Weather in Los Angeles

About Los Angeles

Los Angeles sprawls across Southern California's coastline, mixing iconic beaches, Hollywood glamour and a famously laid-back outdoor lifestyle. From the boardwalks of Venice and Santa Monica to the hiking trails above Griffith Observatory and the studios of Hollywood, the city rewards visitors willing to drive between its many distinct neighbourhoods. Near-constant sunshine and mild winters make it an easy year-round destination, though traffic and distances mean planning ahead pays off. Diverse food scenes reflect the city's global population.

Country

USA

Best months to visit

April, May, June, July, September, October, November

Currency

Local

Language

Local

Things to do in Los Angeles

Beach days in Santa Monica Hollywood studio tours Hiking Griffith Park Museum visits Farmers market food crawls Scenic coastal drives

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

20C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

February

21C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

March

22C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

April

25C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

May

25C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

June

28C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

July

31C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

August

32C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

September

31C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

October

29C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

November

24C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

December

19C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Los Angeles sprawls for so many miles that it can feel like several cities stitched together — surf culture in Venice and Malibu, Hollywood glamour (and grit) in the hills, taco trucks and art galleries in the east side, and hiking trails with views over the entire basin within twenty minutes of downtown. Renting a car is almost essential, but the payoff is access to an enormous variety of neighbourhoods, cuisines and beaches.

Best areas to stay in Los Angeles

Santa Monica & Venice

Beachfront boardwalks, the Santa Monica Pier, and Venice's eclectic mix of muscle beach, street art and canals.

Hollywood

The Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Sign hiking trails above the studios.

Downtown LA

A growing arts and dining district with striking modern architecture, rooftop bars and the historic Grand Central Market.

Silver Lake & Los Feliz

Hip, walkable neighbourhoods known for indie coffee shops, vintage stores and access to Griffith Park and the Observatory.

Getting to Los Angeles

✈

Flights

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a major global hub with direct flights from most large cities worldwide.

⏱

From London

~11 hours direct from London.

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Getting around

A rental car is the most practical option; the Metro rail covers some areas, and ride-hailing apps are widely available.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a car in Los Angeles?

Almost certainly — public transport exists but is limited, and distances between neighbourhoods are large. Ride-hailing apps are a reasonable backup if you'd rather not drive.

When is the best time to visit LA?

March to May and September to November offer warm, sunny weather without peak summer crowds and prices. Summer is busiest but rarely unbearably hot near the coast.

What are the must-see neighbourhoods?

Santa Monica and Venice for beach life, Hollywood for studio tours and the Walk of Fame, Downtown for art and architecture, and Silver Lake or Los Feliz for indie food and shopping.

Is LA expensive?

Accommodation and dining can be pricey, especially near the coast, but plenty of excellent taco trucks, food halls and free attractions like beaches and hiking trails keep costs down.

Are the Hollywood studio tours worth it?

Universal Studios Hollywood and the Warner Bros. tour are popular and genuinely interesting for film fans, though they require a half-day commitment and advance booking in peak season.

Traveler reviews

★★★★☆

Rented a car and it made all the difference — drove up the coast to Malibu one day and explored Downtown's murals and food halls the next. Traffic is real, plan around it.

Carla M. · May 2024

★★★★★

Hiked up to the Hollywood Sign at sunrise and had incredible views over the whole basin. Griffith Observatory and the surrounding park were a highlight too.

Josh L. · September 2023

★★★★☆

Venice Beach was exactly as quirky as expected — skaters, street performers and great food trucks. Santa Monica Pier at sunset was a perfect way to end the day.

Mei T. · July 2024