Los Angeles Climate Overview
Los Angeles enjoys one of the most enviable climates in the world – a warm Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb) with over 280 days of sunshine per year. Summers are warm and dry, winters are mild with occasional rain, and the famous “June Gloom” marine layer brings morning overcast skies that typically burn off by afternoon.
Unlike most major cities, LA has almost no humidity, making even hot days feel comfortable. The Pacific Ocean moderates temperatures along the coast, while inland areas (the Valley, Pasadena) can be 10-15°F warmer. This means you can surf in the morning and hike in the mountains the same day – often in completely different weather.
Annual rainfall averages just 15 inches (380mm), falling almost entirely between November and March. Snow is virtually unheard of in the city itself, though you can see it on the San Gabriel Mountains in winter – another classic LA juxtaposition.
LA Weather by Season
- 🌼 Spring (Mar-May): Warming up, occasional “May Gray” marine layer. Perfect for hiking and outdoor exploring. Daytime highs: 68-75°F (20-24°C).
- ☀️ Summer (Jun-Sep): Hot inland, comfortable on the coast. June Gloom mornings. August/September are warmest. Highs: 75-85°F coastal, 90-100°F inland.
- 🍂 Fall (Oct-Nov): The secret best season. Warm, clear, low crowds. Santa Ana winds possible. Highs: 70-80°F (21-27°C).
- 🌧️ Winter (Dec-Feb): Mild, occasional rain. Coolest months but still pleasant. Snow on mountains visible from the city. Highs: 65-70°F (18-21°C).
Los Angeles Weather Comparison Table
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Rainy Days | Sunshine Hours | Sea Temp | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 68°F (20°C) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.1″ | 6 | 7 | 59°F (15°C) | Mild sightseeing, empty beaches |
| February | 69°F (21°C) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.3″ | 6 | 8 | 58°F (14°C) | Hiking, museum visits |
| March | 70°F (21°C) | 51°F (11°C) | 2.4″ | 5 | 9 | 59°F (15°C) | Gardens, outdoor dining |
| April | 73°F (23°C) | 53°F (12°C) | 0.7″ | 3 | 10 | 60°F (16°C) | Beach walks, hiking peaks |
| May | 75°F (24°C) | 57°F (14°C) | 0.3″ | 1 | 10 | 62°F (17°C) | Perfect outdoor weather |
| June | 79°F (26°C) | 60°F (16°C) | 0.1″ | 1 | 10 | 64°F (18°C) | Beach days, theme parks |
| July | 84°F (29°C) | 64°F (18°C) | 0.0″ | 0 | 12 | 68°F (20°C) | Surfing, pool parties |
| August | 85°F (29°C) | 65°F (18°C) | 0.1″ | 0 | 11 | 68°F (20°C) | Peak beach weather |
| September | 83°F (28°C) | 63°F (17°C) | 0.2″ | 1 | 9 | 68°F (20°C) | Warm ocean, fewer tourists |
| October | 79°F (26°C) | 59°F (15°C) | 0.6″ | 2 | 8 | 66°F (19°C) | Santa Anas, fall colors |
| November | 73°F (23°C) | 52°F (11°C) | 1.2″ | 3 | 7 | 63°F (17°C) | Sightseeing, hiking |
| December | 68°F (20°C) | 48°F (9°C) | 2.3″ | 5 | 7 | 60°F (16°C) | Holiday events, shopping |
Monthly Weather Breakdown
January Weather in Los Angeles
January is LA’s coolest and one of its wettest months, though “cool” by LA standards still means daytime highs around 68°F (20°C). Mornings can be crisp, especially in the Valley, but afternoons are typically sunny and pleasant. This is the best month for hiking without overheating – trails like Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park are at their most inviting. The city is blissfully uncrowded after the holiday rush, and hotel rates drop significantly.
Pack layers: a light jacket or hoodie for mornings and evenings, but you’ll be fine in shorts and t-shirts by midday. Rain is possible but rarely lasts all day. Snow dusts the San Gabriel Mountains – a surreal sight from Santa Monica Beach.
February Weather in Los Angeles
February continues the mild winter pattern with slightly warmer temperatures. The jacarandas and bougainvillea start showing early blooms. Rain remains possible but days are getting noticeably longer. This is an excellent month for museum hopping (The Broad, LACMA, Getty Center) and exploring LA’s diverse food scene – Koreatown BBQ, Grand Central Market, and taco stands all shine in cool weather.
Valentine’s Day brings romantic rooftop dining and special events. Dress in layers: a sweater or light jacket is usually sufficient, even at night.
March Weather in Los Angeles
Spring arrives in March with warming temperatures and blooming wildflowers in the nearby hills and deserts. Daytime highs reach the low 70s°F (21-22°C), making it perfect for outdoor exploration. The Antelope Valley poppy reserve begins its spectacular display, and the Descanso Gardens camellias are at their peak.
March can bring “March Miracle” rain – occasional but significant late-season precipitation that transforms the landscape. Pack a light rain jacket just in case, but expect mostly sunny days.
April Weather in Los Angeles
April is arguably one of LA’s most beautiful months. Days are warm (mid-70s°F / 23-24°C) but not hot, the marine layer is minimal, and the hillsides are still green from winter rains. This is prime hiking season – the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park, and Griffith Park trails are all spectacular. Coachella draws music fans to the desert nearby.
