Step into the heart of entertainment where your dreams become a reality. Los Angeles is where Hollywood glamour, beachside relaxation, and world-class museums showcase incredible art and the spirit of creativity.
Flowing through every neighborhood from Venice Beach to Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and the greater Southern California region presents an extraordinary and sophisticated destination for the perfect California vibes.
This metropolis transforms throughout the year, offering visitors diverse experiences based on when they choose to explore its countless attractions. And each season brings unique advantages to this City of Angels, from award season glamour to perfect beach weather.
If you’re looking to add Hollywood studios tours, world-class shopping, or simply soaking up the California sunshine to your travel itinerary, here’s your complete guide to choosing the best time to visit Los Angeles and creating your ultimate city escape.
We’ll show you what each season is like in LA, what the weather’s like for each month, cool events happening, and fun things to do. Plus, we’ll help you find the perfect place to stay!
About Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is huge! It’s the entertainment capital of the world and home to Hollywood, amazing beaches, and more than 400 different neighborhoods. Each area has its own personality. The city has different weather in different places – it’s cooler near the ocean and warmer inland.
LA has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Temperatures usually stay between 48°F and 85°F. It almost never gets below 42°F or above 93°F. Los Angeles gets sunshine 263 days a year, which makes it perfect for being outside almost anytime.
Los Angeles Travel Seasons at a Glance
Understanding LA’s seasonal rhythms can help you plan the perfect urban adventure. Here’s when LA gets busy and when it’s quieter.
Busy Times: June to August and December
Summer brings the most people because families are on vacation and the beach weather is perfect. Hotels cost more, and attractions are crowded. Most people visit from mid-June to mid-August when it’s warmest. December is also busy because of holidays and award shows.
Good Times: March to May and September to November
These months have nice weather and cleaner air, plus way fewer crowds. Travel experts say these are the best times to visit LA. Spring has pretty flowers blooming, and fall has great weather with fewer tourists.
Quiet Times: January to February
Winter months are the quietest, with the best hotel deals and smallest crowds. Some attractions might have shorter hours, though. It’s usually pretty quiet except for holiday weeks and weekends.
Why Visit Los Angeles?
LA is way more than just Hollywood and celebrities. This huge city offers amazing experiences that mix movie magic with real California life. You can visit world-famous museums like LACMA and the Getty Center, or hit the beach anywhere from Malibu to Manhattan Beach.
You can tour movie studios like Universal and Warner Bros, or watch TV shows being filmed live. Shopping ranges from super expensive Rodeo Drive to fun Venice Beach vendors. The food scene is incredible – everything from food trucks to fancy restaurants.
LA has people from all over the world. You can visit Koreatown, Little Tokyo, and Olvera Street for authentic food and culture. The city loves outdoor living with hiking trails in Griffith Park, beach activities, and rooftop hangouts with amazing city views.
The weather is almost always nice, so there are outdoor concerts, farmers’ markets, and street festivals happening all year long.
Your Month-by-Month Guide to Los Angeles
- Los Angeles in January: Cool winter weather, fewest people, award season starts
- Los Angeles in February: Nice temperatures, still quiet, Grammy and Oscar prep
- Los Angeles in March: Spring weather starts, flowers bloom, and more people come
- Los Angeles in April: Perfect temperatures, great hiking weather, ideal time to visit
- Los Angeles in May: Warm, nice days, last month before summer crowds, beautiful weather
- Los Angeles in June: Summer starts, beach season begins, more visitors
- Los Angeles in July: Hottest weather, most crowded, longest sunny days
- Los Angeles in August: Still hot, busy summer season, perfect beach weather
- Los Angeles in September: Great weather returns, fewer crowds, ideal time
- Los Angeles in October: Perfect fall temperatures, Halloween fun, awesome weather
- Los Angeles in November: Comfortable weather, holiday prep, beautiful days
- Los Angeles in December: Cool winter weather, holiday events, award season is coming
When Is the Best Time to Visit Los Angeles?
