California (Los Angeles)
USA · North America
The best time to visit California (Los Angeles) is June, July, August, September, and October. In summer, daytime highs average 28°C (82°F), with peaks around 33°C (91°F); in winter, nights average 10°C (50°F), dropping to around 4°C (39°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 11 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
California (Los Angeles) – What you should know
Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with almost purely winter rain: from December to February an average of 55–65 mm (2.2–2.6 in) falls each month on four rain days, from May it stays practically dry, and from June to August rainfall adds up to just a few millimetres. Sunshine averages ten to eleven hours a day from June to August, but only just under five in December.
The coast is markedly cooler than the interior, and in May and June morning fog often sits over Santa Monica and Venice until around midday. The Pacific stays fresh at 14–18°C (57–64°F): it is most pleasant for swimming in August and September, at 17–18°C (63–64°F). Late summer also brings the hottest days, typically around 36°C (97°F) in September, above all in the valleys and inland.
October is a good compromise: daytime highs average around 26°C (79°F), there is hardly any rain, and it is less crowded than in high summer. Autumn does bring the dry Santa Ana winds, which carry heat and fire danger into the hills; hikes in places such as Griffith Park should be checked day by day then. Winter suits city breaks and museums, with daytime highs averaging around 20°C (68°F) and nights around 10°C (50°F).
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 20° (68°)13– (55–)28 (82) | 20° (68°)13– (55–)27 (81) | 21° (70°)14– (57–)28 (82) | 22° (72°)16– (61–)31 (88) | 23° (73°)18– (64–)30 (86) | 25° (77°)20– (68–)29 (84) | 28° (82°)23– (73–)32 (90) | 28° (82°)23– (73–)33 (91) | 28° (82°)21– (70–)36 (97) | 26° (79°)19– (66–)34 (93) | 23° (73°)17– (63–)32 (90) | 20° (68°)13– (55–)27 (81) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 10° (50°)5– (41–)14 (57) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)14 (57) | 12° (54°)8– (46–)15 (59) | 14° (57°)9– (48–)17 (63) | 15° (59°)11– (52–)17 (63) | 17° (63°)14– (57–)19 (66) | 19° (66°)16– (61–)21 (70) | 19° (66°)16– (61–)22 (72) | 19° (66°)15– (59–)23 (73) | 17° (63°)12– (54–)20 (68) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)17 (63) | 10° (50°)4– (39–)14 (57) |
☀️Sunshine | 7h UV 5 | 8h UV 6 | 9h UV 8 | 10h UV 9 | 9h UV 9 | 11h UV 9 | 11h UV 9 | 11h UV 9 | 9h UV 8 | 8h UV 7 | 7h UV 6 | 5h UV 4 |
🌊Water Temp | 15° (59°) | 15° (59°) | 14° (57°) | 14° (57°) | 15° (59°) | 16° (61°) | 17° (63°) | 18° (64°) | 18° (64°) | 18° (64°) | 17° (63°) | 15° (59°) |
🌧Rain Days | 4d65mm (2.6") | 4d64mm (2.5") | 3d41mm (1.6") | 1d14mm (0.6") | 1d5mm (0.2") | 0d0mm (<0.1") | 0d1mm (<0.1") | 0d4mm (0.2") | 0d5mm (0.2") | 1d11mm (0.4") | 2d16mm (0.6") | 4d58mm (2.3") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
From April to August, UV levels in California (Los Angeles) reach 9 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
April offers great weather in California (Los Angeles) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in California (Los Angeles)
December – February
The rainy months are also the clearest: after a front passes, the San Gabriel Mountains often stand snow-capped above the city and the air is cleaner than at any other time. Daytime highs around 20°C (68°F) suit museums, hikes and concerts, while the beaches belong to surfers and walkers.
March – May
After the winter rains the hills are green, wildflowers colour the slopes and the days grow noticeably longer. Hollywood and Santa Monica fill up gradually, but the coastal sky often stays grey until midday, which locals call "May Gray". For hiking it is ideal.
June – September
California summer as in the films: the sky is reliably blue, it hardly rains and evenings are spent outdoors until late. Beaches, piers and open-air concerts are busy, while the heat builds inland. Anyone at the beach early still has it to themselves.
October – November
Autumn is the relaxed shoulder season: the summer crowds are gone, the sea is still mild by Pacific standards and the evening light turns the coast golden. Hot days still occur, but in November the nights cool noticeably and the first rain fronts pass through.
Events & Festivals
January
- Rose Parade· 1 January (2 January when the 1st falls on a Sunday)
The Tournament of Roses parade has rolled down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena on New Year's morning since 1890, with flower-covered floats, marching bands and equestrian units. The college football game of the same name follows in the afternoon at the Rose Bowl.
March
- Los Angeles Marathon· varies (a Sunday in March)
The city marathon runs from Dodger Stadium through Downtown, Hollywood and Beverly Hills to the finish in Century City. Many streets along the course are closed on race day.
October
- Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery· varies (a Saturday in late October or early November)
For more than 20 years Hollywood Forever Cemetery has marked the Mexican Day of the Dead with dozens of decorated altars, a procession with Aztec dancers and music stages. The celebration runs from noon into the night and requires a ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit California (Los Angeles)?
- The best time to visit California (Los Angeles) is June, July, August, September, and October. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in California (Los Angeles)?
- In summer, daytime highs in California (Los Angeles) average 28°C (82°F), with peaks around 33°C (91°F); in winter, nights average 10°C (50°F), dropping to around 4°C (39°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does California (Los Angeles) get?
- California (Los Angeles) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 2 rain days per month. The driest months are June, July, and August.
- How warm is the water in California (Los Angeles)?
- Water temperature in California (Los Angeles) ranges from 14°C (57°F) (April) to 18°C (64°F) (September). That makes the sea cool for swimming all year round.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JunJulOct
