United States, North America
Los Angeles in May
Overcast mornings at the beach, sunny inland. Hollywood Bowl season starts late month.
The straight answer
May is one of the best months of the year to visit Los Angeles. Overcast mornings at the beach, sunny inland. Hollywood Bowl season starts late month.
- Weather
- Pleasant, highs near 74F (23C), May Gray
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What May is like in Los Angeles
May brings highs near 74F (23C) and the start of May Gray, a marine layer that keeps coastal mornings overcast. By afternoon the sun usually breaks through, and inland neighborhoods are sunny all day. Crowds are moderate and prices are fair before summer. The Hollywood Bowl opens its summer season late in the month.
This month is great for sightseeing, museums, and hiking, and it suits families before school lets out. Beach lovers should know mornings at the coast can be gray and cool. If you want sun and warm water at the beach, September is the better bet.
Make the most of May
What is especially good about Los Angeles this month.
Hollywood Bowl opens
The summer concert season starts in late May. A picnic under the stars at the Bowl is a classic LA night.
Inland sunshine
When the coast is gray, head inland to Pasadena, the Getty, or Griffith Park, where it is usually sunny and warm.
Theme parks before summer
Weekdays in early May have moderate lines before the summer peak. Memorial Day weekend is the exception.
What to pack for May
- A sweatshirt for gray coastal mornings
- Sunscreen, since the sun burns through by afternoon
- A picnic blanket for the Hollywood Bowl
- Comfortable walking shoes
Our timing tip
Plan beach time for the afternoon and inland sights for the morning, since May Gray usually burns off the coast by early afternoon.
Book Los Angeles for May.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for May
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Los AngelesOpens a hotel search for Los Angeles in May, 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 May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in May
Hollywood Bowl summer season
Late May into September
The LA Phil and big-name concerts in the famous outdoor amphitheater.
Things to do in Los Angeles
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.
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 May, quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Los Angeles?
May is one of the best months of the year to visit Los Angeles. Overcast mornings at the beach, sunny inland. Hollywood Bowl season starts late month.
What is the weather like in Los Angeles in May?
Pleasant, highs near 74F (23C), May Gray.
Is Los Angeles crowded in May?
Crowds in Los Angeles are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Los Angeles in May?
Hollywood Bowl summer season (late may into september).
Keep planning Los Angeles.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in May
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
Sponsored links. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Visit Faye
Travel insurance.
FayeA missed connection, a bag that never turns up, a hospital abroad: far cheaper to cover before departure than to argue about after.
- Visit Saily
eSIM data.
SailySet up an eSIM before you fly so your phone has data the moment you land, without roaming charges.
Our top-rated travel gear
Whatever you decide, this is the gear we actually travel with: verified, priced, and ranked. Live price check on each.
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.