden downpours. Crowds remain low, except around Valentine's Day. Prices are competitive as leisure travel hits a lull. It is the best time to visit world-class museums like the Getty Center or LACMA without the school-holiday lines. Catch the Golden Dragon Parade in Chinatown for Lunar New Year.
March
Temperatures begin to rise in March, averaging 70°F (21°C). The hills are green from winter rains, making it the peak season for hiking to Wisdom Tree or Runyon Canyon. Spring break starts to bring in families, causing a slight uptick in hotel rates. You can watch the Los Angeles Marathon, which winds through the city from Dodger Stadium to the stars of the Walk of Fame.
April
April offers pleasant weather ranging from 73°F (23°C) to 54°F (12°C). The rainy season has ended, and the summer humidity hasn't arrived. Crowds are moderate. You will find higher prices around Coachella weekends as travelers use LA as a stopover. Visit the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in nearby Indio, or stay local for the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood.
May
May introduces "May Gray," a marine layer that keeps the coast overcast until the afternoon. Temperatures range from 74°F (23°C) to 57°F (14°C). It is a shoulder season with steady pricing. The lack of direct sun makes it comfortable for walking Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland. Check out the Fiesta Hermosa, a massive arts and crafts fair held over Memorial Day weekend at Hermosa Beach.
June
"June Gloom" persists, bringing heavy morning fog to Santa Monica and Venice. Highs reach 78°F (26°C). Crowds surge as schools let out, and hotel prices follow suit. Despite the clouds, the city is active. This is the best time to attend LA Pride in West Hollywood, one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the country, featuring a massive parade and music festival.
July
July is hot and dry, with averages of 83°F (28°C). The marine layer clears, providing constant sun. This is peak tourist season; expect long lines at theme parks and packed beaches. Hotel rates are at their highest. You should book a seat at the Hollywood Bowl for their summer concert series, which often includes spectacular Fourth of July fireworks performances.
August
August is the hottest month, with temperatures often exceeding 85°F (29°C), and inland valleys hitting 100°F. The humidity is low, but the sun is intense. Crowds remain thick and prices stay high. Cooling off at the beach is the primary activity. Head to the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach to watch world-class athletes compete in the swells just south of the city.
September
September is the best time to visit Los Angeles for weather and value. Highs stay near 83°F (28°C). The ocean is at its warmest, perfect for surfing or swimming. Crowds drop significantly once school resumes, leading to better hotel deals. Attend the Emmy Awards or various film festivals that kick off the awards season circuit during this month.
October
October remains warm with highs of 79°F (26°C). The "Santa Ana" winds can bring sudden heat spikes and dry air. Crowds are thin, and prices are moderate. It is the peak season for "haunted" attractions. Spend an evening at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights, widely considered the most immersive Halloween event in the United States.
November
November sees temperatures cool to 73°F (23°C). The air is clear and the autumn light is great for photography. Aside from the Thanksgiving holiday, crowds are minimal. You can find excellent value on luxury hotels in Beverly Hills and Downtown. Visit the LA Auto Show at the Convention Center, one of the most influential automotive events globally.
December
December is mild, with highs of 68°F (20°C) and lows of 48°F (9°C). You might see snow on the distant San Gabriel Mountains while wearing a t-shirt at the beach. Late December is expensive and crowded due to holiday travelers. Check out the LA County Holiday Celebration at the Music Center on Christmas Eve for free multicultural performances.
Cheapest time to visit Los Angeles
The cheapest time to visit Los Angeles is from mid-January through early March. During this window, the holiday rush has ended and the summer crowds are months away. Hotels in high-demand areas like Santa Monica and West Hollywood often drop their rates by 30% or more to fill rooms.
The primary trade-off is the weather. This is Los Angeles' rainy season. However, "rainy" in LA usually means short bursts of heavy showers followed by clear skies. If you don't mind carrying a jacket and spending more time in indoor venues like the Broad Museum or Grand Central Market, you will save a significant amount on both airfare and lodging. Mid-week stays in November (excluding Thanksgiving week) also offer competitive pricing for budget-conscious travelers.
When to avoid Los Angeles
Avoid Los Angeles in June if you want blue skies and beach weather. The "June Gloom" is a real phenomenon where a thick marine layer blankets the coast for the majority of the day. It can feel chilly and damp at the beach even when the inland valleys are warm.
You should also avoid the city during major holiday weekends like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and the period between Christmas and New Year's. Traffic—which is already some of the worst in the world—reaches a standstill. Theme parks like Disneyland and Universal Studios often hit maximum capacity during these windows, meaning you will spend more time in lines than on rides. If you dislike extreme heat, steer clear of the San Fernando Valley and inland areas in August, where temperatures frequently stay in the triple digits.
Best time for good weather
For the most reliable combination of sunshine and comfortable temperatures, visit between September and November. During this window, the humidity is low, the "Gloom" of the spring has vanished, and the sweltering heat of August has dissipated.
Days are consistently sunny with temperatures in the mid-70s to low 80s. This is the best time for outdoor activities such as hiking to the Hollywood Sign, coastal bike rides from Santa Monica to Venice, or visiting the Huntington Library and Gardens. The air quality is also typically better in the autumn after the summer smog has been cleared by changing wind patterns.
Best time for fewer crowds
To experience Los Angeles without the crushing weight of tourism, go in late April, May, or September. These shoulder seasons sit between the major school breaks.
- Late April to May: Most families are waiting for summer vacation. Foot traffic at the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Santa Monica Pier is manageable.
- September: Once Labor Day passes, the city returns to its residents. You can get reservations at trendy restaurants in Silver Lake or the Arts District more easily than in the peak of summer.
Visiting during these times allows you to navigate the city's infrastructure—which is heavily burdened by its 4 million residents—without the added pressure of millions of additional tourists. You will spend less time in traffic and less time waiting for entry into the city's top attractions.