The Best Time to Visit California (By a Local)

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The best time to visit California is between June and September when the weather is perfect for the beach and summer music festivals are in full swing. California has good weather year-round, however, so deciding when to visit just depends on what you would like to see and do.

Where you visit in California is as important as when you visit due to the different geographic climates and characteristics of each region. Luckily, no matter the time of year, there’s a California destination that’s got plenty to offer for your trip.

I was born and raised in California and have visited almost every county in the state. In this article, I’ll overview all the factors to consider when visiting California. Curious about the best times to visit for families, cheap prices, or avoiding crowds? Keep reading to find out!

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When is the Best Time to Visit California?

In general, summer is the most popular time to visit California. California has great weather year-round, however. Any month you choose to visit can make for a pleasant trip. 

Visiting California at the perfect time depends on what you want to do, where you want to go, and how much time you have. You may experience higher prices and larger crowds if you visit during peak season — though of course there are reasons why the summer months are popular.

In the following sections, I’ll help you determine the best time to visit the Golden State depending on the crowds, prices, weather, and your desired activities.

The Best Time to Visit California to Avoid Crowds

California’s peak tourist season is between May and September. Hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of tourists visit California in the summer to surf, hike, visit the incredible national and state parks, and explore the many fun things to do in LA, San Diego, San Francisco, and the many small coastal cities in between.

Visit California in the off-seasons of fall and spring if you want to avoid the heaviest crowds. There will be fewer tourists during these seasons, making it an overall more enjoyable experience for those averse to crowded areas.

The Best Time to Visit California for Cheap Prices

Businesses usually jack up the prices when they know tourists are coming to town. Although there are many fun activities in California in the summertime, the summer months are generally the most expensive times to visit California. 

Hotels, restaurants, and shops will be priciest from June until mid-August, so keep this in mind when budgeting for your big trip. In winter, California gears up for ski season, so prices rise in most mountain towns. Explore California in the fall or spring to save some bucks while on vacation. 

I recommend visiting California from April to May or September to late November to find the best travel deals and accommodation prices. 

You should visit in the summer if California beach cities are on your itinerary, however. Many tourists travel to Huntington Beach at this time to witness world-famous surfers compete in the U.S. Open of Surfing. But our list of the top beaches in Southern California has several options for off-the-beaten-path options.

The Best Time to Visit California for Families and Kids

I recommend planning your trip for the fall, from early September to early December if you’ll be visiting California with kids. Local kids will be back in school, so the crowds at California’s top kid-friendly attractions will be less intense.

First time visiting California with your family? You probably have your eyes set on Disneyland. Fall is a great time to visit Disneyland because the weather isn’t sweltering, and the park is elaborately decorated for Halloween and Christmas.

The Best Time to Visit California For Hiking & Beaches

Most visitors travel to the state to spend time at the famous California beaches.Whale watching and other beach activities are the most refreshing in the summer.

Beaches in San Diego are legendary and LA’s popular beaches are perfect for everything from sunset-watching to exploring tide pools. The central coast beaches around Santa Cruz and Big Sur have some of the most jaw-dropping scenery.

Hiking trails in Northern California are spectacular in the summer but may be rainy and cold in the other three seasons. You’ll cook under the hot sun if you hit the trails during summer in Southern and Central California, however.

I recommend hiking in Central and Southern California in the winter, fall, and spring for safer and more comfortable temperatures. Wherever you choose to hike, you’ll find plenty of options for great California hikes.

The best time to visit California’s national parks depends on the region. Many national park roads, such as Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park, are closed from winter until spring due to heavy snow. There may also be road closures in Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Redwood National Park.

In general, National Parks in Northern California are best to visit in the summer or fall, while the parks in Southern California are best for fall, winter, and spring.

The Best Time to Visit California for a True Hollywood Experience

There wouldn’t be movies without Hollywood. Many tourists make sure Hollywood is on their itinerary for their first California trip due to its worldwide popularity.

Visiting Hollywood is extremely crowded in the summer months when kids are out of school and parents take vacation time off.

