California (Los Angeles) · January
Low seasonUSA · North America
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 time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Off-season — lowest travel prices with still acceptable climate.
January in California (Los Angeles) at 20°C (68°F) is too cool for a beach holiday, but suitable for sightseeing and hiking. The best travel months are June, July, August, September, and October.
Daytime highs average 20°C (68°F), cooling to 10°C (50°F) at night (daily average: 15°C (59°F)). Peaks reach around 28°C (82°F), the coldest nights around 5°C (41°F). The sun shines an average of 7 hours per day; there are 4 rain days with 65 mm (2.6 in) total. At 15°C (59°F), the water is still quite cool in January — a wetsuit may be useful.
A jacket for cool evenings should not be left behind. Sightseeing and excursions can be enjoyed comfortably at this time of year.
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.
Events & Festivals
- Rose Parade1 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.
Packing list for California (Los Angeles) in January
- Long-sleeved shirts and light trousers
- Light jacket
- Jumper or fleece
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is January a good time to visit California (Los Angeles)?
- January is not an optimal month for California (Los Angeles) (Score: 58/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, September, and October.
- How warm is it in California (Los Angeles) in January?
- In January, California (Los Angeles) sees daily highs of 20°C (68°F). Nights cool to 10°C (50°F), with a daily average of 15°C (59°F). Peaks reach around 28°C (82°F), the coldest nights around 5°C (41°F).
- How much rain falls in California (Los Angeles) in January?
- In January, California (Los Angeles) receives an average of 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain over 4 rain days. The rain falls on few days, but heavily.
- How many sunshine hours does California (Los Angeles) get in January?
- California (Los Angeles) averages 7 sunshine hours per day in January — below the annual average.
- How warm is the water in California (Los Angeles) in January?
- Water temperature in California (Los Angeles) in January averages 15°C (59°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
