United States, North America
The best time to visit Los Angeles
Sunshine is nearly guaranteed. The real variables are the marine layer, the heat inland, and the freeways.
- Best months
- Apr to May and Sep to Oct
- Think twice
- No month is a write-off
- Quietest
- January
- Cheapest
- January
The straight answer
The best time to visit Los Angeles is March through May or September through November: warm, sunny days, thinner crowds at the theme parks, and the warmest beach water arriving in early fall.
Go in spring (March through May) or fall (September through November). Spring brings green hills, clear skies after the winter rains, and pleasant highs in the low to mid 70s F (about 23C). Fall is even better at the beach: the ocean is at its warmest in August and September, the summer crowds leave after Labor Day, and hotel rates and theme park lines ease.
Summer is peak season. Highs near the coast sit in the high 70s to low 80s F (26 to 28C), but inland valleys like Burbank and Pasadena regularly top 95F (35C), and the theme parks run at maximum crowds. Early summer brings May Gray and June Gloom, a marine layer that can keep beaches overcast until afternoon.
Winter is the rainy season, but rain is usually concentrated in a handful of storms. January and February are mild, often clear, and cheap. The main caveat: Santa Ana winds from fall into winter raise wildfire danger, as the January 2025 fires showed. Check conditions and air quality when winds are forecast.
Los Angeles, month by month
Every month gets a verdict. Tap one for its own page: weather, crowds, prices and what is on.
- 01JanuaryGoodMild, highs near 68F (20C), occasional stormsThe Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year's Day, then some of the year's lowest prices. Clear, crisp days between storms.Hotels for January →CrowdsPrice
- 02FebruaryGoodMild, highs near 69F (21C), the wettest monthAwards season in Hollywood and green hills. Rain comes in a few big storms.Hotels for February →CrowdsPrice
- 03MarchGoodMild, highs near 70F (21C)Wildflowers in the hills, the LA Marathon, and spring break crowds at the theme parks late month.Hotels for March →CrowdsPrice
- 04AprilBestPleasant, highs near 73F (23C)Clear and green. Coachella weekends, two hours east, fill desert hotels.Hotels for April →CrowdsPrice
- 05MayBestPleasant, highs near 74F (23C), May GrayOvercast mornings at the beach, sunny inland. Hollywood Bowl season starts late month.Hotels for May →CrowdsPrice
- 06JuneGoodWarm, highs near 78F (26C), June GloomGray coastal mornings, summer crowds starting. Inland is warm and sunny.Hotels for June →CrowdsPrice
- 07JulyTradeoffsWarm to hot, highs near 83F (28C), 95F-plus inlandPeak theme park crowds and prices. Beaches are great; valleys are hot.CrowdsPrice
- 08AugustTradeoffsHot, highs near 85F (29C), 100F possible inlandThe hottest month inland, with the warmest ocean. Crowded everywhere.CrowdsPrice
- 09SeptemberBestWarm, highs near 83F (28C), heat waves possibleSummer weather, warm ocean, fewer people after Labor Day. Watch for heat waves.Hotels for September →CrowdsPrice
- 10OctoberBestWarm, highs near 79F (26C), Santa Ana windsWarm, clear, and quieter. Santa Ana wind events raise fire danger.Hotels for October →CrowdsPrice
- 11NovemberGoodMild, highs near 73F (23C)Pleasant and relatively quiet until Thanksgiving week. Theme parks start holiday decorations.Hotels for November →CrowdsPrice
- 12DecemberGoodMild, highs near 68F (20C)Holiday season at Disneyland and Universal. The week between Christmas and New Year's is packed.Hotels for December →CrowdsPrice
Book Los Angeles for April.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Los AngelesOpens a hotel search for Los Angeles in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Los AngelesWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Los AngelesTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Los Angeles for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Why go to Los Angeles
Beaches and mountains in one city
Surf in Malibu or Santa Monica in the morning, hike Griffith Park or the Santa Monica Mountains in the afternoon.
