Los Angeles Weather

Southern California is a temperate area with mild and pleasant conditions year-round. The Pacific Ocean has a moderating effect, with sea breezes keeping the beach districts cooler in summer and warmer in winter than those farther inland. The mountains along the north and east sides of the Los Angeles coastal basin also act as a buffer against the extreme summer heat and winter cold of the desert and plateau regions.

Summer

Many people say that Los Angeles doesn't have distinct seasons as the weather is often warm and dry. Summer can be stifling in the inland valleys, where daytime temperatures and the famous LA smog can sometimes make things very uncomfortable, but the beach towns almost always remain pleasant.

Los Angeles is actually the high desert, although the steady sea breezes and low humidity usually keeps things dry and bearable. The water is warmest in summer and autumn (usually about 18C to 21C), but even then, the Pacific Ocean can be too chilly for many.

The June gloom relates to the ocean fog that keeps the beaches and other parts of LA overcast into early afternoon. It occurs most frequently in June, but it can shroud the coast anytime between March and mid-August. The peak season in LA is July and August, when every day is virtually guaranteed to be hot and sunny. Prices tend to soar in these months and finding accommodation can be difficult.

Winter

Rain is fairly uncommon in Los Angeles, averaging about 34 days a year. The storms are usually brief, but they can cause flooding if they are severe. Most of the time, the weather is sunny and daytime temperatures can reach 19C. If you visit at this time of year, you will also benefit from many more smogless days.

Precipitation is most likely from February to April. It rarely snows in the city basin, but the mountain slopes within city limits typically receive snow every year. LA is one of the few places in the world where you can ski and surf on the same day.

Spring and autumn
If you prefer smaller crowds and lower prices then consider visiting in either spring or autumn. Moderate temperatures, fewer crowds and lower hotel rates make travelling here a good choice. The middle of autumn (October and November) often sees the Santa Anas; strong and hot winds that sweep across the desert, increasing the risk of bush fires.

Average Temperature (°C)

30 22 15 8 0

Jan 13.5

Feb 14.1

Mar 14.8

Apr 16.0

May 17.4

Jun 19.5

Jul 22.0

Aug 22.4

Sep 21.6

Oct 19.5

Nov 17.0

Dec 14.4

Rainfall (mm)

70 52 35 18 0

Jan 67.1

Feb 59.4

Mar 45.6

Apr 21.6

May 3.3

Jun 0.6

Jul 0.1

Aug 2.6

Sep 5.0

Oct 7.5

Nov 39.5

Dec 39.5