The Best Time to Visit Los Angeles

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When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?

Throughout my visits to L.A. in all seasons, I think the best time is from March to early November, even though summer (June-August) can become quite busy. The weather remains nice all year round, and rain rarely lasts more than a few hours. I sometimes notice a slight increase in airfare and lodging prices during summer, spring break, sporting events, Hollywood galas, Christmas, and New Year`s.

• The most opportune times of year to visit L.A.: March, April, September, October, and early November, as usually warm conditions and smaller crowds than mid-year. The peak travel season is June, July, and August. The coldest months are January and February, which also tend to have the fewest visitors. Though winter is LA’s wettest season, rain is improbable on all but a couple days per month.
• Optimal Time for Favorable Weather: As someone who usually travels from Seattle or Vancouver, I find the weather of Los Angeles to be splendid for much of the year. Average high temperatures in the mid-90s°F in summer and low-70s°F in winter consistently provide very pleasant conditions. There can be a temperature disparity of 10 degrees or more between the coast and Hollywood as well as downtown. The best timeframe to encounter spectacular weather along with great values, particularly midweek hotel deals as summertime crowds depart, spans mid-September through mid-October. Spring is the rainiest season in Los Angeles and offers the most unpredictable weather patterns, although rainfall will rarely persist for over a few hours on any given day.
• Optimal Time to Reserve Lodging: Los Angeles has numerous sports teams, conventions, and activities throughout the year, including star-studded galas like the Grammy’s and Academy Awards. Reserving lodging in the Hollywood area during functions like these and throughout summer ought to be accomplished regarding a year in advance. For slower seasons, try to secure rooms at minimum 3 months in advance.
• Optimum Time for Visiting Paramount Pictures: The ideal time to visit Paramount Pictures for a tour is on weekdays between 11 am and 3 pm, when filming may be happening. You’ll have an increased chance of spotting a famous person or catching a live recording occurring. On weekends, there is a comprehensive 4.5-hour VIP Tour for a more insider experience, but the lot is fairly tranquil. If possible, avoid summer and end-of-year holidays for the visit. Reservations are necessary and they charge an admission fee.
• Best Period for Visiting Universal Studios: This is the largest and most busy motion picture and TV facility globally. More movies and television programs have filmed on this location than any other area in the world. Comparable to Paramount Pictures, visiting Universal Studios midweek between 11 am and 3 pm provides the best odds of witnessing movies and TV shows shooting and maybe famous celebrities, as that is when such production is most likely. Universal Studios also includes over 20 attractions and rides. To avoid crowds, summer and year-end holidays are best avoided for a visit.
• Best Time to Experience Sunset Blvd: One of the world’s most iconic streets, Sunset Blvd connects Hollywood`s busy urban streets to the upscale city of Beverly Hills. Also known as the Sunset Strip, the infamous stretch lies in lively West Hollywood and is the premier nightlife hotspot packed with bars and music venues. Most clubs won`t get going until at least 9 pm and will feature live music year-round.
• The peak time to experience Venice Beach is early summer through early fall when swimming in the Pacific Ocean is most enjoyable, with water temperatures increasing further into the summer months. While more renowned as an eccentric neighborhood than a sunbathing destination, the iconic 2.5-mile Venice Beach Boardwalk rewards visitors exploring its shops, street vendors, tattoo parlors, cannabis stores, and street performers on foot. Popular spots include the Skate plaza and Muscle Beach. As the second most visited locale in Southern California, weekends witness the heaviest foot traffic. If possible, explore mid-week and outside summer for a less busy experience
• Best Time to Visit the Hollywood Sign: The Hollywood Sign could be visited at any time. It could be seen from many locations throughout Los Angeles, but for the best experience and to get closer views, hiking in Griffith Park was recommended. There was also a place near Lake Hollywood Park at 3160 Canyon Lake Drive where closer views of the Hollywood Sign were possible without hiking.
• Most auspicious moment to notice a celebrity: The Farmers Market on Fairfax has traditionally been seen as an especially good place, especially during Sunday brunch hours, to observe a renowned individual. Another ideal chance to see a movie star is during a weekday tour of one of the movie production facilities. Beyond that, keep abreast of the newest trending restaurants in Los Angeles (because they constantly evolve), and your odds are good of encountering a celebrity face-to-face.
