When is the Best Time to Visit Los Angeles?
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Wondering about the best time to visit Los Angeles? As a current West Coaster myself, I’ve got you covered.
Blue skies. The sound of the waves. A bustling city. And temperatures that never drop below 50 degrees? Yeah, Los Angeles is one of those places you can visit at any time of the year.
However, you might want to wait until the summer before jumping into the sometimes frigid Pacific waves.
This article is here to help you decide what you want to do in LA and when is the best time to visit LA to do it.
#1 Best Time to Visit LA
The best time to visit LA is the fall season. Fall offers you the warm temperatures of spring, the lessening crowds of the offseason, and all the fun of summer.
If you visit Los Angeles during the fall, you won’t miss a beat in experiencing some of the best the city has to offer.
Best time to go to Los Angeles by type
- Fewest crowds: You do not want crowds to be a main determinant of what you do while in LA, so just avoid them! The best month to visit LA for this is either November or February.
- Best for festivals/events: Looking to party? Summer in Los Angeles is packed full of events. Specifically, June is the best time to visit Los Angeles for events; you can find something to do every day!
- Best weather: Los Angeles weather isn’t too unmanageable, but you’ll find August to October is the best time to go to LA for the best temperatures with little to no rain to ruin a sunny day on the beach.
FREE TRAVEL QUIZ
Visiting Los Angeles by the Season
Spring in Los Angeles
The light, airy feeling of spring is rejuvenating anywhere, but in the coastal city of LA? Well, I’ll just say you’ll never want to leave.
California blooms adorn every bush and tree, and the weather is consistently in the 70s. It is still likely to get a little rain, but nothing too heavy.
This is one of the busiest times of the year because this is one of the best times to go to Los Angeles, so there will be some crowds, but hopefully not enough to dampen your trip!
| Pros of Visiting LA in Spring | Cons of Visiting LA in Spring |
|---|---|
| The temperatures are travel-perfect; not too hot, but more than warm enough for short sleeves. | Crowds are starting to return to try and beat the hectic summer season. |
| Winter rains have cleared out the heavy summer smog and make for beautiful blue skies. | Hotel prices will rise a bit after the lull of winter. |
Los Angeles Spring Activities
Go to the beach! There are a number of beaches to choose from, each with its own personality and speed. You should be able to lay out your towels and set up your umbrellas without being crammed in between other beachgoers.
Be on the lookout for the unique LA events: the Blessing of the Animals, the Festival of Books, and the Toyota Grand Prix are a few happening in the spring this year.
Embark on the tasty adventure of a food tour! The weather is perfect for trekking around the city to find your new favorite food.
If you want to venture out of the city a bit, you can see some beautiful sights on a hiking trail or two (Like the Hollywood Sign!).
Tips for Visiting in the Spring
- Bring your short sleeves, flip flops, swimsuits, and towels, but don’t forget a hoodie if you’re going to be out after the sun goes down.
- The LA traffic is just as bad as everyone says it is, be prepared.
Summer in Los Angeles
Summer may seem like the best time of year to visit Los Angeles, and it has its upsides, but it’s certainly the hottest season with the most crowds. Highs reach up to 85 degrees.
Visitors flock by the thousands to get a taste of a California summer. Then again, what’s LA without crowds and weather that makes the cold Pacific water feel good?
| Pros of Visiting LA in Summer | Cons of Visiting LA in Summer |
|---|---|
| You won’t be able to go 5 feet without seeing something you want to do or experience. Summer in LA is filled with events, activities, and surprises. | Honestly, the heat in LA isn’t too bad, but when it’s hot and you can’t get more than 5 feet away from masses of strangers, it can get a little overwhelming. That’s one of the reasons summer may not be the best time to visit LA. |
| Prices for hotels and accommodations go up immensely in the summer. Pro: It’s festival season! | |
| You thought traffic was bad in the spring? Don’t expect to get anywhere fast in July. |
Los Angeles Summer Activities
Festivals, festivals, festivals! Experience LA Pride, the Pasadena Chalk Street Painting Festival, the Downtown Film Festival, Festival of the Chariots, the Nisei Week Japanese Festival, and so, so much more.
There are also plenty of outdoor events to participate in or watch. Some of these include the Los Angeles River Ride, X games, and the US Open of Surfing.
