United States, North America
Los Angeles in September
Summer weather, warm ocean, fewer people after Labor Day. Watch for heat waves.
The straight answer
September is one of the best months of the year to visit Los Angeles. Summer weather, warm ocean, fewer people after Labor Day. Watch for heat waves.
- Weather
- Warm, highs near 83F (28C), heat waves possible
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What September is like in Los Angeles
September keeps summer weather, with highs near 83F (28C) and the ocean still warm, but the crowds drop sharply after Labor Day. Hotel prices ease a little, though they stay fairly high. The one catch is heat waves, which can push inland temperatures well past 100F (38C) for a few days.
This is one of the best months to visit, especially for couples and families with young kids not yet in school. Beaches are warm and quieter, and theme park lines shrink on weekdays. Anyone sensitive to heat should watch the forecast and keep inland plans flexible.
Make the most of September
What is especially good about Los Angeles this month.
Warm water, fewer people
The ocean is still near its peak, but the summer crowds have gone home. Weekday beach days feel relaxed.
Shorter theme park lines
Midweek in September is one of the calmest times for Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood.
Hollywood Bowl finale
The summer season wraps up in September, so there is still time for a concert under the stars.
What to pack for September
- Swimsuits and beach gear
- Sun protection for heat waves
- A light layer for breezy beach evenings
- A refillable water bottle
Our timing tip
Plan your trip for the week after Labor Day and keep a beach day in your back pocket in case a heat wave hits the valleys.
Book Los Angeles for September.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for September
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Los AngelesOpens a hotel search for Los Angeles in September, 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 September. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in September
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 September, quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Los Angeles?
September is one of the best months of the year to visit Los Angeles. Summer weather, warm ocean, fewer people after Labor Day. Watch for heat waves.
What is the weather like in Los Angeles in September?
Warm, highs near 83F (28C), heat waves possible.
Is Los Angeles crowded in September?
Crowds in Los Angeles are moderate in September; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Los Angeles in September?
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 September
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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