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Weather in Malibu
Surf breaks and celebrity hideaways
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About Malibu
Malibu's exclusive coastal homes cling to cliffs above perfect surf breaks, where celebrities share waves with committed surfers. Secluded coves and dramatic Point Dume headlands define the landscape. The Pacific Coast Highway winds through tunnel cliffs.
Best months to visit
June, July, August, September, October, November
Things to do in Malibu
Surf world-class breaks at Malibu Point and other beaches
Hike Point Dume Trail for headland and ocean views
Explore tide pools at Malibu Lagoon
Dine at beachfront restaurants with sunset views
Paddleboard calm cove waters
Visit El Matador Beach for dramatic cliffside beauty
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
19C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
February
20C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
March
20C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
April
22C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
May
22C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
June
26C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
July
28C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
August
29C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
September
28C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
October
26C
Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
November
23C
Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.
December
19C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
Malibu stretches along 21 miles of Pacific coastline northwest of Santa Monica, famous for the surf breaks at Surfrider Beach, the Getty Villa's classical art collection overlooking the ocean, and a string of beaches — Zuma, El Matador, Point Dume — that feel far removed from the city despite being so close. It's best experienced as a scenic drive with stops rather than a single base.
Best areas to stay in Malibu
Malibu Pier/Surfrider Beach
The historic pier and adjacent surf break, plus a small cluster of restaurants and shops.
Point Dume
A headland with a state park, cliffside trails, and views over Zuma Beach.
Zuma Beach
One of LA County's largest beaches, popular with families and less crowded than Santa Monica.
El Matador State Beach
A smaller, dramatic beach with sea caves and rock arches, popular for photography.
Getting to Malibu
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Flights
Fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 45 minutes to an hour from central Malibu.
⏱
From London
~11 hours direct from London to LAX, plus a drive along the coast.
🚕
Getting around
A car is essential; the Pacific Coast Highway is the main route and beaches/sights are spread over many miles.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Malibu?
Late summer and early autumn for the warmest water and clearest skies; winter brings bigger surf swells but cooler, sometimes rainy weather.
How do I get around Malibu?
A car is essential — Malibu is a long, narrow strip along the Pacific Coast Highway with beaches and sights spread over many miles.
Which beaches are best?
Zuma Beach for space and sand, El Matador for dramatic rock formations and tide pools, and Surfrider Beach for surfing and the historic pier.
Is the Getty Villa worth visiting?
Yes — it's free (advance timed ticket required), with a notable Greek and Roman antiquities collection in a striking villa setting above the ocean.
Is Malibu expensive?
Dining and accommodation are among the priciest in the LA area, though the beaches themselves are free and public.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Drove the coast highway with stops at Point Dume and El Matador — the views and tide pools were stunning and far less crowded than I expected.
Claire M. · September 2024
★★★★☆
The Getty Villa was a highlight — beautiful gardens and art with the ocean as a backdrop, and free entry made it even better.
Tom K. · July 2023
★★★★☆
Zuma Beach had plenty of space even on a summer weekend, unlike the busier Santa Monica beaches closer to the city.
Ravi N. · August 2024
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