And once again, the beach, of course! You can never go wrong with a little sun and ocean air.
Tips for Visiting in the Summer
- If you’re planning on attending any of the festivals or events, start doing your research early. Make sure you’re on top of registration dates and ticket sales, and determine if you need any parking passes or special accommodations.
- Chances are you’ll be outside A LOT. Don’t forget your water and snacks, especially while lounging on the beach.
- Now that rooms and reservations will be filling up quickly, don’t be afraid to look at local accommodations and restaurants. They’re often much nicer than chains and famous stops.
Fall in Los Angeles
Visiting LA in the fall is very similar to the spring season but with a few fewer visitors and different events.
The average temperatures are almost identical, staying in the 70s during the day. So good news, you can still enjoy the beach.
Because the school year starts, and there are no big breaks like spring break, the tourist numbers start sloping pretty heavily throughout September. It’s all the fun without the flood of people.
| Pros of Visiting LA in Fall | Cons of Visiting LA in Fall |
|---|---|
| Hotel rates start to lower a bit after the summer craze comes to an end. | The rainy season starts to pick again, especially in October and November. |
| All attractions will be a little less crowded, meaning shorter lines and more space to enjoy! |
Los Angeles Fall Activities
Now would be the best time to visit LA to see all the museums your heart desires. Experience the best of the best at the Getty Villa, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or the Huntington Library.
Get a taste of world culture at the LA Greek Festival and Dia de Los Muertos.
Attend some events celebrating the spooky season, like the Calabasas Pumpkin Festival.
Tips for Visiting in the Fall
- Like spring, this is a season where you’ll want to bring a few light layers along with you, even if it feels perfect at the beach all day. Maybe even have an umbrella handy.
- If you want to hit a lot of different museums and spots all over the city (which is totally worth it), you’ll probably need a car. Something to keep in mind!
Winter in Los Angeles
I mentioned earlier that winter is when to visit LA if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, and that’s true, but it does not include December.
Visitor numbers drop significantly in November and February, but Christmas Break and New Year’s bring a lot of people into the city, and for good reason.
The holiday season is one of the best times to visit LA. The temperatures also drop but stay at a comfortable mid-60s. You should also be prepared for some precipitation.
| Pros of Visiting LA in Winter | Cons of Visiting LA in Winter |
|---|---|
| Hotel rates are at an all-time low during this season. Book early, and you may even snag a few deals in December. | The stormy weather may put a damper on a relaxing beach day. |
| You won’t see as many crowds as in the fall, but even more so! |
Los Angeles Winter Activities
Now is the best time to visit amusement parks. You’ll be able to get in more than a few rides during the day, and it won’t be packed. So book that trip to Disney or Universal Studios!
Stick around for a few holiday parades. The Hollywood Christmas Parade, the Chinese New Year, and the Golden Dragon Parade are both pretty magical.
Attend an award show. The Golden Globe and Grammy Awards are both being held this time of year.
This is the best and only time to visit LA’s outdoor ice skating rink!
Tips for Visiting in the Winter
- Bring a comfortable and warm pair of shoes to explore the city when it gets a little wet and cold.
- If you’re planning on braving the wintery ocean water, rent a wetsuit!
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Time to Visit Hollywood
The rainy season in Los Angeles typically occurs during the winter months, primarily from December to March.
High season in Los Angeles is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warmest and tourism is at its peak.
Fall is the best time to visit California as the weather is pleasant, the summer crowds have diminished, and many regions experience beautiful autumn foliage, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
December can be a good time to visit Los Angeles, as the weather is mild and there are numerous festive events and activities occurring throughout the city, though it is part of the rainy season, so some precipitation can be expected.
Final Thoughts: Best Time to Travel to Los Angeles
Los Angeles has so many pros to each season of the year it’s hard to determine what the best time to visit LA is. On top of that, it’s different for everyone and every trip.
From exhilarating festivals to lackadaisical beaches, LA has something to offer in each season. We hope this article helped you find out what you’re looking for in LA and when to find it.
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Visit Los Angeles
Check out more Los Angeles posts below!
- See the best sights of the city with just one day in Los Angeles.
- Go on an LA food tour to try some of the best food in the city.
- Find out where to stay in Los Angeles during your trip with our top picks.
- Elongate your itinerary with the best things to do in Los Angeles bucket list.