The best time to visit Los Angeles is March through May and September through November. Temperatures are between the 50s and 80s, which makes walking around and visiting outdoor places really comfortable. You get great weather, not too many crowds, and good conditions for everything you want to do.
These shoulder seasons give you lots of benefits like fewer crowds, cheaper hotels and flights, and better travel experiences overall.
Visiting in Spring (March to May)
Spring is when LA looks its best. The city wakes up from winter with perfect weather and flowers blooming everywhere. Daily highs are around 75°F, lows rarely go below 45°F, and it barely rains.
This is perfect weather for exploring LA’s outdoor attractions, from hiking in Griffith Park to hanging out at the beach. The nice temperatures make spring great for walking tours, eating outside, and rooftop experiences without the crazy summer heat.
Los Angeles Weather in Spring
- March: 50°F (low) / 72°F (high) | Rain: 2.4 inches
- April: 54°F (low) / 75°F (high) | Rain: 1.0 inch
- May: 59°F (low) / 78°F (high) | Rain: 0.3 inches
Things to Do in Los Angeles During Spring
Spring weather makes everything in LA more fun. Beach weather becomes perfect, and hiking trails are great without the summer heat. Theme parks and outdoor places are ideal for visiting with manageable crowds.
The nice temperatures make spring perfect for checking out different areas like Downtown LA, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica. Spring evenings are great for rooftop dining, outdoor concerts, and watching sunsets at the beach.
Los Angeles Events in Spring
- Oscar Season (February-March) – Academy Awards ceremony and parties
- LA Times Festival of Books (April) – Huge book celebration at USC
- Fiesta Broadway (April) – Cinco de Mayo celebration on Broadway
- Cherry Blossom Festival (March-April) – Japanese culture celebration in Little Tokyo
Local Eats in Los Angeles During Spring
Spring has perfect weather for eating outside all over LA’s different neighborhoods. Restaurant patios have great city views, and food truck festivals happen because of the nice weather. The comfortable temperatures make it perfect for trying LA’s amazing food scene, from Korean BBQ to Mexican street food.
Los Angeles Travel Tips During Spring
Spring brings lots of visitors, so book hotels and popular attractions early. Pack layers because it can be different temperatures near the beach versus inland. This is a great time for first-time visitors to experience everything LA has to offer.
Visiting in Summer (June to August)
Summer has perfect beach weather with highs in the lower 80s and lows in the lower 60s. It basically doesn’t rain at all in July and August. This season is perfect for beach activities, and you get the most daylight hours for sightseeing.
Summer gives you the best beach weather and outdoor concerts, but it also brings the most crowds and the highest hotel prices. You get long days and consistently great weather for outdoor activities.
Los Angeles Weather in Summer
- June: 62°F (low) / 82°F (high) | Rain: 0.1 inches
- July: 66°F (low) / 85°F (high) | Rain: 0.0 inches
- August: 66°F (low) / 85°F (high) | Rain: 0.1 inches
Things to Do in Los Angeles During Summer
Summer activities focus on LA’s incredible beaches and outdoor entertainment. Beach conditions are perfect from Malibu to Manhattan Beach. Outdoor concerts and festivals take advantage of clear skies. Theme parks stay open longer, and rooftop places offer perfect evening experiences.
The dry weather is great for hiking, and coastal areas stay cooler because of ocean breezes. Summer’s long days let you pack in beach time, cultural attractions, and evening entertainment.
Los Angeles Events in Summer
- Hollywood Bowl Season (June-September) – Outdoor concerts under the stars
- Sunset Strip Music Festival (August) – Street festival celebrating music history
- LA County Fair (August-September) – Traditional county fair in Pomona
- Beach Volleyball Tournaments (June-August) – Professional competitions along the coast
Local Eats in Los Angeles During Summer
Summer dining focuses on fresh, light food perfect for warm weather. Beachside restaurants have ocean views, and rooftop dining shows off city views. Food truck gatherings and outdoor markets do great during summer’s perfect weather.