• Recommended Time to Experience the Hollywood Walk of Fame: The Walk of Fame, established in 1958 with an initial 1,588 honorees, is located on 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and 3 blocks of Vine Street. The Walk of Fame (and Hollywood itself) encompasses rather intriguing individuals within a somewhat rundown environment. Its most renowned stretch is found in front of the Chinese Theatre. The best time to visit is mid-week and early in the day if wanting to avoid large crowds.
• Optimal Time to Visit Grauman’s Chinese Theatre: Similar to the Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre experiences high visitor volumes on weekends. It is situated on the Walk of Fame and constitutes one of the most trafficked tourist destinations in Los Angeles. The theater itself presents a great place to catch a movie, but most people visit to see the hand and foot impressions of over 200 Hollywood stars set in concrete. The best time to go is mid-week and outside the summer months. To locate your favorite movie star or celebrity, you can download this app.
• Optimal Time to Visit Griffith Park and the Observatory: Griffith Park covers a vast area of 4,310 acres, making it one of the more expansive urban parks in North America. There are some excellent trails within the park and the observatory offers beautiful views during the day and evening hours. For taking in the sights, the best time to visit the observatory is just before sunset and then using the telescopes later in the evening. At night, the lights of Los Angeles appear spectacular from this viewpoint. On clear days, city views extend very far into the distance, and it’s a good spot to observe the Hollywood sign as well. Within the park boundaries is the Los Angeles Zoo. Visiting mid-week and outside of the summer months is preferable.
• The optimal time to visit the extensive Los Angeles Zoo, home to over 1,400 mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles representing more than 270 diverse species including over 58 endangered populations, is early spring, ideally in May before the Memorial Day weekend. The weather is at its finest then, following the brief rainy season, and prior to the crowds of summer arriving. Another good timeframe is after Labor Day until the winter holidays. The preferred time of day to tour the Los Angeles Zoo is upon opening, when animals tend to be awake and easily observable. Visitor numbers are also somewhat thinner at this juncture as attendance increases as the day progresses.
• Best Time for Exploring Downtown Los Angeles: The historic Grand Central Market in Downtown Los Angeles, in operation since 1917, showcases the diverse cuisines and cultures of the city. Another notable Downtown attraction is the Walt Disney Concert Hall, home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic from October to June. Hour-long audio tours led by narrator John Lithgow are available at the Philharmonic on weekdays. The vibrant street art scene in the surrounding arts district also merits a visit. The most pleasant times to experience Downtown are during the milder spring and fall seasons when visitor numbers are lower.
• Best Time for a Dodger’s Baseball Game: The MLB period starts in late March and closes in late September. Dodger Stadium is the third-oldest field in MLB and the most established west of the Mississippi. It opened in 1962 and has the biggest seating limit (56,000) of any baseball stadium on the planet. The Dodgers vs. the Giants matches are the ones nearby fans anticipate most as their rivalry is considered to be one of the most serious and longest-standing in American baseball.
• Best Period to Visit to See the LA Kings, LA Lakers, or LA Clippers: All 3 teams play out of the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. The LA Kings’ season has a tendency to run from early October until early April. Both Los Angeles basketball teams are part of the NBA and their season tends to span from mid-October until mid-April.
• Best Period for Discounts: For discounted rates, it’s generally best to make reservations early and schedule flights in the middle part of the week. Generally speaking, the most affordable rates on flights and lodging can be found during early spring, excluding spring break, and from September through mid-February, excepting holidays.
• Best Time for Avoiding Crowds: The most tranquil month for visitors is December (with the exception of Christmas week), January (with the exception of New Years’s eve), and February. September and October are great times to avoid crowds and find beautiful weather.
• Best Time for a Destination Celebration: The climate is pleasant year-round but does get warm in summer. This is also the peak of the tourist season. Spring and fall months offer the best timing to plan for nuptials in the city of angels.
• Best Time for Buying Airline Tickets: Costs for flights fluctuate extensively. Usually, reserving 6 weeks to 4 months in advance offers the most competitive rates, with 6 weeks ahead being the optimal time for finding deals. Exceptions are when booking for Thanksgiving week and mid to late December. For these times, it’s usually best to book as soon as tickets are available, up to 11 months beforehand.

