California (Los Angeles) · May
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
Still off-season — flights and hotels significantly cheaper than in June.
May is an acceptable travel month for California (Los Angeles) — conditions are fine, though June, July, August, September, and October offer even better weather.
Daytime highs average 23°C (73°F), cooling to 15°C (59°F) at night (daily average: 18°C (64°F)). Peaks reach around 30°C (86°F), the coldest nights around 11°C (52°F). The sun shines an average of 9 hours per day; there are 1 rain day with 5 mm (0.2 in) total. At 15°C (59°F), the water is still quite cool in May — 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.
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.
Packing list for California (Los Angeles) in May
- T-shirts and shorts
- Light jacket for cool evenings
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit California (Los Angeles)?
- May is not an optimal month for California (Los Angeles) (Score: 81/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, September, and October.
- How warm is it in California (Los Angeles) in May?
- In May, California (Los Angeles) sees daily highs of 23°C (73°F). Nights cool to 15°C (59°F), with a daily average of 18°C (64°F). Peaks reach around 30°C (86°F), the coldest nights around 11°C (52°F).
- How much rain falls in California (Los Angeles) in May?
- In May, California (Los Angeles) receives an average of 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain over 1 rain day. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does California (Los Angeles) get in May?
- California (Los Angeles) averages 9 sunshine hours per day in May — close to the annual average.
- How warm is the water in California (Los Angeles) in May?
- Water temperature in California (Los Angeles) in May averages 15°C (59°F) — still quite cool — a wetsuit may be useful.