You should visit Hollywood in April, May, September, and late October for the best Hollywood experience. I recommend visiting Universal Studios, Warner Brothers Studios, the TLC Chinese Theatre, and the Peacock Theater to get the most out of your Hollywood excursion (and check out Jericha’s guide on what to do in Hollywood for some great local tips).

You may also be in town during a movie premiere where celebrities walk the red carpet of the Peacock Theater or other famous LA spots. Do some research ahead of time to try to snag a ticket or advanced screening of the movie premiere or event.

California Travel Seasons

Summer in California

Summer is the most popular season to visit California. Here are some popular California itineraries to consider:

• 🍷 Northern California Nature & Wine Tasting – Popular summer activities in Northern California include kayaking in Lake Tahoe, river rafting along the Russian River, and hiking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. But one of the best things to do is wine tasting at the many amazing wineries in Napa Valley.

• ☀️ Southern California Beaches – SoCal experiences some very hot summers, so most summer activities involve exploring the beaches and water sports. Summer is the perfect time to stroll down the Santa Monica Pier or go whale watching from Long Beach.

Fall in California

Fall can be a great time to visit California. It’s an especially great time to plan an ultimate California road trip. Here are some other great CA trips to consider in the fall:

• 🛍️ Palm Springs – I recommend visiting the famous Palm Springs area in the fall when the over-100-degree temperatures cool down. There are so many things to do in Palm Springs. The Palm Springs Thursday Night Street Fair is worth checking out. You can stroll around with an ice cream cone and watch street artists create beautiful graffiti art.

• 🌉 San Francisco– Fall is one of the best times to visit SF because it’s when the weather is warmest. San Francisco’s pesky summer fog has finally subsided, and the city’s top attractions are in full swing. San Francisco’s best music festivals happen between August and October, so visit during this time for great food, music, and a lively atmosphere.

• 🍂 Yosemite National Park – A fall trip to Yosemite is more enjoyable than in the summer. There are fewer crowds, and cooler daytime temperatures make some of the best Yosemite hikes much more pleasant. Get there just in time to experience the fall leaves changing colors!

Winter in California

Visiting California in winter is a unique experience. Here are some common California winter trips:

• ⛷️ Skiing & Snowboarding – California’s winter months mean heavy snow in the mountains, despite the state’s reputation for warm weather. It’s time to take out your winter gear and hit the world-famous California ski resorts at Big Bear Lake or Lake Tahoe.

• ❄️ Winter Mountaineering – Winter mountaineering in California’s snow-capped mountains is an adrenaline rush. Visit the Sierra Nevada Mountains or the San Gabriel Mountains from early November until late spring for ideal winter sports conditions.

• ☀️ Death Valley National Park– Winter is an ideal time to visit Death Valley National Park because the summer temperatures are unbearable. Death Valley, California is literally the hottest place on earth, with max temperatures reaching 134 degrees! Visit in the winter to ensure you experience this world-famous spot safely.

Spring in California

Spring can be a good time to visit California to explore the best California cities or wildflower-filled parks. It’s also the perfect time to go to festivals: 

• 🗺️ California State Parks– Most California state parks, such as Anza-Borrego, experience a flower super bloom in the springtime. This is a beautiful sight but be aware of large spring break tourist crowds.

• 🎷 Coachella Valley Music Festival, Indio – Coachella is one of the biggest multi-day music festivals in the world. It takes place typically the second and third weekend of April and attracts hundreds of thousands of attendees each year.

• 🌈 Los Angeles – LA is ideal in the springtime, when the weather is warm and sunny but not overwhelmingly hot. LA rarely gets rain, but visiting between March and May will help you avoid the occasional winter showers. An LA trip in the spring also avoids the worst of the summer crowds.

California Weather and Climate by Region

Northern California

The weather is perhaps the most important factor to consider when planning your trip to Northern California. For example, you will most likely encounter cold temperatures and many rainy days if you visit Humboldt County in February.