Los Angeles Travel Seasons

The most favorable months to visit Los Angeles for pleasant weather conditions and smaller crowds are March and April, excluding Spring Break season, as well as September and October. Los Angeles experiences warm ambient temperatures for most of the calendar year, with average high temperatures ranging between 76 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and 66 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. Temperature variances of up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit can occur between coastal and inland locales. Rainfall is typical in spring and autumn but usually lasts only a few hours. Precipitation is mostly concentrated in January, February, and March, with approximately five rainy days each month on average. The driest months are from May through September, averaging zero rainy days. February experiences the coldest temperatures, occasionally dipping into the lower 50s Fahrenheit.

During the month of August, the stretch of the Pacific Ocean in Los Angeles reaches its warmest point of the year, averaging 68°F. The coolest month is February with sea temperatures averaging 57°F on average. The peak season coincides with spring break, summer vacation, and all holidays. The lower season is spring, excluding the spring break holiday, and from mid-September through mid-February, excluding holidays. During these months, visitors will find better rates and fewer fellow travelers.

• Low Season (mid-September through mid-December, mid-January through early March): The lighter travel times for Los Angeles are throughout the winter, early spring, and fall. Flight, lodging, and vehicle costs are lower at this time. Beaches, movie studio excursions, and other attractions have sparser crowds. Awards shows occurring mean some less busy travel dates can still find hotels reserved when large events like the Grammys and Academy Awards take place.

• High Season (summer): From mid-June through the end of August, travel is at its peak in Los Angeles. Costs tend to be more expensive than during the rest of the year, and beaches and attractions will be more busy. Fewer deals are available during the summer, especially in July and August.

Los Angeles Weather by Month

On average, there are 284 bright days per year in Los Angeles. Temperatures in Los Angeles are warm most of the year. Rain is more common in the fall and spring months from November to March. Rain tends to be short-lived, except for the rare bad weather. The typical high in Los Angeles is 76-78°F in the summer and 66-67°F in the winter. Temperatures can differ up to 10°F from the shore to the inland towns.