Los Angeles Travel Tips During Summer
Summer requires booking hotels and popular attractions early because of high demand. Pack sunscreen and light layers for coastal weather changes. Try doing popular attractions early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
Visiting in Fall (September to November)
Fall is an awesome time to visit Los Angeles, especially September through November. The weather is pleasant with comfortable temperatures, cleaner air, and fewer crowds. This season has some of LA’s most perfect conditions with great weather and fewer tourists.
Fall keeps comfortable temperatures perfect for all outdoor activities, while the air gets cleaner as summer heat goes away. The season offers great value with manageable crowds and beautiful weather for exploring the city.
Los Angeles Weather in Fall
- September: 64°F (low) / 85°F (high) | Rain: 0.2 inches
- October: 58°F (low) / 79°F (high) | Rain: 0.6 inches
- November: 52°F (low) / 73°F (high) | Rain: 1.1 inches
Things to Do in Los Angeles During Fall
Fall has great conditions for all LA activities. Beach weather stays comfortable, and hiking becomes more pleasant as temperatures cool down. Cultural attractions and museums are perfect for visiting without summer crowds.
The stable weather makes fall perfect for exploring neighborhoods, from Hollywood walking tours to Beverly Hills shopping. Fall evenings are perfect for outdoor dining and rooftop experiences with stunning city views.
Los Angeles Events in Fall
- Halloween Celebrations (October) – West Hollywood Halloween Carnival and themed events
- Day of the Dead (November) – Cultural celebrations in Latino neighborhoods
- LA Auto Show (November) – Major car show at the Convention Center
- Film Festival Season (October-November) – Various independent film festivals
Local Eats in Los Angeles During Fall
Fall dining shows off seasonal ingredients and comfortable outdoor dining weather. Restaurant patios have perfect conditions, and farmers’ markets feature seasonal produce. The pleasant weather makes it easy to explore restaurants throughout LA’s diverse neighborhoods.
Los Angeles Travel Tips During Fall
Fall offers great weather and crowd balance with manageable visitor levels. Pack light layers for temperature differences between coastal and inland areas. Take advantage of shoulder season pricing and less crowded attractions during this ideal time.
Visiting in Winter (December to February)
Winter brings mild conditions with average temperatures of 48°F to 68°F. The city stays mostly dry but has a rainy season with some precipitation. This season offers unique experiences like award shows and holiday celebrations throughout the city.
Winter has comfortable temperatures for visitors and locals, with clear, crisp days perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The season offers great value with smaller crowds and lower hotel rates.
Los Angeles Weather in Winter
- December: 48°F (low) / 68°F (high) | Rain: 2.3 inches
- January: 48°F (low) / 68°F (high) | Rain: 3.1 inches
- February: 50°F (low) / 70°F (high) | Rain: 3.0 inches
Things to Do in Los Angeles During Winter
Winter activities take advantage of mild temperatures and clear air. Cultural attractions become especially appealing, and hiking trails offer great conditions without summer heat. Beach activities are still possible with comfortable daytime temperatures.
The comfortable conditions make winter perfect for exploring museums, shopping areas, and cultural neighborhoods. Winter evenings are cozy for indoor entertainment and dining experiences.
Los Angeles Events in Winter
- Rose Parade (January 1) – New Year’s Day tradition in Pasadena
- Golden Globes (January) – Major Hollywood awards ceremony
- Academy Awards (February-March) – Hollywood’s biggest night
- Chinese New Year (January-February) – Celebrations in Chinatown
Local Eats in Los Angeles During Winter
Winter dining features comfort foods and cozy restaurant experiences throughout LA’s neighborhoods. Many places offer special winter menus, and the mild weather still allows for some outdoor dining on warmer days.
