When to visit Los Angeles
Want to Get the Most Out of Your Trip to LA? Here’s How to Make Sure You Visit at the Right TimeFrom blissfully crowd-free spring days to the action-packed heat of summer, our guide reveals what you’ll find in the City of Angels throughout the year.
It’s well-known that Southern Californian cities don’t really follow the usual four seasons – Los Angeles is not the place to come if you want to experience magical foliage colors in the fall or to snuggle up amidst a snowy wonderland in winter. But you’d be wrong to think LA doesn’t have seasons – while the changes might be more subtle, the city still comes alive in different ways depending on what time of year you visit. From the quieter, slower-paced days of spring and the hot and buzzy peak of summer to the cooler hiking-filled days of fall and the glitz and glamour of awards season in winter, LA is guaranteed to dazzle and delight no matter what time of year you arrive. Read on to find out how to make the most out of your trip to Tinseltown all through the year.
Best Time to Beat the Crowds
Springtime in LA is low season, when you’re less likely to be hemmed in by crowds at the city’s main tourist attractions and the weather hasn’t had a chance to warm up to potentially blistering temperatures yet (this has the added bonus of keeping a lid on the city’s infamous smog, which can be an issue in the hotter months). Average temperatures tend to hover around the low to mid-70s, and the winter rainstorms have usually dried up by now.
With lower crowds, spring is a great time to check out some of LA’s main tourist sights and attractions, whether that’s heading to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, getting your thrills on the rides at Universal Studios or exploring world-class art at LACMA. Spring is also when you’ll find some of LA’s most popular seasonal events, including the LA Marathon and the Fiesta Broadway.
Best Time to Hit the Beach
Summer is the time to hit the waves and learn how to surf on Surfrider Beach or lounge on the sand at Zuma Beach in Malibu.
June to August mark the peak season in LA, when temperatures soar and the city bursts into life with Angelenos making the most of the sun-drenched days and tourists looking to soak up some of that SoCal magic. You can expect all the city’s most popular destinations, from beaches and sports events to theme parks and festivals, to be even busier than usual, and you might also notice that prices are higher at the hotels. As such, this probably isn’t the time to come if you don’t feel particularly comfortable in crowds.
But there’s a reason why this is the most popular time to be in LA – this is when the city’s sun-soaked beach lifestyle really comes into its own, particularly later on in the summer, when the chilly Pacific has had time to warm up a little. The heat and the crowds also add to the city’s high-octane party vibe, which can be best experienced at LA Pride in June.
Best Time for Being Outdoors
The shoulder season from September to November marks another lovely time to be in LA when the summer crowds have thinned out and the weather remains warm (usually around the high 70s and low 80s) without the heat being too punishing. Rainfall is also usually kept to a minimum at this time of year. All of that combines to make fall one of the finest times to engage in outdoor pursuits in and around LA.
Go for a hike in Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon, which should be relatively crowd-free compared to the peak of summer. The slightly lower temperatures should also lessen the LA smog, meaning your cityscape views will be all the clearer. Come October everyone will start gearing up for Halloween, which is a legendary event in LA. Celebrate at the famous Halloween Carnaval in West Hollywood or the Dia de los Muertos event at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Best Time to Soak Up Some Awards Season Glamour
The winter months are when the gray whales pass by LA on their way from Alaska to Baja. Sign up for a whale-watching adventure at Marina del Rey or Long Beach for a chance to spot these magnificent creatures.
While LA may be notorious for its lack of proper seasons, some like to joke that actually the city is lucky enough to have an extra season all of its own: awards season. The first couple of months of the year are filled with glitzy red-carpet events, from the Golden Globes and the Grammys to the Oscars. Visitors to LA at this time of year will notice new energy in the air, with the city abuzz with fun viewing events and after-parties where you may be able to spot the odd celebrity or two.
Of course, winter in LA isn’t just about fancy awards ceremonies and black-tie soirées. Temperatures remain very mild compared to many other major US cities, usually hovering around the upper 60s, and while January and February are considered LA’s rainy months, the reality is that rainfall is still generally fairly limited. That means you’ll still find plenty of outdoor festivals at this time of year, from the sports-fan-approved Tournament of Roses in Pasadena to the vibrant Golden Dragon Parade in Chinatown.
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Los Angeles Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Los Angeles city guide for the best Los Angeles travel tips. To help you organise your Los Angeles trip ideas, this Los Angeles visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.