Best Time to Visit Los Angeles
Weather, seasons, events, and insider tips for planning your LA trip
⚡ Quick Answer
The best time to visit LA is March-May and September-November — perfect weather (65-75°F), fewer crowds than summer, lower hotel prices, and great outdoor conditions. Summer (June-August) is peak tourist season with crowded beaches and higher prices. Winter (December-February) offers mild weather and lowest prices, but more rain. LA's year-round sunshine means there's never a truly bad time to visit!
📅 Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cool, occasional rain (60-65°F) | Low | 💰 Cheapest | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| February | Mild, some rain (60-68°F) | Low | 💰 Low | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
| March | Perfect! (65-70°F) | Medium | 💰💰 Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| April | Ideal (65-72°F) | Medium | 💰💰 Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| May | Beautiful (68-75°F) | Medium-High | 💰💰 Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| June | Warm, "June Gloom" fog (70-78°F) | High | 💰💰💰 High | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good |
| July | Hot (75-85°F) | Very High | 💰💰💰 Peak | ⭐⭐⭐ Good (crowded) |
| August | Hot (75-85°F) | Very High | 💰💰💰 Peak | ⭐⭐⭐ Good (crowded) |
| September | Perfect! (75-80°F) | Medium | 💰💰 Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| October | Ideal (70-78°F) | Medium | 💰💰 Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent |
| November | Pleasant (65-72°F) | Low | 💰 Low | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good |
| December | Mild (60-68°F) | Medium (holidays) | 💰💰 Moderate | ⭐⭐⭐ Good |
🌤️ Seasonal Breakdown
🌸 Spring (March-May) ⭐ BEST
Weather: 65-75°F, minimal rain, blooming flowers
Crowds: Moderate, manageable
Prices: Mid-range, great value
Why It's Great:
- ✓ Perfect beach weather
- ✓ Wildflower super blooms (after rain years)
- ✓ Lower hotel rates than summer
- ✓ Outdoor festivals and concerts
- ✓ Clear skies for Hollywood Sign photos
☀️ Summer (June-August)
Weather: 70-85°F, hot inland, "June Gloom" coast
Crowds: Very high, peak season
Prices: Highest of the year
Pros & Cons:
- ✓ Best beach season
- ✓ Outdoor concerts & events
- ✓ Long daylight hours
- ✗ Crowded attractions
- ✗ Higher prices everywhere
- ✗ Morning coastal fog (May-June)
🍂 Fall (September-November) ⭐ BEST
Weather: 65-80°F, warmest ocean temps
Crowds: Moderate after Labor Day
Prices: Drop after summer peak
Why It's Great:
- ✓ Warmest ocean water (September)
- ✓ No June Gloom fog
- ✓ Perfect hiking weather
- ✓ Lower hotel rates
- ✓ Less crowded beaches
🌧️ Winter (December-February)
Weather: 60-68°F, most rain (still mild!)
Crowds: Low except holidays
Prices: Lowest rates (Jan-Feb)
Best For:
- ✓ Budget travelers
- ✓ Museum & indoor activities
- ✓ Avoiding crowds
- ✓ Mild escape from cold climates
- ✗ Some rain (5-6 days/month)
- ✗ Cooler ocean (not ideal for swimming)
🎭 Major Events & Festivals
🏆 Oscars / Academy Awards
MarchHollywood's biggest night. Book hotels early, expect higher prices.
🎵 Coachella
AprilTwo weekends in Indio (2h from LA). LA hotels fill up with festival-goers.
🎬 LA Film Festival
JunePremieres, panels, celebrity sightings downtown.
🎃 Halloween
OctoberWest Hollywood Carnaval (huge street party), haunted attractions.
🎆 New Year's Eve
December 31Grand Park downtown, beach parties, expensive but festive.
💡 Insider Tips
- 🌊 "June Gloom": May-June mornings are foggy/overcast at the beach. Clears by afternoon.
- 🔥 Avoid September-October: Fire season, air quality can be poor during Santa Ana winds.
- 🏖️ Best beach weather: September-October (warmest ocean, no fog)
- 💰 Book hotels 3+ months ahead: For summer and major events
- 🚗 Traffic is ALWAYS bad: No "good traffic" season exists in LA
- ☀️ Sunscreen year-round: Even winter sun is strong (340 days of sunshine!)
- 🌙 Temperature drops at night: Bring layers, even in summer