Theme parks
Disneyland in Anaheim and Universal Studios Hollywood are the draw for many families.
Museums and culture
The Getty Center, LACMA, the Broad, and the Griffith Observatory rank with the best in the country, and several are free.
Some of the best food in the US
Tacos, Koreatown, the San Gabriel Valley's Chinese food, and every cuisine in between.
Things to do, and when to do them
Griffith Observatory
Free, with the best view of the Hollywood sign and the city lights. Closed Mondays; weekday evenings are calmest.
The Getty Center
Free admission (paid parking) with art, gardens, and city views. Closed Mondays.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Go midweek outside summer and holidays. Early entry helps.
Disneyland Resort
In Anaheim, about an hour from downtown without traffic. Weekdays in fall and late winter have the lowest crowds.
LACMA
The largest art museum in the western US. Urban Light is best at dusk.
Santa Monica Pier and the beach
Go early in the morning or at sunset. Bike the beach path to Venice.
Santa Monica Mountains
Hikes with ocean views, best in spring after the rains. Check fire closures in fall.
Hollywood Bowl
Summer concerts under the stars from late May into September. Bring a picnic.
Events and seasons worth planning around
Rose Parade
New Year's Day (January 2 when January 1 falls on a Sunday)
Flower-covered floats on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, followed by the Rose Bowl game.
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Two weekends in April
In Indio, about two to three hours east of LA. Desert hotels sell out.
Los Angeles Marathon
March
Starts at Dodger Stadium and closes major roads across the city for the day.
Hollywood Bowl summer season
Late May into September
The LA Phil and big-name concerts in the famous outdoor amphitheater.
Dia de los Muertos
Late October into early November
Celebrations on Olvera Street and at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Beat the crowds
- Plan days by neighborhood. LA traffic makes crossing town twice in one day a mistake.
- Hit the theme parks midweek in September, late January, or early February for the shortest lines.
- Do Griffith Observatory and the beach early; parking fills by late morning on weekends.
- Stay near where you will spend most of your time: Santa Monica for beaches, Hollywood for the observatory and Universal, Anaheim for Disneyland.
Open or closed
- Several major museums, including the Getty Center and Griffith Observatory, close on Mondays.
- Wildfire danger peaks with Santa Ana winds from fall into winter. Parks and trails in the Santa Monica Mountains can close during red flag warnings.
- Big storms in winter can close canyon roads and some trails for a few days.
With kids in tow
- Disneyland, Universal, the Natural History Museum's dinosaur hall, the California Science Center with the Space Shuttle Endeavour, and the La Brea Tar Pits are all strong with kids.
- Build rest time into the day; LA's distances and traffic tire kids out fast.
- For homeschool families: the Science Center, La Brea Tar Pits, and Griffith Observatory make a strong science trip.
Getting there
- LAX has nonstops from nearly everywhere, including Austin, Dallas, and Houston. Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), and Orange County (SNA) are easier alternatives.
- A car is close to essential, though Metro rail now reaches Santa Monica, Hollywood, and downtown.
- From Las Vegas, it is about a 4-hour drive, much longer on Sunday afternoons.
Packing? Packing cubes and the airport kit.
Los Angeles timing, quick answers
What is the best month to visit Los Angeles?
September or October. Warm, sunny weather, the warmest ocean, and fewer crowds after Labor Day. April and May are good spring alternatives.
What is the cheapest time to visit Los Angeles?
January and February, outside holiday weekends and major award shows. Weather is mild and theme park lines are short.
When is the rainy season in Los Angeles?
Roughly November through March, with most rain in a handful of storms from December through February.
What is June Gloom in Los Angeles?
A marine layer that keeps coastal areas gray through many mornings in May and June. Inland spots are usually sunny.
When is Los Angeles most crowded?
July and August, the holiday weeks, and spring break, especially at the theme parks and beaches.
When is wildfire season in Los Angeles?
Fire risk peaks in fall and can extend into winter when dry Santa Ana winds blow. Check alerts and air quality during wind events.
Weighing alternatives
Similar trips, with their best months.
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