Los Angeles Travel Tips During Winter
Winter offers great value with smaller crowds and reasonable hotel rates. Pack layers for temperature changes and light rain gear for occasional showers. Take advantage of cultural events and indoor attractions during the cooler season.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Los Angeles (By Interest)
LA’s great climate and diverse attractions make timing important for getting the most out of specific experiences. Here’s when to go based on what you want to do:
- For Smallest Crowds: January-February, weekdays year-round
- For Perfect Weather: March-May, September-November
- For Beach Activities: June-October
- For Cultural Events: January-March (award season), October-December
- For Hiking: March-May, September-November
- For Best Value: January-February, November
- For Photography: March-May, September-November
For Less Crowd: January to February and Weekdays Year-Round
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles for Smallest Crowds
Winter months give you the most space at popular attractions. Visiting Tuesday through Thursday any season, helps you avoid weekend crowds at beaches and tourist spots.
For Perfect Weather: March to May and September to November
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles for Perfect Weather
These times give you ideal temperatures, minimal rain, and great air quality without summer crowds or winter’s occasional rain.
For Beach Activities: June to October
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles for Beach Activities
Warmest water temperatures and consistent sunshine make these months the best for coastal activities, swimming, and beach relaxation.
For Cultural Events: January to March and October to December
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles for Cultural Events
Award season brings glamour and excitement, while fall/winter cultural seasons offer museum exhibitions, theater shows, and art events.
For Hiking: March to May and September to November
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles for Hiking
Comfortable temperatures and clear air create perfect conditions for exploring LA’s many hiking trails and outdoor attractions.
For Best Value: January to February and November
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles for Best Value
Off-peak times offer big savings on hotels and attractions while still giving you great weather and experiences.
For Photography: March to May and September to November
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles for Photography
Perfect lighting, clear air, and comfortable temperatures create ideal conditions for capturing LA’s diverse landscapes and urban beauty.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles
Find accommodations that perfectly capture Los Angeles’ urban style while providing modern luxury and stunning city or ocean views. Here are five amazing Los Angeles vacation homes available to rent with AvantStay:
- Edwin – Experience luxury living in a Mid-Century estate with amazing Mulholland views.
- City Living – Modern retreat showing off the LA lifestyle at a celebrity-favorite location.
- North Vista – A hillside sanctuary with complete amenities for the best LA experience.
- Shenandoah – Sophisticated yet homey, modern, and luxurious home in the heart of LA.
- Venice View – Our stunning beachside property with easy access to Venice Beach.
Create Your Los Angeles Itinerary
Ready to plan your city adventure? Let our experienced team handle every detail of your Los Angeles experience! Our concierge service can set up studio tours, restaurant reservations, and unique urban experiences.
Simply contact us or download the AvantStay App to book additional experiences, get insider city tips, and manage your entire stay through one easy platform.
Ready to Plan Your Los Angeles Adventure?
No matter when you choose to visit, Los Angeles’ diverse neighborhoods and endless entertainment will create lasting memories. The city’s perfect mix of urban sophistication and California chill lifestyle means every visit offers excitement and discovery.
We have the perfect urban sanctuary waiting for you. Book with AvantStay today and discover how amazing city vacations can be when you experience Los Angeles’ timeless glamour and endless possibilities.
FAQs
Is Los Angeles expensive to visit?
Los Angeles can be pricey during busy seasons (summer and December) when hotels cost more because of high demand and perfect weather. However, you can find great value during winter months (January-February) when you’ll get lower rates, fewer crowds, and mild weather perfect for sightseeing and cultural activities.
How busy does Los Angeles get?
Peak seasons bring big crowds, especially at popular places like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier, and theme parks. For more peaceful experiences, visit during shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) or explore lesser-known neighborhoods and attractions during weekdays.
When to avoid Los Angeles?
Summer months (June-August) bring the biggest crowds and highest prices, though the weather stays great. Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s) create peak congestion and premium rates. However, LA’s mild Mediterranean climate makes it enjoyable year-round with proper planning and realistic expectations about crowds and costs.