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United States, North America

Los Angeles in March

Wildflowers in the hills, the LA Marathon, and spring break crowds at the theme parks late month.

GoodMild, highs near 70F (21C)
Downtown Los Angeles below the San Gabriel Mountains
Los AngelesPhoto: Nserrano, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

March is a good month to visit Los Angeles. Wildflowers in the hills, the LA Marathon, and spring break crowds at the theme parks late month.

Weather
Mild, highs near 70F (21C)
Crowds
3 of 5
Prices
3 of 5

What March is like in Los Angeles

March brings pleasant highs near 70F (21C), clearing skies, and the start of spring. Wildflowers pop up in the hills after the rains, and the city feels fresh. Prices climb a bit from winter, and spring break crowds hit the theme parks and beaches in the second half of the month.

This month suits hikers, photographers, and couples who want good weather before summer prices. Families on spring break will find it pleasant but busy at Disneyland and Universal. If you want the parks calm, go early in the month; if you want the ocean warm, wait for late summer.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Los Angeles this month.

01

Wildflowers in the hills

After a wet winter, the Santa Monica Mountains and Griffith Park fill with spring blooms. A morning hike with ocean views is at its best now.

02

The LA Marathon

The race starts at Dodger Stadium and crosses the city. Cheer from the course, but plan around major road closures that day.

03

Early spring before the crowds

The first two weeks of March have spring weather without spring break lines at the theme parks.

What to pack for March

  • Layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons
  • Trail shoes for spring hikes
  • Sunscreen and a hat, since the sun gets stronger
  • A light jacket for evenings by the beach

Our timing tip

Check the marathon route before marathon Sunday and avoid driving across town that morning, then hit the trails early in the week while the flowers are out.

Book Los Angeles for March.

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What's on in March

Los Angeles Marathon

March

Starts at Dodger Stadium and closes major roads across the city for the day.

Things to do in Los Angeles

Full guide
01

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 →

02

The Getty Center

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

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

03

Universal Studios Hollywood

Go midweek outside summer and holidays. Early entry helps.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

04

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 →

05

LACMA

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

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

06

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 March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Los Angeles?

March is a good month to visit Los Angeles. Wildflowers in the hills, the LA Marathon, and spring break crowds at the theme parks late month.

What is the weather like in Los Angeles in March?

Mild, highs near 70F (21C).

Is Los Angeles crowded in March?

Crowds in Los Angeles are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Los Angeles in March?

Los Angeles Marathon (march).

Keep planning Los Angeles.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Los Angeles in FebruaryThe month before: Mild, highs near 69F (21C), the wettest monthGood
  2. 02Los Angeles in AprilThe month after: Pleasant, highs near 73F (23C)Best
  3. 03The full Los Angeles yearEvery month, graded12 months

Also at their best in March

Everywhere in March

Where else is good in March?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

What kind of trip? Pick any.

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