United States, North America

Los Angeles in January

The Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year's Day, then some of the year's lowest prices. Clear, crisp days between storms.

GoodMild, highs near 68F (20C), occasional storms

Downtown Los Angeles below the San Gabriel Mountains — Los AngelesPhoto: Nserrano, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

January is a good month to visit Los Angeles. The Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year's Day, then some of the year's lowest prices. Clear, crisp days between storms.

Weather: Mild, highs near 68F (20C), occasional storms
Crowds: 2 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What January is like in Los Angeles

January in Los Angeles is mild and often clear, with highs near 68F (20C) and cool nights. A few winter storms roll through, but most days between them are crisp and bright, with sharp views of the snow on the San Gabriel Mountains. After New Year's Day, crowds thin and prices drop to some of the lowest of the year.

This month suits budget travelers, museum lovers, and families who want short theme park lines in the second half of the month. It is not a beach month; the ocean is cold and swimming is for wetsuit surfers only. If a warm beach day is the goal, wait for September.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Los Angeles this month.

The Rose Parade

Flower-covered floats roll down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena on New Year's Day. People camp on the sidewalk overnight for a front spot.

Short lines at the parks

Once the holiday rush ends, weekdays in late January are among the calmest days all year at Disneyland and Universal.

Clear-day views

The days after a storm are the clearest of the year. Griffith Observatory and the Getty both show the whole basin, sometimes with snow on the peaks.

What to pack for January

A warm layer for evenings in the 40s F (about 7C)
A light rain jacket in case a storm moves in
Comfortable walking shoes for museums and the observatory
Sunglasses, since the winter sun is still bright

Our timing tip

Book Rose Parade grandstand seats in the fall if you want a guaranteed view, then save your theme park day for a weekday in the last two weeks of the month.

Book Los Angeles for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Los Angeles
Opens a hotel search for Los Angeles in January, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for January
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Los Angeles
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Los Angeles
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Los Angeles for January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in January

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.

Things to do in Los Angeles

Full guide

Griffith Observatory

Free, with the best view of the Hollywood sign and the city lights. Closed Mondays; weekday evenings are calmest.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

The Getty Center

Free admission (paid parking) with art, gardens, and city views. Closed Mondays.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Universal Studios Hollywood

Go midweek outside summer and holidays. Early entry helps.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Disneyland Resort

In Anaheim, about an hour from downtown without traffic. Weekdays in fall and late winter have the lowest crowds.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

LACMA

The largest art museum in the western US. Urban Light is best at dusk.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Santa Monica Pier and the beach

Go early in the morning or at sunset. Bike the beach path to Venice.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

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.

Know before you go

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.

Los Angeles in January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Los Angeles?

January is a good month to visit Los Angeles. The Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year's Day, then some of the year's lowest prices. Clear, crisp days between storms.

What is the weather like in Los Angeles in January?

Mild, highs near 68F (20C), occasional storms.

Is Los Angeles crowded in January?

January is one of the quieter months in Los Angeles; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Los Angeles in January?

Rose Parade (new year's day (january 2 when january 1 falls on a sunday)).