Beach weather hasn’t fully arrived (ocean is still cool at 60°F), but beach walks and volleyball are perfect. Pack light layers – you might need a sweater after sunset.
May Weather in Los Angeles
May brings warmer temperatures and the beginning of “May Gray” – morning marine layer clouds that typically burn off by noon. Daytime highs reach the mid-70s°F (24°C) and the city feels alive with outdoor events, rooftop bars reopening, and al fresco dining in full swing.
The ocean begins warming up, making beach days increasingly appealing. This is a sweet spot before summer crowds and heat arrive. Pack sunscreen and a light layer for cloudy mornings.
June Weather in Los Angeles
“June Gloom” is LA’s famous phenomenon: thick morning overcast that can last until early afternoon at the beaches, while inland areas are sunny and warm. Don’t let it deter you – the marine layer keeps coastal temperatures comfortable (low 70s°F / 22-23°C), and the “gloom” adds a moody beauty to beach photos.
Inland neighborhoods like Hollywood, Downtown, and Pasadena enjoy sunny skies and warm temperatures (low 80s°F / 27-28°C). Summer tourism hasn’t peaked yet, making June a relatively mellow time to visit. Pack a jacket for beach areas and shorts for inland.
July Weather in Los Angeles
July brings peak summer weather: sunny, warm, and mostly dry. Coastal areas reach the mid-70s°F (24°C) while the Valley and inland areas can hit 90-100°F (32-38°C). The ocean warms to a swimmable 68°F (20°C), and beach culture is in full swing – volleyball at Manhattan Beach, surfing at Malibu, and sunset picnics at Santa Monica.
Fourth of July brings spectacular fireworks shows at the Rose Bowl, Marina del Rey, and Hollywood Bowl. Expect crowds at major attractions. Pack sunscreen, hat, and plenty of water – especially if venturing inland.
August Weather in Los Angeles
August is LA’s hottest month, especially inland where temperatures regularly exceed 95°F (35°C). The coast remains comfortable in the mid-70s to low 80s°F (24-28°C) with ocean temperatures at their warmest – up to 70°F (21°C). This is prime beach season, and all the classic LA beach towns (Venice, Santa Monica, Malibu, Manhattan Beach) are buzzing.
If you’re sensitive to heat, stay coastal or plan indoor activities (museums, shopping) during midday. Thunderstorms are extremely rare but not impossible – a monsoon pulse from the desert can occasionally bring dramatic skies. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and always have air conditioning at your accommodation.
September Weather in Los Angeles
September may be LA’s best-kept secret. The summer crowds thin as kids return to school, the ocean is at its warmest (68-70°F), and the weather is typically glorious – warm days, clear skies, and the marine layer retreats. This is the peak of “locals’ summer.”
Santa Ana winds can begin in late September, bringing hot, dry air from the desert. These winds create spectacularly clear skies but also increase fire risk. Pack summer clothes – you likely won’t need a jacket even at night.
October Weather in Los Angeles
October continues the beautiful fall pattern with warm days (high 70s to low 80s°F / 25-28°C) and comfortable evenings. Halloween transforms neighborhoods like West Hollywood and Burbank into festive wonderlands. Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights and Knott’s Scary Farm are in full swing.
Santa Ana winds are more common in October, bringing hot, dry conditions and the year’s clearest skies. The city can feel surprisingly warm – sometimes hitting 90°F (32°C) in a Santa Ana event. Pack summer clothes but bring one warm layer for breezy evenings.
November Weather in Los Angeles
November marks the transition to LA’s mild winter. Temperatures drop to pleasant daytime highs around 73°F (23°C), with cooler evenings. The first significant rains typically arrive in November, refreshing the landscape. The holiday season begins – ice skating rinks pop up in Pershing Square and Santa Monica, and the Grove’s Christmas decorations go up.
Thanksgiving week brings crowds to Disneyland and Universal. Pack layers: a light jacket for mornings and evenings, but you’ll still be comfortable in short sleeves during the day.
December Weather in Los Angeles
December in LA is mild and festive. Daytime highs hover around 68°F (20°C) with cooler nights. Rain is more likely – December averages 2.3 inches – but most days are sunny and clear. The holiday season transforms the city: elaborate light displays at the LA Zoo, the Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena, and the iconic Hollywood Christmas Parade.
The Rose Parade preparations in Pasadena begin, and New Year’s Eve brings fireworks and parties across the city. You can see snow-capped San Gabriel Mountains while walking on the beach – a quintessential LA winter experience. Pack a warm jacket for evenings and a rain layer just in case.
What to Pack for Los Angeles
LA’s dress code is famously casual, but weather preparation matters – especially given the city’s microclimates. Here’s your year-round packing guide:
- 🧥 Always bring a layer. Even in summer, ocean breezes and air-conditioned restaurants can feel chilly. A light jacket, hoodie, or cardigan lives in every Angeleno’s car.
- 👟 Comfortable walking shoes. You’ll walk more than you expect – hiking trails, museum corridors, and neighborhood exploration.
- 🕶️ Sunglasses and sunscreen year-round. LA sun is strong even in winter. SPF 30+ is non-negotiable.
- 👕 Summer: Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, sandals. Swimsuit essential. One light jacket for evenings.
- 🧣 Winter: Jeans, long-sleeve shirts, a sweater or fleece, and a rain jacket. You won’t need heavy winter coats.
- 🌧️ Rain gear: A compact umbrella for Nov-Mar. Rain is infrequent but can be heavy when it arrives.
