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Weather in Santa Monica
Pacific Pier and California dreaming
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About Santa Monica
Santa Monica's wooden pier has welcomed visitors since 1909, with arcade rides and seafood stands offering pure California nostalgia. The soft sand beach stretches north toward Venice. Palm-lined Santa Monica Boulevard hums with cafes and galleries.
Best months to visit
June, July, August, September, October, November
Things to do in Santa Monica
Walk the Santa Monica Pier and ride the solar-powered Ferris wheel
Sunbathe on the soft-sand beach
Paddleboard in the calm bay waters
Explore the Third Street Promenade's shopping and dining
Hike in nearby Topanga State Park
Visit the Santa Monica Museum of Art
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
25C
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.
Santa Monica is where Route 66 ends — a wide sandy beach, the iconic pier with its small Pacific Park amusement rides, and the pedestrianised Third Street Promenade just blocks away. It's more relaxed and walkable than central LA, with a famous bike path running the length of the beach toward Venice, and serves as an easy, well-connected base for exploring the wider city.
Best areas to stay in Santa Monica
Santa Monica Pier
The landmark pier with Pacific Park rides, an aquarium, and views along the bay to Malibu.
Third Street Promenade
A pedestrianised shopping and dining street a few blocks from the beach, lively in the evenings.
Ocean Avenue
The bluff-top strip overlooking the beach, lined with hotels and Palisades Park's palm trees.
Main Street
A boutique-lined street toward Venice, popular for a Sunday farmers' market and brunch spots.
Getting to Santa Monica
✈
Flights
Fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 20 minutes from Santa Monica.
⏱
From London
~11 hours direct from London to LAX, plus a short transfer.
🚕
Getting around
The Metro E Line connects Santa Monica to downtown LA; the beach bike path and Big Blue Bus cover local trips without a car.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Santa Monica?
Year-round mild climate, but September and October often have the warmest, clearest weather with fewer June-gloom marine clouds.
How do I get around Santa Monica?
The beach bike path and Third Street Promenade are walkable; the Metro E Line light rail connects directly to downtown LA.
Is Santa Monica different from Venice Beach?
Yes — Santa Monica is calmer and more upscale, while neighbouring Venice (a short walk or bike ride south) has the famous boardwalk, street performers, and Muscle Beach.
What's on the pier?
Pacific Park, a small amusement park with a Ferris wheel and rides, plus an aquarium and the original Route 66 end-of-the-trail sign.
Is Santa Monica expensive?
Yes, it's one of the pricier areas of Los Angeles for hotels and dining, though the beach and Promenade are free to enjoy.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Stayed near the pier and loved being able to walk or cycle everywhere along the beach path, including down to Venice for the afternoon.
Jenny L. · September 2024
★★★★☆
Sunsets from the pier are gorgeous and the Promenade has plenty of restaurants. A great, relaxed base compared to staying in central LA.
Mark D. · July 2023
★★★★☆
The light rail into downtown LA was surprisingly convenient — meant we didn't need a car for most of the trip.
Sophie A. · May 2024
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