• Los Angeles Weather in January: January is one of the cooler months of the year in Los Angeles, with lows around 53°F and an average high of 73°F. January brings an average of 4 days of rain, but it will rarely rain for more than a few hours on any given day. It is a great time to visit major attractions like the zoo, museums, and movie studios, or take a whale-watching cruise at one of the nearby beach towns. Wearing medium-weight outerwear or dressing in layers is a good idea, especially when visiting the beaches.
• Los Angeles Weather in February: Average temperatures in February are very similar to January, and fall between 52-69oF. February tends to bring the most rain, with an average of 5 rainy days. Winter starts to wind down by late February and it is a great time to visit before the crowds arrive for spring break. Hotel rates will be lower compared to spring and summer. It’s a good idea to bring a light jacket and a travel umbrella.
• Los Angeles Weather in March: Los Angeles temperatures start warming up considerably towards the end of March, with some days reaching near-summer conditions. There is potential for rain on about 4 days on average during the month as well as warmer days, especially later in March. A jacket may still be useful at times as nights can get cool. It’s a great time to see the spring flora in bloom at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Normal high temperatures in March range from around 52-70oF with precipitation averaging 4 days.
• Los Angeles Weather in April: The month of April typically sees temperatures continue increasing with an average high of 73 degrees Fahrenheit and precipitation averaging just one day. This makes April officially beach weather and a prime time to visit one of the many beaches located in the area. However, the Pacific Ocean generally has not warmed enough by this time for most people to swim without wearing a wetsuit for insulation.
• Los Angeles Weather in May: Temperatures in May continue advancing somewhat with common daily highs ranging between 58oF and 74oF. May is a wonderful time to visit as the conditions are warm yet the major tourist period hasn`t begun, so the attractions are less crowded than the summer high season. Winter rains will have departed and it’s the perfect time of year to head to Griffith Park or one of the various other hiking routes in Los Angeles.
• Los Angeles Weather in June: June denotes the formal commencement of summer, yet it’s also when coastal fog (`June gloom`) reaches its zenith in the beach cities. The normal high is 79oF. Crowds will start multiplying as summer holiday begins, so plan most activities early in the day as most attractions become busy from noon until late afternoon. Tickets for any tours or attractions should be purchased in advance.
• Los Angeles Weather in July: July represents an excellent month for enjoying time by the ocean. It`s viewed as one of the top periods to visit Los Angeles due to outstanding climatic conditions. Average high temperature is 83oF, which can feel even warmer in the city. If a ticket can be obtained for the 4th of July holiday, Hollywood Bowl stands out as one of the best spots for fireworks displays. Griffith Park by the Independent Shakespeare Co. also provides a great opportunity this month to watch free Shakespeare performances.
• Los Angeles Weather in August: In August, temperatures reach their peak and rainfall is scarce. Comparable to July, this is a great month to engage in outdoor activities and be at the beach. One of the best festivals this month is the Caribbean Food + Music Festival – a 2-day food and music event that typically takes place in early August. It is the hottest month of the year with an average high of 85oF. This is a great month to take a day trip to kayak on the LA River and escape the heat.
• Los Angeles Climate in September: September conditions mimic August with average highs of 83oF. Rainfall is rare in September and crowds begin decreasing mid-month, making it an agreeable time for a visit.
• Weather Conditions in Los Angeles during October: October typically experiences warm temperatures, with average highs of around 79°F and lows near 60°F. Rainfall is light, usually on only one day, and not very common. It is a great time to visit, especially early in the month, as the weather remains pleasant and the summer crowds have diminished.
• Los Angeles Weather in November: During this time period, water and air temperatures commence decreasing, and while still pretty comfortable, the average maximum temperature is 73oF and average minimum is 53oF. This marks the official start of the rainy season in Los Angeles but it only yields 2 days of rain on average. The latter portion of autumn through winter is considered prime for surfing. Throughout these months, there are larger and more consistent ocean swells. It’s advisable to carry a lightweight jacket or dress in layers as the weather initiates cooling, particularly when visiting the beaches.
• Weather in Los Angeles in December: In December, air temperatures start to decrease to an average high of 68°F and average low of 49°F. You’ll want to bring a medium-weight jacket and dress in layers, especially when visiting the beaches.

Los Angeles Events and Festivals

Los Angeles in January

• No Pants Subway Ride – This unusual yearly event may aim to make a statement more than organize, but it’s gaining popularity in Los Angeles and globally. The idea is to strip down to your undergarments (some opt to cover up with a jacket while some don’t) and board the subway with like-minded Angelenos. Typically around six different meetup points are arranged from Pasadena, East Los Angeles, North Hollywood, Koreatown, and Culver City. Riders then meet at local landmarks for photos. The best way to keep updated on this event is to search online in early January to find latest details.
• Dine L.A. – Two weeks where the LA restaurant scene is celebrated with exclusive lunch and dinner menus at many remarkable eateries in the city. This is a premier time to explore the Los Angeles dining experience.
• Tournament of Flowers Parade in Pasadena – A slightly more remote area, this yearly occasion draws nearly 700,000 viewers with millions more watching globally. Make your way to Pasadena to see dozens of parade floats decorated with thousands of blooms and a number of marching bands and equestrian teams.

Los Angeles in February

• Golden Dragon Parade – The annual celebration honoring over a century of tradition, where the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles hosts the distinguished Golden Dragon Parade in the Chinatown area of North Broadway. The festivities commonly include two dozen vibrant floats, several spirited marching bands, government leaders, entertainers, local business pioneers, and cultural fellowships. This free public event regularly happens on the first Saturday of February.
• Academy Awards – Visitors are unable to attend the event itself, but it is possible to enter a random draw for tickets to sit in bleachers overlooking the red carpet through the Oscars Red Carpet Fan Experience. Participation is complimentary and if selected, the tickets are also free of charge. If unable to make the event, one can tour the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, home to the Oscars. The tour provides experiences like viewing the Dolby Lounge and areas frequented by celebrities, seeing an authentic Oscar statuette, and images from past award ceremonies. Tours are accessible seven days a week from 10:30 am-4 pm.

