When Is The Best Time to Visit Los Angeles?
Discover the best time to visit Los Angeles with our month-by-month guide. Find the ideal weather, top events, fewer crowds, and the best travel deals for your perfect LA getaway
When Is The Best Time to Visit Los Angeles?
Los Angeles, California, is one of the most iconic destinations in the world. From the glamour of Hollywood to sun-kissed beaches, world-class museums, sprawling national parks, and a vibrant food scene, LA has something for every type of traveler. But with its vast size, varied neighborhoods, and year-round activity, many visitors ask: When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, the best time to visit depends on your priorities, sunny beach days, cultural attractions, outdoor activities, or fewer crowds. In this guide, we break down the best times to visit Los Angeles by season, month, and travel style, plus practical tips for sightseeing, events, and accommodations.
We also feature our curated Los Angeles vacation rentals so you can stay in stylish villas across the city, perfectly placed for exploring top attractions.
Popular Los Angeles vacation rentals
When to Visit Los Angeles for the Best Weather
Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Its expansive area means microclimates abound, coastal neighborhoods like Santa Monica and Venice are cooler and breezier, while inland areas like Downtown, Hollywood, and Burbank can get significantly warmer, especially in summer.
Summer (May – September): Expect clear skies, beach-perfect sunshine, and highs around 75–90°F (24–32°C). This is prime time for outdoor activities, festivals, concerts, and family vacations.
Fall (October – November): Temperatures are cooler but still pleasant, ranging from 65–85°F (18–29°C), making it ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and cultural events with fewer crowds.
Winter (December – February): Mild and comfortable, with highs around 65–70°F (18–21°C) and cooler evenings. A great time for indoor activities, museum visits, and festive celebrations.
Spring (March – April): The city awakens with blossoming gardens, mild temperatures, and moderate crowds. Highs range from 65–75°F (18–24°C), perfect for walking tours, exploring markets, and outdoor cafes.
Visiting Los Angeles in the High Season: May – September
Best for: Beach days, outdoor activities, family vacations
During the summer months, LA is at its liveliest. The beaches—Venice, Santa Monica, Malibu, and Manhattan Beach—buzz with surfers, sunbathers, and volleyball enthusiasts. Outdoor attractions such as Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Runyon Canyon are crowded but rewarding, offering spectacular city views and experiences.
Theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Six Flags Magic Mountain see high attendance, so plan ahead with fast passes or timed tickets. LA also hosts numerous music festivals, outdoor cinema screenings, and food markets during these months.
Packing tip: Bring light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Comfortable shoes are essential for long walks and hikes.
Shoulder Season: September – January
Best for: Exploring without crowds, budget-friendly stays, moderate weather
As the summer crowds diminish, Los Angeles becomes more tranquil, allowing for a more relaxed sightseeing experience. Hotel prices drop, traffic is lighter, and attractions are less crowded. Fall is ideal for hiking trails like the Hollywood Hills and Santa Monica Mountains, coastal drives along Pacific Coast Highway, and attending cultural events such as LA Opera or theater shows.
Shoulder season also includes seasonal celebrations: Halloween in West Hollywood, Thanksgiving parades, and Christmas events throughout the city. Visiting during this period allows travelers to experience LA at a slower pace while still enjoying warm, sunny days and mild evenings.
Packing tip: Layers are key. A light jacket is useful for cooler evenings, and comfortable walking shoes are a must. Don’t forget sunglasses for sunny afternoons.
Low Season: March – May
Best for: Museums, indoor attractions, fewer tourists
During the spring months, LA experiences occasional rain and cooler temperatures, making it an excellent time to focus on indoor attractions. World-class museums such as The Getty Center, California Science Center, LACMA, and Natural History Museum are perfect for days when the weather isn’t beach-friendly.
Spring is also ideal for discovering neighborhoods such as Silver Lake and Echo Park, which come alive with local markets, street art, and blooming gardens. Tourist crowds remain moderate, giving you more space and flexibility when visiting iconic spots like Hollywood, Griffith Park, and Venice Beach.
Packing tip: A light rain jacket or umbrella, layered clothing for fluctuating temperatures, and comfortable walking shoes for city exploration.
Awards Season: January – March
Best for: Celebrity spotting, entertainment events, and unique experiences
Hollywood becomes the epicenter of glitz and glamour during awards season. Events like the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, and various industry galas attract celebrities, making it an exciting time for star spotting.
January to March is also a great time for nature lovers: gray whales migrate along the California coast, offering a spectacular sight for whale watchers. The city is less crowded than summer, so you can balance outdoor adventures with entertainment industry events for a truly unique LA experience.
Packing tip: Smart casual for events, layers for mornings and evenings, and a camera for memorable celebrity moments.
Month-by-Month Los Angeles Travel Guide
January:
Mild winter days, whale watching along the coast, awards season excitement, hiking in Griffith Park, indoor museum visits.
February:
Golden Globes and Valentine’s Day activities, exploring art districts, coastal walks, and cultural events.
March:
Early spring blooms, whale migration continues, less crowded attractions, ideal for walking tours and food markets.
April:
LA Marathon, blossoming gardens, early beach days, rooftop dining, and outdoor cafes.
May:
Pre-summer warmth, festivals, early beach season, cultural events, and family-friendly activities like aquarium visits and outdoor concerts.
June:
Sunny beaches, summer festivals, hiking, rooftop bars, Venice Beach boardwalk, Santa Monica Pier adventures.
July:
Peak summer heat, crowded theme parks, fireworks for the Fourth of July, summer concerts and street festivals.
August:
Warmest month, perfect for open-air cinemas, beach volleyball tournaments, and food truck events.
September:
Fewer crowds, warm weather, coastal drives, farmers’ markets, outdoor yoga, and scenic hikes.
October:
Halloween events, wine festivals, pumpkin patches, Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights, cool evenings.
November:
Mild temperatures, Thanksgiving festivities, cultural exhibitions, early holiday markets, quieter sightseeing.
December:
Holiday lights, Christmas markets, Winter Wonderland events, nearby skiing, festive shows, and New Year’s celebrations.
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles by Travel Type
Family & Beach Vacations: Summer (May – September)
Romantic & Cultural Getaways: February – April
Budget Travel: March – May & September – November
Festivals & Events: January – March, October – December
Outdoor Adventures & Hiking: Spring & Fall
Cost & Crowds in Los Angeles
High Season (May – September): Crowded beaches, full theme parks, higher hotel rates.
Shoulder Season (September – January): Fewer crowds, moderate prices, mild weather.
Low Season (March – May): Cheapest flights, museum-focused trips, moderate weather.
Packing Tips
Spring: Light jackets, layers, umbrella.
Summer: Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, light clothing.
Fall: Sweaters, jackets, walking shoes.
Winter: Layered clothing, light coats, indoor/outdoor shoes.
Essentials: Reusable water bottle, universal travel adapter, camera, and comfortable walking shoes.
Vacation rentals in Los Angeles