On average, Northern California is around 80 degrees in the summer and early fall months. This is the ideal time to visit because winter and early spring can sometimes drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the evenings.

Northern California experiences many microclimates. The coastal areas of NorCal from San Francisco up to Eureka often get foggy in the summertime — not the best weather for a beach day. However, the interior valleys of Northern California are scorching hot in the summer months, while the mountains remain relatively cool due to their high elevation.

In general, the Northern California coast will be mild and temperate (between 50 – 70 degrees) no matter when you visit. The central valley areas will be hot in summer (80 – 100 degrees) and cold in winter (40 – 60 degrees). The mountains will be warm in summer (60 – 80 degrees) and snow-covered in winter (20 – 40 degrees).

Central California

Central California is very dry in the summer months. Temperatures can reach up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. You will want to plan your trip for the mild weather seasons of spring, fall, and winter.

Areas of Central California that are closer to the coast, however, are lovely in the summertime. The marine climate means that the central coast usually has temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees. Central California beaches are perfect to visit in the summer and are often less crowded than the popular Southern California beaches.

Southern California

Southern California has great weather year-round. Summers can often surpass 100 degrees. Spring and fall average about 70 degrees, and winter temperatures only fall to about 50 degrees.

👉 Read Next: Southern California vs Northern California Compared

Tips for Visiting California

Visit California’s National Parks Early

California’s National Parks have become increasingly popular over the past few years, so you will want to get to the parks early. I recommend visiting during the week and reserving your campsites ahead of time for smoother sailing.

California has 9 national parks, which is more than any other state. You don’t want to miss out on the superb scenery and spectacular foliage at parks like Redwood National Park and Sequoia National Park.

Avoid Popular Beaches

Southern California beaches such as Huntington and Laguna in Southern California are incredibly popular… and unbelievably crowded. Venture a bit off the beaten path to discover less-crowded SoCal beaches. There are also hidden gem beaches in the San Francisco Bay Area, or along the central coast between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. 

A serene beach experience also depends on the month you visit the beach. The beach is sure to be packed if you go during the school holidays and summer break. I highly suggest going to the beach in any month besides June-August to avoid the worst crowds. 

Travel on Highway 1

Highway 1 or the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), is a beautifully scenic route that follows the coast from San Juan Capistrano to San Francisco. You will want to travel on the PCH for the most picturesque and Instagram-worthy route if beach cities are on your California itinerary. 

You will witness jaw-dropping sheer beach cliffs in Big Sur and can stop at beach cities like Santa Cruz along the way.

Make sure you check highway closures. Recent landslides in the Big Sur area during 2023 have closed portions of Highway 1 for renovation, making it impassable.

🚗 Where to Rent a Car: California is huge! Almost every visitor from out of town needs a car to get around. Check out Discover Cars for the best deals on California rental cars.

Shop Around for the Best Prices

Although the summer months are the most expensive months to visit California, there are almost always deals available. Shop on Groupon for discounted activities and excursions and compare the prices of a few hotels and motels before deciding on your accommodation.

You will also save a ton of money by cooking your own meals. A fancy dinner is refreshing every once in a while but will add up over time. Some hotels have a stove but if yours doesn’t, buy cereal and fresh fruit for breakfast and sandwich ingredients for a cheap, budget-friendly lunch. 

Don’t Plan Too Much

While you certainly need to have some structure or plan when visiting a new area, try to leave some space for spontaneity on your California trip plan. This way, you won’t be too devastated if things fall through or something gets canceled.

This is also a great opportunity for you to ask the locals about visiting non-touristy places in California. I’ve found some of my favorite locations and accommodations by asking the locals!

👉 Read Next: Los Angeles vs San Diego – Which is Better?

FAQs About When to Visit CA

👉 Read Next: Best Time to Visit San Diego

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I hope you found my guide helpful on the best time to visit California! You truly can’t go wrong visiting the state at any time of the year, but the absolute best time to visit depends on what you want to do and where you want to go. 

Want some more trip-planning inspiration? Check out my guide to the absolute best things to do in Californianext!