Los Angeles in March

• Los Angeles Marathon – An annual 26-mile race through LA draws more than 24,000 entrants from all 50 US states and over 67 countries. Unlike many marathons, participants encounter cheerleaders and performances along the diverse route, epitomizing LA`s unique energy.
• Dodgers` First Game – The traditional beginning of Major League Baseball in late March also kicks off Dodger Stadium`s season, starting with a 5-game homestand.
• St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival – Casey’s Irish Pub (613 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles 90017) celebrates the annual St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival from 11 am to midnight. The massive celebration that spans 4 blocks of Downtown LA includes over 400 kegs of beer, 1,200 bottles of Jameson, numerous bartenders, 12 hours of DJ sets, and traditional Irish cuisine from Casey’s. Entry to the festival is free before 11 am and $20 thereafter. Guests can enter at Wilshire & Flower, with tickets available at the entrance. The street festival usually occurs on or around the weekend of St. Patrick`s day.

Los Angeles in April

• Abbott Kinney First Friday – While this monthly celebration occurs year-round, April presents a particularly pleasant time to experience it. Merchants in Venice Beach, California unite to showcase top local artists, gifts, products and tunes. Proceeds assist charitable causes and the family-friendly atmosphere draws art aficionados passionate about the funky beach locale. Grub and drinks are accessible.
• LA Times Festival of Books – Held yearly in late April at the University of Southern California, the LA Times Festival of Books has been an annual occasion for over two decades. This gathering brings together writers, poets, artists, filmmakers, musicians, and emerging storytellers, making it the largest such event in America. A variety of tickets and special activities are available. Check the website for up-to-date listings.
• The Renaissance Fair – Situated a bit further from downtown Los Angeles, this event offers attendees the chance to experience renaissance era through varied activities like games, cuisine, live performances, rides, and also a marketplace for shopping. This is a great outing for families, and attendees may want to wear period-appropriate clothing. Usually starting in early April and continuing through mid-May, it`s open on Saturdays and Sundays.

Los Angeles in May

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• LA River Kayak – Late May marks the beginning of kayaking season on the LA River. Paddling here provides a great way to learn about LA’s nature, watershed, and history tied to the river.

Los Angeles in June

• LA Gay Pride – One of the biggest pride events in the US, LA Gay Pride attracts 400,000+ people for a 3-day festival topped off with the famous 3-hour Sunday parade. This is one of the most important events for the LGBTQ+ community across the Greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. Held in June-end.
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• Free music event happening at LACMA – This monthly gathering is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy music outdoors from 6-8pm. LACMA organizes excellent programs. Bring food and arrive early to get a spot.

Los Angeles in July

• Fireworks Show at the Hollywood Bowl on 4th of July – If one happens to visit during the 4th of July holiday and can obtain a ticket, the Hollywood Bowl is among the finest places for fireworks in Los Angeles. The fireworks come accompanied by a fantastic live music experience in one of the most beautiful outdoor theaters worldwide.
• Free Shakespeare Festival at Griffith Park – Shakespeare plays are performed annually from mid-June to mid-September in Griffith Park by the Independent Shakespeare Co. This is a nice time to watch a production for free when the evenings are pleasantly warm.
• iPalpiti Summer Music – This over 10 year old celebration highlights nearly 30 gifted young musicians from around the world. Throughout the month, presentations can be enjoyed at the renowned Walt Disney Music Hall, starting from as little as $10.

