Best Time to Visit Los Angeles

Short answer: September to early November. The summer crowds have gone, the ocean is at its warmest and the days are reliably sunny. Spring, from March to May, is a close second, with green hills and wildflowers after winter rain.

Los Angeles weather surprises people in early summer. From May into early July, a marine layer of low cloud, called "May Gray" and "June Gloom" locally, often covers the coast until early afternoon. Santa Monica can be cool and grey while the Valley, half an hour inland, is hot and sunny. If beach days are the point of your trip, avoid counting on June; our what to wear guide covers the layers.

July and August are warm to hot, busy and more expensive, especially near the beach. Inland areas, including Downtown and the Valley, can be very hot during heat waves.

Autumn brings the Santa Ana winds, hot, dry gusts from the desert that can push temperatures up suddenly. They also raise the wildfire risk, which is highest from late summer into winter. During a red flag warning, some canyon roads and trails may close. Check conditions before hiking or driving in the hills.

Winter is mild, and a good time for the three-day plan when the museums are quieter, with most of the year's rain falling between December and March, usually in a few heavy storms rather than steady drizzle. On clear days after rain, the air is sharp and you can see snow on the San Gabriel Mountains from the beach. It's the cheapest season, except around the holidays and the Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year's Day.

Season at a glance

• March to May: mild, green hills, some grey mornings on the coast.
• June to August: June Gloom at first, then warm and busy.
• September to November: warmest sea, sunny, Santa Ana wind days.
• December to February: mild days, cool nights, occasional heavy rain.

Dates to know

Awards season runs from January to March, with road closures around the Oscars in Hollywood. The 2028 Summer Olympics will bring major events and transport changes in July 2028. Book beach hotels early for those dates.