Los Angeles in August

• Los Angeles Food & Wine Festival – This four-day citywide gourmet extravaganza is a highlight of the LA cuisine scene. Guests have the chance to sample products and dishes from some of the most influential chefs and sommeliers in the United States at various events, parties, and tastings across LA. Tickets are available for a wide range of happenings.
• Jerk Fest – One of the prime events this month is the Caribbean Cuisine + Music Festival; a two-day food and music fest that tends to take place in early August. The festival aim is to generate cultural awareness and bring together friends and families for the ultimate Caribbean experience in Southern California.

Los Angeles in September

• Abbot Kinney Festival – This yearly gathering held in Venice Beach in early September has been commemorated for over three decades. It extends a mile along the blocks of Abbot Kinney Avenue and includes more than 300 vendors. This fun, family-friendly occasion presents plenty of live entertainment, food trucks, and kids rides and games for youngsters. Entry is complimentary and the festival takes place from 10 am to 6 pm.
• LA Fleet Week® – An annual celebratory event held along the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles over the Labor Day holiday weekend pays tribute to the US Sea Services. Features include ship tours, military equipment and vehicle showcases, aerial demonstrations, live entertainment, and more – all free and family-friendly.
• Public Stargazing Events at Griffith Park Observatory – Free public telescopes are offered nightly for viewing the stars and planets until 9:45 pm at the Observatory. Additionally, once monthly, the Observatory facilitates Public Star Parties where volunteers from groups like The Planetary Society and the LA Astronomical Society respond to inquiries and discuss observable celestial objects through the telescopes. These events are complimentary and invite participation from people of all ages.

Los Angeles in October

• Celebrate Day of the Dead in Grand Park – The tradition of Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is honored through a culturally immersive experience held downtown in LA’s Grand Park. Wander through displays of 50 altars and artistic installations created by local artists. Explore independently or join free guided tours to learn more about the holiday festivities. This annual event is open daily from 5 am–10 pm at Olive Court and the Performance Lawn with no admission fee for all ages.
• West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval – This complimentary street event located on Santa Monica Boulevard is regarded as one of the largest and most unique Halloween gatherings. Multiple music venues along the boulevard blast live performances and DJ sets. The free occasion targets adults and runs from 6 pm-11 pm on Halloween.
• Attend a Basketball Game – The Staples Center in downtown LA is home to both the LA Lakers and the LA Clippers, though both NBA teams use different court and seating configurations. Each team has a variety of home games from October to April.

Los Angeles in November

• Turkey Trot – This annual event benefits The Midnight Mission, which is dedicated to assisting the homeless in various ways. Races take place in late November from 8 am–12 pm. The race winds through downtown and past a handful of notable landmarks. Even if you don’t feel like taking part in this activity, you can always come and cheer on the athletes.
• Live television show at Paramount Pictures – Join a studio audience for a free “behind the scenes” Hollywood experience. All of the shows produced at Paramount Pictures are recorded at various studios in the Los Angeles area. Tickets are released for most shows starting 30 days before the show date. While recordings happen through the year, November is a great time to secure tickets.
• Griffith Park Harvest Festival – The Harvest Festival is an all-day celebration with family activities, live music, food trucks, local craft beer, many vendors, games, and the screening of a family-friendly movie under the stars. This event is free.

Los Angeles in December

• Lights event at LA Zoo – Glowing wildlife welcome guests on an unforgettable nighttime voyage including the world`s largest lit pop-up storybook, a magic disco forest, massive glittering snowflakes, and a twinkling tunnel filled with vibrant color swirls. LA Zoo Lights provides fun for all. Tickets are necessary and the lights continue until January 5th.
• Hollywood Christmas Parade – As a Los Angeles holiday tradition, the Parade takes place on the first Sunday of December, traveling along a 3.5-mile route on Hollywood Boulevard and back along Sunset Boulevard. It features various celebrities, with Santa Claus concluding every parade. Televised nationally for over 85 years, it has become a tradition.
• Marina Del Rey Boat Cruise & Fireworks Display – This whole day consists of entertainment for all. Kids play in artificial snow at Snow Wonder in Burton Chace Park (noon to 6 pm), fireworks light up the jetty (5:55 to 6 pm), and the Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Procession circles the main channel (6 to 8 pm). This single-day occasion is free and usually scheduled mid-December.